Sunshine: Medicine for the Soul

Posted by: The Balancing Center

What would summer be without sunshine?  Summer is characterized by beautiful warm weather that invites us to enjoy the outdoors.  In our modern era we are constantly working and socializing indoors.  It is rare that we spend much time outside, especially when the weather is cold.  When it is pleasant outside in Chicago there are literally hundreds of ways to get outside and enjoy this wonderful summer weather, from street festivals and outdoor concerts to meet-ups or wonderful Lake Michigan with its clear blue water, cool breeze, and sandy beaches. 

Getting outside and enjoying the sun has more benefits than the obvious mood enhancing qualities.   Vitamin D, a hormone we can synthesize when sunshine beams on bare skin, has been known to decrease heart disease, multiple sclerosis, inflammation, depression, asthma, autism, chronic pain, bone loss, allergies, autoimmune diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia,  and some have even sited it to be a deterrent of cancer due to its immune boosting properties. 

Vitamin D boosts the immune system, promotes relaxation, and healthy bone growth by increasing intestinal absorption of the key minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate, and zinc.   By spending 20 minutes per day in the sun, the average adult can get a sufficient amount of vitamin D to receive these benefits.  Often times the 20 minutes we spend outside away from all of life’s demands soaking up the sun will be one of the best parts of the day.   Finding a quiet, private spot outside to enjoy lunch is ideal.  More vitamin D is absorbed without sunscreen and with less clothing. 

If you are someone who wants to make sure you receive your daily dose of vitamin D regardless of whether the sun is shining, taking supplements is a great and affordable way to reap all these benefits.  It is recommended that people ingest up to 1000IUs of Vitamin D3 per 40lbs. of body weight.  I personally use Innate Choice D3 drops.  They are highly absorbable and great for people who don’t like to swallow pills or risk sun exposure without sunscreen. 

Sunshine and laughter are abundant during the summer time, and for the soul there is no better medicine.  Nothing is better than enjoying a day outside with family or friends.  Just as I reminded us all to stay independent for Independence Day, I urge you all to take full advantage of the beautiful weather and enjoy every moment you can outdoors and in the sun!  Don’t let the sun set on the summer.