Introduction
It sounds normal, but sunlight is an indispensable element for the human body. So sunbathing means getting health benefits.
Sunbathing is a popular pastime, especially in sunny regions, where people bask in the warm rays of the sun to relax and achieve that coveted sun-kissed glow. However, sunbathing is more than just a leisure activity; it has a range of health benefits that make it a form of natural medicine. While it's essential to sunbathe responsibly and avoid overexposure, moderate sun exposure can provide numerous health advantages. In this article, we'll explore the medicinal benefits of sunbathing and how it can positively impact your well-being.
Ayurveda calls it 'sun bath'. It means being in full contact with the sun and basking in its warmth. Most of the parts of the body are touched by the sun. What happens when you do this? Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, which is a small gland in the brain. Melatonin helps regulate sleep and wake cycles.
Light directly affects the amount of melatonin produced by the body. Melatonin levels in the blood are highest at night and it promotes healthy sleep by improving our circadian rhythm.
What is the Source of Vitamin D ?
The natural source of vitamin D is sunlight. Vitamin D is sufficient or plentiful in the morning sun. It is taken through the skin. Vitamin D from the sun is a fat-soluble vitamin.
Even if you can't sunbathe daily, you should sit in the sun with oil on your body at least one day a week. It prevents vitamin D deficiency. Apart from that, the sources of vitamin D are eggs, bananas, cauliflower, cheese, mushrooms, fish lungs, and fruits, even if you can eat them regularly, it does not allow vitamin D deficiency in the body. Eggs also contain vitamin D in the yolk.
Similarly, fish contains omega-3 fatty acids. Which is a rich source of vitamin D, another main source of vitamin D is cow's milk. According to health experts, you should consume full cream milk instead of low fat milk. Because it contains vitamin D and calcium. Consumption of curd does not cause deficiency of vitamin D in the body.
Vitamin D deficiency
Feeling tired and weak, feeling bone pain, sleeplessness, muscle pain, loss of appetite, hair loss, numbness of limbs even when doing nothing, numbness of limbs etc. Due to weak immune system, frequent infections are common. But sometimes, even if you are physically fit or don't show any symptoms, you may be deficient in vitamin D in your body.
Vitamin D is an important element needed for the body's bones and skin. Its deficiency causes bone and skin problems. If there is a lack of vitamin D in children, there will be problems in their physical and mental growth.
How long Will you Stay?
Morning sun is especially beneficial for vitamin D. But if you don't have time to sit in the morning sun, you can also sit in the evening sun. But don't sit in the mid-day sun. Because it has bad radiation. It can cause skin problems instead of benefits. So it is better to stay in the sun from 7 am to 9 am as much as possible.
There is enough vitamin D in the sun at this time. According to studies, you can stay for at least 20 to 25 minutes and at most two hours.
How to live in the Sun?
For vitamin D, you can apply mustard oil all over your body wearing only underwear while sitting in the sun. Sitting like this helps the body absorb vitamin D. But wearing clothes and sitting in the sun does not get vitamin D.
Similarly, staying in the sun for a long time can lead to a lack of water in the body. So you should eat water or loose food. Do not sit in a cold place immediately after sitting in the sun, eat cold food, or turn on the AC. If you do this, you may faint.
Should I wear Sunscreen or not?
Some people have sensitive skin. If someone is allergic to the sun, such people can use sunscreen. But if you have normal skin, when the sun is hot, you only need to apply oil on your body, you don't need to apply sunscreen. Because no bacterium, fungus, bacteria can grow with oil. Applying natural oils is better than applying artificial moisturizers. Even those with sensitive skin can get hot in the morning sun. But you should avoid the afternoon sun.
Should I take Vitamin D capsules or not?
If there is a lack of vitamin D in the body, you should take capsules. But it should be taken only after consulting a doctor. You should not buy it yourself from the pharmacy. Because it also has a dose. But we should try to supply as much as possible from natural sources.
Why is there a Shortage?
Lack of habit of sitting in the sun, even if you want to, because of the busyness of work, you are not able to get warmed by the sun, because the skin becomes dark. There is a substance called melanin in the skin. This causes white skin with less melanin to become white and with more melanin, the skin becomes black.
Similarly, there was a tradition or custom of warming the newborn with oil in the morning sun. But today it is disappearing. Because of this, vitamin D deficiency is seen in children.
Lack of calcium in the body can also lead to vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, you should eat milk, masi, and crunchy bones to prevent calcium deficiency. To find out if there is a deficiency of vitamin D, men and women over 40 years old should have a health check-up at least once a year.
Conclusion
