Basic HTML Version
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Escarpment Magaz ine Summer 2012
Sunscreen -
While it is important to protect your skin from excessive ex-
posure, did you know that the use of sunscreen can actually block your skin's
ability to make vitamin D? Pale, early-spring skin may need some protec-
tion, but once you have a bit of colour allow your skin to enjoy direct expo-
sure for 20minutes each day.
Angle of the sun -
Morning coffee on the deck may feel good, but the
sun in our region is not high enough at that time of day to stimulate vitamin
D production. The vitamin-stimulating UVB rays only reach our latitude
when the sun is at least 50˚ above the horizon; and only May through Au-
gust. As for windows, UVB rays can’t penetrate those either; you need to
be outside.
Sunglasses -
We actually receive a great deal of information through our
eyes; not simply depth and form but other valuable information, like whether
the sun is shining. This information will help your skin do 2 things: stimulate
your cells to release a protective pigment (or 'tan'), and promote step 1 in
vitamin D production.
Liver & kidney function -
Although the first step occurs in the skin, it is
only once the vitamin D goes through conversion steps in the liver then kid-
neys that it becomes its most active form. Diseases that affect these organs
(such as diabetes, cirrhosis, hepatitis, etc.) may impair your ability to com-
plete this transformation.
“How do I know if I have a healthy level of vitamin D?” you may be asking.
The only way to really know is with a blood test; ask your naturopathic or
medical doctor to test your 25-hydroxyvitamin D. The investment in your
health at most labs is $48.
Be Sun Smart -
Wear a hat when the sun is high in the sky; protect your
face, ears, chest & shoulders. Wear longer sleeves and pants (light weight)
when out in sun for prolonged periods. Select a sunblock that is mineral-
based rather than a chemical-based sunscreen, when protection is needed.
And of great importance… Have fun out there!
|E|
The season for less clothing, more sunscreen, and
shelving the daily vitamin D supplement; after all,
you are getting this important nutrient from the
sun now, yes? You may be surprised to know that
simply being outside is not necessarily enough for
your body to produce optimal amounts of vitamin
D. What you wear, what time of day you are out,
and the health of specific organs all influence this
vitamin's production.
escarpment
wellness
naturopathic care
By SHELBY WORTS
BSC, ND
VITAMIN
D
...
it takes more than just
‘being in the sun’ to get
this important nutrient.