Scientific studies show that human beings cannot do without this valuable element, which is necessary for health and disease prevention. Where can we draw it from in nature? To what extent? Here are some interesting pointers.
Share:
vitamin d
Sunshine: here are the main benefits of sunlight exposure
Very often when people talk about the sun and exposure to the sun’s rays, they only and exclusively highlight the negative effects this act can have on our bodies: burns, skin damage and even skin cancer. Of course, these are true risks, but they refer to improper exposure to sunlight (e.g., exposure during the hottest hours without any kind of protection for the skin or eyes). What many people ignore, however, is that sunlight also brings a very high number of benefits to our bodies, clearly linked to controlled and responsible exposure.
In fact, many scientific studies have shown that proper exposure to the sun’s heat rays also and especially benefit our skin. In fact, thanks to the sun’s rays, the skin releases a chemical compound within the blood vessels that helps lower the pressure of blood, significantly decreasing the risk of infarction o stroke (consider that deaths from strokes and heart attacks are far greater than those from skin cancer).
The beneficial effects of sunlight
Premised already on the importance of exposing oneself to the sun only at the recommended times and with proper common sense, exposure to the sun’s rays is especially helpful for the production of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a substance that is not normally produced by our bodies but is taken in through supplements or, much more importantly, is synthesized by our bodies precisely through exposure to the sun, and it is crucial for the development of the body as it helps to strengthen the ‘bone apparatus, improve that respiratory and is also a panacea for the system immune. Finally, it is helpful in combating the most common cardiovascular diseases.
Help for the mind as well
In addition to the already mentioned numerous benefits that sun exposure brings to our bodies, it is also important to talk about the positive effect that the sun also has on our minds. In addition to stimulating Vitamin D production, the sun is also essential for the synthesis of melanin, a substance that allows us to tan and thus achieve that amber color of our skin that we all appreciate and that boosts our self-esteem by making us feel more attractive and beautiful. Sunshine also helps to regulate sleep-wake cycles, allowing us to rest better and also is the cause of improved mood. In fact, it is precisely the sun’s rays that are capable of activating certain neurotransmitters (serotonin) that act at the level of the brain, lifting our mood, driving away anxiety, worries and negative thoughts, making us more carefree and happy.
After this list of some of the many benefits that our bodies can derive from exposure to sunlight, we need to be reminded once again that exposure to the sun should be done in the most correct way possible, at the right times of day and with all the proper protections.
Chronic constipation related to vitamin D deficiency
Difficulty going to the bathroom, feeling of fullness and abdominal discomfort, bloating and flatulence; sometimes, cramping. These are all typical symptoms of a condition, constipation, that everyone has undoubtedly experienced more than once in their lifetime for a wide variety of reasons. Stress, disordered eating, inadequate fluid intake, travel, drug therapies that interfere with bowel motility, pregnancy, etc. are just some of the most common causes, which generally occur occasionally and persist for short periods.
For some people, however, constipation can become a faithful and persistent companion, without being able to identify a factor that can justify it and on which to act to alleviate the discomfort. In these cases, we talk about chronic functional constipation: a condition that primarily affects the elderly and women and is usually associated with a significant reduction in quality of life, as well as increased health care expenditures for visits and examinations, often unhelpful therapies, and treatments to manage possible complications.
A recent Italian study, conducted in collaboration between the“Xavier de Bellis” Hospital of Castellana Grotte (Bari), the University of Bari and the University of Chieti-Pescara, indicates that chronic functional constipation may be related to low levels of vitamin D in the blood, suggesting a new possible strategy to alleviate their discomfort, based on the supplementation of this essential vitamin to protect bone health, immune system function, maintenance of good mood, and many other key organic functions.
In the study, 86 patients with chronic functional constipation and 86 healthy subjects with overlapping demographic and general clinical characteristics (85% women; mean age 50 years) were evaluated with respect to intestinal motility/functionality, possible dysbiosis (alterations in composition of the intestinal microbiota) and plasma levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-D). In addition, all participants were assessed on mood and quality of life.
