Precious Sunlight

The Martial Art of Wellness
Volume 13 – August 2014

(Archive of Previous BioNews)

DEAR FRIENDS

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

” Light literally affects every single part of the brain and every cell of the body. “

– John Downing OD, PhD, FCSO, pioneering photo-therapy researcher

THIS ISSUE’S TESTIMONIAL

Somewhat of a miracle

“ Today marks the end of my second month on the BAC (Bio-Algae Concentrates) capsules. When I look back on my notes and symptom chart, I notice that I have not back-slid or gotten worse and having been under the worst and most prolonged stress for 15 years, plus the fact that I have stopped taking ANY supplements other than BAC, then I realize this is somewhat of a miracle.  I also have not suffered a cold, sore throat or earache. ”

– Judith, USA, July 2014

THE MARTIAL ART OF WELLNESS ( Precious Sunlight )

After hearing all the bad press about skin cancer and seeing your friends slathering on sunscreen, you may be wondering how the sun could possibly be good for you. Report after report warns that even a small amount of sun exposure is bad for us and that we should be loading up on sunscreen with a higher and higher SPF. Yes, it is good to be cautious when it comes to how much sun you are getting. After all, too much sun exposure too quickly may put you at a higher risk for some types of skin diseases and may make your skin wrinkle and age early in life.

So should you avoid the sun altogether?

No way! Sunlight happens to be one of the oldest and best healing remedies that you can find in nature. The sun is the giver of life and everyone can benefit from frequent “doses” of fresh air and sunshine.  Sunshine and fresh air are a foundation to our health and well-being, both physical and emotional. All living organisms are meant to live in harmony with our natural environment.  We are not meant to be submerged in darkness or in the artificial light of fluorescent lighting, TVs and computer screens.  We are not mushrooms or cave-dwelling organisms that would perish in direct sunlight!

The sun’s rays reach us in two main forms:

Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays: These rays are considered unhealthy by some because they can penetrate deep into the skin and cause DNA mutations and the formation of aggressive free radicals. But in my opinion, surely there are also some health benefits of UVA rays.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays: These are beneficial ultraviolet rays that stimulate the skin to make pre-vitamin D, amongst other benefits. We tan or sunburn faster from these rays than from the UVA’s. Sunlight has an especially high content of UVB rays in the middle of the day – and that is when you should avoid long periods of direct sun exposure.

When all is said and done, the benefits of reasonable exposure to sunlight exceed the potential negatives from abuse. Still, when it comes to being in the sun, the makers of sun-block products and some misguided authorities would have us all hiding in our houses and/or buying and slathering on a lot of expensive 30+ SPF sun block.

Obviously, we must exercise common sense when it comes to early-season exposure, over-exposure – particularly in warmer climates with hot direct sun – and our individual skin types and vulnerabilities. Moderation may be in order for those with particularly fair skin, those who burn easily, and certain others with unique health considerations to take into account and yes, there is the issue of skin cancer to consider… Excessive exposure to the sun provides no health benefits and can result in a nasty sunburn.  A sunburn is a result of the inflammatory reaction from excessive ultraviolet radiation.

Like normal burns, sunburns are classified into three levels: first, second and third degree burns. First degree burns can be treated at home (see below). Third degree burns cause blisters and/or sores that can become infected, as well as fever and chills. Those with third degree burns should seek immediate medical attention!

With gradual exposure, your skin should be able to adapt to the effects of sunlight, resulting in a significant decrease in the overall risk of skin cancer. You can increase your exposure time to the sun gradually, day by day.

When your skin tans, it limits the entry of negative UV rays

Your goal is to avoid any burns, blisters and/or peeling skin. Start by exposing as much as 40% of your skin to the sun for just 10-20 minutes a day.  If you are sunbathing in warmer climates with hot sun, don’t go more than 10 minutes on each side (front & back) between the peak hours of 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. People who have very dark skin can ultimately spend hours in the sun without fear of burning, but for most of us, the maximum exposure time should be about an hour, after which we should retreat to a shady position. One other note: the skin on your face is very thin and much more fragile, so it is important to wear a hat to avoid damaging it. The hat will also limit the risk of sunstroke.

Sunlight is one of the most effective healing agents that exists.

” If sunlight is so necessary to the perpetuation of life, and the production of normal development, it is equally necessary to the preservation of health and the prevention of “disease.” If it is as necessary to life and health as are food and air, the body must inevitably be weakened and “diseased” in its absence. It fills an important need in the organism and its place cannot be filled by anything else. The highest degree of health cannot be attained and maintained without it. It is essential to the restoration of health and hastens recovery in all forms of illness. I agree with Saleeby, who declares: “Every Sanitarium which is not essentially a solarium must today be called a tragic farce.” Etiolated plants are structurally weaker, possess less resistance to weather changes and to “disease” influences. They are unable to fructify and often unable to put forth leaves. “Etiolated” animals are the same. Their bones are more delicate, tissues less firm and resistant; they are short-lived, subject to “disease” and possess less resistance to weather changes. Plants grown in the dark lack color, and are unable to flower and fructify. Some of them, like the potato, are unable to put forth leaves. They are of very poor quality, breaking easily, and short-lived. Every cell and fiber in the plant and animal body is strengthened by the sun’s rays. People who live in-doors out of the sun, are pale, weak and flabby. Every home should have a solarium. ”

– Herbert M. Shelton in Fasting and Sun Bathing

If you hide away from the sun, or cover up with sunscreen, you will miss out on so many health benefits. Check out this long list!

