Sunlight

[tames]

I now know that sunlight is good for you. I always have felt better when spending time in the sun, but the last couple years I thought it was better not to because of skin cancer, damaged skin, all the junk that has been told to us. Since going raw, I have gotten back out in the sun now knowing that it is good for you. I live in Ohio, and since fall/winter is coming I was wondering if I can get some benefit from sun tanning booths? It usually gets very cloudy and gray here in winter. Not to mention that I spend all of my working day in a basement with no windows. :(

I used to go to tanning booths year round. Now that I think about it I did not get colds/flu nearly as much as when I stopped going (while on SAD) . There are many benefits to sunlight. One of the most well known is vitamin D production.

Anyone have any info on using tanning booths for health benefits? The one that I use has both UV A light and UV B light.

Are there any raw/healthy choices for vitamin D supplements?

--Tim

[Revvell]

I know a couple in Denmark who use a tanning bed during the winter. Can't say much more than that as I've not done any research on it or had personal experience, AND you see where I live. :D

I think, other than the replies you'll receive w/ this posting, you might wish to do a search here as I'm thinking this was brought up awhile back. Rather controversial. New people here since then, possibly more experiences/knowledge.

:cool:

[valencia]

Yes, it makes you feel good, yes, it helps to prevent depression, and yes, it is important in vitamin D synthesis.

Adequate D status is critical and there is a growing body of evidence for inadequate intake/synthesis involvement in many diseases.

But, yes, UV will damage your skin making you look older than your years, being the principle cause of wrinkles and sags before the age of 80, yes, it will damage your immune system function, and yes, it is a primary carcinogen.

Since UVA (the one in tanning beds) penetrates much more deeply than UVB, deliberate tanning will make your skin sag and give you the appearance of an old leather bag.

A good compromise is a vegan D2 (ergocalciferol) supplement. Since it isn't as readily absorbed as the animal-sourced D3, you could consider taking 800 IU of D2 per day. Many multis employ D2 instead of D3. You have to read the label to be sure.

If you want to still get carded when you are pushing 50, stay out of the sun and away from tanning beds, but take your D2.

If, instead, you chose to deliberately expose yourself, your skin will age at an accelerated rate compared to your insides.

[valencia]

http://www.medscape.com/pi/editorial/clinupdates/2000/249/stein.fig2.jpg
http://www.medscape.com/pi/editorial/clinupdates/2000/249/stein.fig1.jpg

[Autumn]

I have read that even when it's fall/winter and/or cloudy, there is still some sun, and therefore, still beneficial. Plus, you'd be getting all that lovely fresh air. I personally would never go to a tanning salon/bed.

[Revvell]

oh sigh ~

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=66&highlight=bathing
http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4730

:cool:

[Carlene]

Vitimen D is important, but there is more to being outside than just getting this one nutrient. Personally, spending time outdoors, meditating outdoors, keeps me connected. Taking deep breaths of fresh air make me feel alive. As raw foodists we work so hard to stay natural, to keep our bodies clean and alive. Going to a tanning salon seems so artificial and stagnant that I have a hard time thinking it is healthy. That's my own personal opinion though.

My daughter has a friend that goes to a tanning booth religiously. She is not raw so this may not pertain to you Tames. She also seems to go to the doctors religiously to have melanomas removed from her skin.

I'd say make spending 15 minutes outdoors a day part of your daily routine. Even on dark days you'll be revitilized.