FOCUS ON VIBRANT HEALTH

Vibrant health is your birthright, and your body is always capable of expressing it. The choices you make in your life are critically important to support it. We have been exploring the facts about good nutrition and healthy water. Now we are going to turn to light.

Natural sunlight is critically important for your body to function properly.

Sunlight is as important as food. It is a signal from the environment to your body. Your internal circadian clock responds to light that comes in through your eyes and skin, affecting many aspects of your biology. Imagine what people did before modern buildings and artificial light. You want to get as much sunlight as possible at all different times of the day, from sunrise to dusk. Do not wear glasses, contacts, sunglasses or sunscreen. You want to avoid sunburn, and should cover up or go into the shade when you turn pink.

Sun exposure is linked to a lower overall death rate and a lower rate of melanoma skin cancer (the most dangerous type of skin cancer). It is critical for vitamin D, which is made in the skin from exposure to mid-day UVB light. The sun makes 1400 active metabolites of vitamin D, compared to taking a pill that contains just one kind.

Get outside for at least a few minutes at sunrise, mid-moring, mid-day, mid-afternoon and sunset. Look toward the sun, but not directly at it. And expose as much skin as possible.

Dr. Veronica Tilden is a doctor of osteopathy. Osteopaths are fully licensed physicians, and additionally they learn how to diagnose and treat using their hands. She has helped people regain vibrant health with a holistic approach since 1997, using traditional hands-on osteopathy and lifestyle counseling. (931) 295-3115 or DrVeronicaTilden.com.