The analysis showed that patients with chronic functional constipation had significantly lower plasma levels of 25-OH-D than controls with normal bowel function and that vitamin D deficiency was a significant risk factor for chronic functional constipation even after removing possible confounding factors. In addition, reduced bowel function was accompanied by symptoms of anxiety and/or depression and reduced quality of life.
Pending the understanding of the mechanism underlying the correlation between reduced bowel function and vitamin D insufficiency, the researchers suggest measuring plasma levels of 25-OH-D in all patients with chronic functional constipation and, if deficits are found, compensating for them with targeted vitamin D supplementation, which is also certainly beneficial in terms of bone and immune metabolism, especially among postmenopausal women and the elderly.
Source
Panarese A et al. Chronic functional constipation is strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency. World J Gastroenterol. 2019;25(14):1729-1740. doi:10.3748/wjg.v25.i14.1729 (https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/abstract/v25/i14/1729.htm)
Fruits, vegetables and vitamin D: perfect tan and well-being
Every year, you know, before summer even arrives you try to get to the beach with a perfect tan. Lamps, special oils and creams are used, all to achieve the much-desired amber color that gives our skin an exotic and fascinating touch. However, not many people know that in order to achieve the tan we have always dreamed of, whatwe eat is crucial. Some foods in fact promote the production of
melanin, the substance responsible for making our skin tan. In addition to giving our skin a much sought-after coloration, the sun is also essential for the synthesis of vitamin D, a very important element for the well-being of our body.
Recommended foods
Of all the foods that promote melanin production, first among them are definitely carrots, the “tan queens.” In fact, carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is responsible for activating melanin. Suffice it to say that in just 100 grams of carrot pulp there are 1,200 micrograms of vitamin A, more than twice the amount found in any other food. Spinach, radicchio and apricots follow in the next places in the ranking. Other fruits that promote tanning include melons, peaches, watermelons and cherries. While instead among vegetables, lettuce, celery peppers and tomatoes are the most suitable. Most of these foods, distinguished by their red/orange color, contain beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A.
The benefits of the sun
In addition to tanning, the sun turns out to be really very important for the production of vitamin D, an essential substance for our bodies. It is in fact synthesized as a result of exposure to the sun’s rays, and is a valuable ally for the well-being of young and old alike. First of all, vitamin D prevents rickets as it strengthens bone structure, improves the immune system making it more effective, prevents diabetes, and seems to have a positive impact on neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer”s). In addition, the relationship between vitamin D and cancer is being investigated. Indeed, it would appear that vitamin D has a preventive and counterproductive function for colon cancer. For these reasons, it is warmly recommended to take vitamin D, especially in the winter months where exposure to the sun is certainly less than in the summer months, either through physician-suggested supplements or through diet. In fact, it is possible to find vitamin D in milk, salmon, tuna, eggs and cheese.
The real source of vitamin D, however, as already mentioned, is the sun, which is therefore useful not only in achieving the tan we have always wanted (thanks in part to the help of the foods mentioned above) but also in promoting the synthesis of this valuable substance that is indispensable for our health.
The benefits of (cautious) sun exposure
Especially now that the weather is getting hotter and hotter and the radiation UV is at an all-time high, limiting sun exposure is a priority for everyone at any age if you want to avoid erythema and sunburn in the immediate term and reduce your risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers in the years to come. But this does not mean having to give up the sunshine completely. In small doses, early in the morning or at sunset or in the less hot months of the year, exposure to its rays is valuable for the body. And not only because it allows you to stock up on vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and many other functions in the body, but also for many other reasons. Find out about them by clicking here .
Elements that can weaken the immune system
An are insufficient, lack of vitamin D, but also certain medications can sometimes affect the immune system’s ability to clear infections and diseases. Still others are possible and surprising influencing factors with their effects.