• Sunlight makes fruits, vegetables, and grains grow healthy, and in the same way makes animals and us humans grow and develop healthy and happy.
• Natural sunshine gives us a healthy-looking complexion, making our skin smooth with an irresistible healthy glow!
• Regular exposure to sunlight protects our skin as our body builds up a natural resistance to the harmful effects of UV light.
• Moderately tanned skin is more resistant to infections and sunburns.
• Ultraviolet rays in sunshine act as natural antiseptics killing viruses, bacteria, molds, yeasts, fungi, and mites in the air, water, and on different surfaces, including on our skin.
• Sunshine clears up skin diseases such as acne, boils, athletes foot, diaper rash, psoriasis, and eczema.
• Sunlight stimulates our appetite and improves digestion, elimination, and metabolism.
• Daily sunshine enhances the immune system, increasing the white blood cells in our blood making them better at destroying germs.
• Sunshine stimulates healthy circulation and the production of red blood cells increasing oxygen in our blood.
• Sunlight soothes our nerves and boosts our mood providing a renewed sense of well-being.
• Sunlight increases the production of endorphins, serotonin and melatonin in our brain which leaves us feeling relaxed and content.
• Getting sunlight during the day helps us sleep better at night. Sunlight increases our melatonin output at night. Melatonin is a natural hormone made by our body that induces sleep at night and slows down the aging process.
• Sunlight helps balance out hormones, relieving symptoms of PMS.
• Sunlight improves liver function and helps it to break down toxins and wastes that could lead to cancer and other diseases.
• Sunlight helps lower pain levels in swollen, arthritic joints.
• Sunlight is known as an effective treatment for jaundice.
• Studies show that sunlight may decrease risks of breast, colon, and prostate cancers.
• Sunlight helps our body convert a form of cholesterol present in our skin into vitamin D resulting in lower blood cholesterol levels and many other benefits.
• Sunlight provides life-giving energy, strengthening and vitalizing our body and organs, preventing various diseases and ailments.
• Sunlight is not just good for your health. It’s good for your home environment as well. One of the major benefits of sunlight in your home is that it is an effective germ killer. You can clean and freshen up your blankets, quilts, and other items by hanging them out in the sunshine. Sunlight can also prevent the rooms in your house from becoming damp and moldy. All you have to do is expose them to fresh air and sunlight on a regular basis. In one study published in the British Medical Journal, sunlight was able to kill the bacteria that was present in dust particles.

What If I Don’t Get Enough Sunlight?

• Not getting enough direct sunlight on your skin can have a negative effect on your health.
• Lack of sunlight can worsen feelings of depression in some people.
• According to one study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition your chances of getting cancer could increase by as much as 70% if you don’t get enough direct sunlight.
• If you do not get enough sunlight, your body may not make enough vitamin D. Having a vitamin D deficiency may put you at increased risk for bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Low vitamin D levels can also cause weak hearts, poor metabolism, and slow healing of bones and cuts.

How Much Sunshine Is Enough?

• After reading about the benefits of sunlight you can see that the sun’s rays are good for your health. Just how much sunshine is the right amount for you depends on a number of factors including how fair or dark your skin is, the time of the day you go out into the sun, and where you live in the world.
• The general rule is this: The darker your skin, the more sunlight you will need to activate the synthesis of vitamin D in your skin. If you don’t spend enough time in the sun, you may become deficient in vitamin D. And you could miss out on the many benefits of sunlight.
• The fairer your skin, the less time it will take to activate the synthesis of vitamin D in your skin. If you are very fair skinned, a very brief amount of time in the sun should be enough to meet your needs.
• An average of 10 minutes of sunlight per day all year round will make sure that you reap the benefits of sunlight and make enough vitamin D. Remember that artificial light can never substitute for the real thing.
• In the summertime, try to avoid being out in direct sunlight between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. The summer sun is most intense between those times. Catch some rays before 10 am or after 4 pm. If you need to stay out longer, cover up some and take frequent breaks in the shade.
• If you live in the north and have a tendency to feel down during the long winter months, try to catch as many rays of sunshine as you can. In northern countries, it is OK to get some daytime sun. Twenty minutes of sun on your hands, neck, feet, and legs is ideal and should be sufficient for you to get the many benefits of sunlight. Try to go outside if you can because UV light through glass does not produce vitamin D as efficiently.

