Exposure to sunlight is essential for the growth and development of both plants and animals, including humans. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) produced by the Sun can penetrate deep into the skin and have positive and negative effects.
This article will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of exposure to sunlight, how the body processes vitamin D from the Sun, and how much sunlight is enough.
How the body processes vitamin D from the sun
The body does not absorb vitamin D directly from the sun, nor does the sun produce vitamin D. The sun’s ultraviolet B rays penetrate the skin during exposure and convert 7-dehydrocholesterol, a type of cholesterol, to vitamin D3. This form of the vitamin is then transported to the liver, where it is converted to 25-hydroxyvitamin D. This form is again transported to the kidneys, where it is converted to its active form, calcitriol or vitamin D.
Vitamin D helps appropriately absorb dietary calcium from the small intestines for strong and healthy bones. Conversely, a vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets in children, osteoporosis, and other bone-related illnesses in adults.
Advantages of basking in the sun
Maintain strong bones and teeth
Exposure to sunlight for 15 minutes may be what you need for healthy and strong bones. Your body can convert sunlight, ultraviolet B rays, to vitamin D, which helps you absorb calcium for healthy bones and teeth. Calcium helps prevent brittle, thin, and weak bones. It may also help prevent other bone-related conditions, such as osteopenia, osteoporosis, and arthritis.
Boosts immunity
The Sun’s Vitamin D helps the body fight illnesses such as flu, cardiovascular diseases, skin sclerosis, cancer, and other autoimmune diseases. It also helps the immune system to fight against bacteria and viruses. In addition, studies have shown that vitamin D from the Sun reduces upper respiratory illnesses, and regular exposure to sunlight can help prevent such infections.
Boosts your mood
Exposure to sunlight triggers your body to produce serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is responsible for a good mood, happiness, and appetite and helps you stay focused. It can also help to reduce anxiety and depression. On the other hand, melatonin enables you to keep calm and sleep well at night. It can also prevent stress and anxiety.
You may shed extra calories
Studies have linked the morning Sun with weight loss. Exposure to sunlight for about 30 minutes between 8 a.m. and noon can help you lose weight. Similar studies suggest that individuals who are exposed to the morning sun are slender compared to those who aren’t.
Disadvantages of too much sunlight
Sunlight is crucial for your body, but prolonged and unprotected exposure to sunlight can cause harm to your skin and body. It can also cause damage to your eyes and immune system. Worse still, it can lead to cancer or premature skin aging. Here are the adverse effects of exposure to sunlight.
Sunburn
Prolonged exposure to the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation can damage your skin by causing sunburn. This is characterized by reddening of the exposed area and pain. In addition, the site may turn dark with time, and the skin may peel off. In extreme cases, exposure to the scorching sun can cause second-degree burns.
Can cause skin cancer
Exposure to the sun over long periods can alter the DNA on your skin, causing it to mutate and leading to skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most widespread form of cancer, and experiencing sunburn during childhood increases your chances of developing melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
Eye injuries
Too much exposure to sunlight can damage your eye tissues, causing burns on the cornea. This can lead to blurred vision or the development of cataracts. If cataracts are not treated in time, they can lead to blindness.
Premature skin aging
Exposure to the scorching Sun can also cause premature wrinkles on your skin, leading to premature aging. Exposure can also cause dark spots and tight skin.
Dehydration
Exposure to sunlight triggers sweating. This can lead to excess loss of fluids from your body. Extreme exposure leads to severe dehydration, which can cause death. The most common symptom of dehydration is concentrated or deep yellow urine. Other symptoms include dry lips, increased thirst, heart palpitations, and fainting. So it’s essential to sip fluids such as water when exposed to or basking under the Sun.
How much sun exposure is enough?
Dermatologists recommend that basking under the Sun for 15-20 minutes daily is enough for the body to manufacture enough vitamin D. People with darker skin tones may require a little more exposure. You should also consider your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight exposure and closeness to the equator. To alleviate the risk of sunburn, you can resort to getting exposure in bits rather than continuously. It is also advisable to seek shelter under the shade when the Sun is too hot.
Sunlight is essential for the growth and development of both plants and animals, including humans. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the advantages and disadvantages of exposure to sunlight and how to protect yourself from the harmful effects of too much sun. We have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of exposure to sunlight, how the body processes vitamin D from the Sun, and how much sun is enough.
Tips: Always apply sunscreen of at least SPF 30 before going outside. Also, avoid tanning beds and take plenty of water when exposed to sunlight for long periods or doing activities that involve sweating.
