The Sun: Friend or Foe ?

The sun has undeservedly received a bad reputation. Your intuition as a child was that the sun was good
and it felt good. People have worked in the sun all of their lives, in many cases, nearly naked yet did not get
skin cancer until recently. People who live in northern high latitudes and are rarely in the sun have a high
frequency of skin cancer, often in places on the body where the "sun doesn't shine."  Why is this?

The sun emits both UVA and UVB rays which work synergistically together to create D3 which protects the
skin from damaging effects of the sun.  When sunscreen is used to block one or both of the UV rays, D3
cannot be created. As a result, skin damage occurs which in many cases leads to skin cancers. Although
many fear skin cancer as a result of sun exposure, sunshine actually gives the body the essential
ingredients needed to ward off many cancers.

Most sunscreens on the market are made with a host of toxic ingredients, thus exacerbating the problem of
skin cancers as well as a myriad of other maladies in the body. Your skin is the largest organ of your body.
Consider each pore as a tiny mouth, ingesting whatever substances you place on your skin.

Although D3 can be obtained in the diet from eating specific foods, all a person needs is approximately 20
minutes of sunshine each day over a large part of the body.  D3 is created in the epidermis, or outer layer of
the skin; it takes approximately 12-24 hours to be utilized by the body. D3 is oil soluble and will be washed
away when it combines with the oils in soap as you bathe. If possible, simply rinse with water, using soap
only on parts of the body, as needed.

Very few foods have naturally occurring Vitamin D. These include: fatty fish (such as salmon and tuna),
beef liver, cheese, egg yolks and mushrooms. Most other foods that have vitamin D are fortified, in other
words, Vitamin D is added to the product during processing.

Vitamin D maintains strong bones, muscle elasticity and is needed for proper nerve stimulation and to
boost the immune system.

Be mindful of everything you place on your skin. If you choose to replenish skin oils after bathing, consider
using only pure oils such as olive oil, coconut, almond, grapeseed or castor oil. We also enjoy adding
chaparral to our skin lotions and as a body spray to refresh, protect and assist in healing the skin.
Check out our "
Chaparral" page for remedy recipes!

Before using any product on your skin, including soap and shampoo, ask yourself, is this safe for me to
eat? If the answer is "no," then you would be wise not to use it on your body.

To protect your skin from over-exposure to the sun, consider wearing a hat and light clothing, especially
during the hottest part of the day (10 am - 4 pm). If you choose to use a sunscreen, then we suggest one
made from completely non-toxic ingredients, such as Sierra Madre. You will find a link to their website on
the left-hand column.

In addition, there are other things you can do to protect your skin. If you plan to be in the sun for longer
periods than 30 minutes, especially during the hottest part of the day, take precautions to avoid burning
your skin, which can lead to skin cancers as you age.

To avoid sunburn, build up your tolerance to sun exposure. Begin the summer season by only exposing
your skin about five minutes, then slowly increasing up to 30 minutes before slathering on the sunscreen.

If you plan to be in the sun for an extended period of time, or plan to be in water, be sure to re-apply often
for maximum benefit.

Avoid alcoholic drinks, smoking, toxic substances and unhealthy eating habits. Build up your natural
antioxidant levels by consuming a variety of fresh, raw vegetables on a daily basis. By maintaining a
healthy liver and digestive system, your blood will flow more freely and keep the supply of oxygen and
other nutrients needed to create and maintain healthy skin cells.

Dry brushing daily with a loofa brush increases blood circulation and removes dead skin cells. Above all,
remain hydrated by drinking several ounces of pure water throughout the day.

Feeling depressed or moody? Get a daily dose of sunshine!

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is an area of concern for those suffering depression and lethargy due to
a lack of skin exposure to sunlight for long periods of time.

SAD used to be associated with long winter days, however, it has been on the rise as more workers find
themselves indoors with no skin exposure to sunlight for days at a time.

The body does not receive what it needs to create Vitamin D when the sun exposure comes through
windows. So, if you are an indoor office person, consider rolling up your sleeves and pant legs and
heading outside to bask in the sun during your lunch break.
S.E.E.D. FOR  CHANGE
Sun  Emotions  Exercise  Diet

The Super Salve Company
sells 100% natural skin and
body care products including
their non-toxic sunscreen, Sierra
Madre.
http://www.supersalve.com


"Dr. Joseph Mercola on
natural health products and
articles"
Several articles and videos on
the health benefits of sun and
fallacies surrounding skin
cancers.
http://www.drmercola.com

Dr. Mercola also has a page
filled with good information and
non-toxic sunscreens, tanning
lotion, sunblock for body and lips
and insect repellents.

http://products.mercola.com/sum
mer-survival-kit/


Natural Medicine:The first part
of this article deals with the use
of sunscreens and their
detrimental effects on the body,
the second part covers
treatments and prevention of
skin cancer.
http://naturalmedicine.suite101.c
om/articlecfm/hidden_dangers_in
_sunscreens#ixzz0UOPFJLA0


The Environmental Working
Group
(EWG) is a 501(c)(4)
organization that specializes in
providing useful resources to
consumers while simultaneously
pushing for national policy
change. Click here to read a
comprehensive article on the
dangers of sunscreen.
http://www.ewg.org/cosmetics/rep
ort/sunscreen09/investigation/su
mmary-of-findings
www.t-a-d-a.com
Girl applying sunscreen
swami alji sun gazing

swami alji enjoys beginning each day
by sun gazing at sunrise.

For more information on the health benefits of
this ancient healing practice, visit
Hira Ratam Manek's (HRM) website at
www.solarhealing.com

    Pain Relief from Sun Burns

    Aloe Vera   Refrigerate leaves from an aloe vera plant. Peel off the top layer
    and apply the gooey side of the leaf directly onto the sunburn. Relieves pain
    and inflammation.

    Baking Soda Compress   Dissolve baking soda in water, and make a
    compress using a clean cloth. Alternately, put 1/2 cup of baking soda into  
    tepid bathwater, then let the affected area air dry.

    Cucumbers   Rub the sunburned area with fresh cucumber slices.

    Lemon Water   Mix the juice of two or three lemons into 2 cups of cold water.
    Apply the mixture onto the sunburn.

For information on mosquito
repellents, visit our Cosmetic &
Body Care page.