Your Diet And Exposure To The Sun

• When it comes to sun exposure, research shows that what you eat matters a great deal.
• Diets that are high in protein, animal fats, junk foods, soft drinks, vegetable oils, hydrogenated oils, animal and vegetable shortenings, and dairy products are associated with an increased risk of skin cancer. Eating a high fat diet and spending lots of time in the sun is a bad combination.
• Unhealthy oils are not just in food. You can also find them in skin care products such as suntan oils and skin lotions. Unhealthy oils in skin care products can also damage your skin and put you at risk.
• The ultraviolet rays of the sun react with the fats in your body. The end result? Free radicals form. They damage your cells and can lead to cancer. Sunlight may play a role but the real culprit is a diet high in fat and low in antioxidants and nutrients.
• If you eat a diet high in plants (fruits, and leafy vegetables), and whole grains, you will be getting lots of nutrients, antioxidants, and other plant substances that will help prevent the formation of free radicals. These foods are higher in phytonutrients and carotenoids that have protective effects. Fresh whole plant foods are important in helping your body be able to handle exposure to sunlight. Antioxidants protect your skin from burning too quickly and prevent premature aging.

There are plants that can increase your comfort and beautify your skin.

• Before exposure: eat fresh vegetables and small colorful fruits. The more antioxidants you consume, the more your skin will adapt quickly to the sun. You will reduce your risk of burning by eating vegetables and fruits rich in carotenoids: red orange pigments that you find in apricots and carrots. Vitamin C fights free radicals and inflammation caused by the sun’s rays. Astaxanthin is probably the most powerful pigment to make you a “sunscreen” interior that also will help you tan evenly.
• Before, during and after sun exposure, regularly drink pure water without any sugar or dyes. Your skin needs to be well hydrated when exposed to the sun. Otherwise, it can dry out without you even noticing and become much more fragile.
• In case of burns: Apply an Aloe Vera gel on your skin. Aloe Vera is believed to minimize the damage and speed healing. It is a natural protective skin care par excellence. In many places, such as the Mediterranean coast, you find Aloe Vera growing in the wild. With a knife – or even just your fingers – you can take a piece of the plant leaf, open it in two, and rub the gel directly on your skin. Thicker leaves work best. If you live in the south, Aloe Vera is easy to grow in your garden and will offer an excellent natural first aid kit.

Add a special ally for your protection

BIO-ALGAE CONCENTRATES (BAC) formulas have received their authorization number from Health Canada (NPN)  stating that the three formulations (F1, F2 and F3) comply with regulations on natural products and are “a source of antioxidants for maintaining good health.” BAC contains vitamin A, vitamin B complex including B12, C, E, twenty amino acids, all known minerals and trace elements, thousands of metabolic and digestive enzymes, Omega 3, Omega 6, Omega 9, chlorophyll, phycocyanin and proteins. Moreover, BAC contains an extraordinary amount of antioxidants: lutein, licopene, alpha carotene, beta carotene, and many more. It also contains the mighty astaxanthin, whose natural antioxidant activity is hundreds of time higher than conventional vitamins E and C. The combination of alpha-carotene and beta-carotene in BAC enables optimum protection for the skin, serving to prepare and prolong the tanning process and protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals that are responsible for premature aging of the skin.

Besides supplying an “extraordinary” array of nutrients, the principal value of consuming BAC is its power to “awaken the genius within.” When fed efficiently with BAC, the mission critical organs of the brain that regulate all metabolic activities will operate better and you will assimilate “vastly more” nutrients from your regular foods, whatever those foods may be. That is the most important added value of consuming BAC, a concept documented in The Magic is BAC at themagicisbac.com.

Just like the many people consuming BAC report that they no longer get the flu or cold, many are also realizing how nice their skin looks and that they are not getting sunburns.

In short, to spend a beautiful summer safely in the sun, do not forget to take your BAC daily.

References

• http://wakeup-world.com/2013/02/08/5-amazing-properties-of-sunlight-youve-never-heard-about/
  
• Reduced Overall Cancer Risk Outweigh Any Risk of Melanoma
• Benefits of sunlight for human health
• An estimate of premature cancer mortality in the United States due to inadequate doses of solar ultraviolet-B radiation, Cancer. 2002;94:1867-75.
• The influence of painful sunburns and lifetime sun exposure on the risk of actinic keratoses, seborrheic warts, melanocytic nevi, atypical nevi, and skin cancer. J Invest Dermatol. 2003 Jun;120(6):1087-93. Kennedy C, Bajdik CD, Willemze R, De Gruijl FR, Bouwes Bavinck JN; Leiden Skin Cancer Study.
• Diet and melanoma in a case-control study. Millen AE, Tucker MA, Hartge P, Halpern A, Elder DE, Guerry D 4th, Holly EA, Sagebiel RW, Potischman N. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2004 Jun;13(6):1042-51.