Summer Fun!
The sun and specifically, sunscreen, is a hot topic in
the Naylor household! To sunscreen or not to sunscreen? That is the question.
The dermatologist says to apply and reapply and they even sell sunsuits for the
particularly sensitive! The Cancer Prevention Coalition and the Environmental Working Group have
some pretty compelling evidence that most sunscreens contain a potentially
dangerous cocktail of toxins. As a mom, I want to let my kids be kids and I
want to be outside having fun as well. Included are some ideas to balance the
need for sun protection with the equally compelling need to reduce the toxic
inputs to our bodies. Have fun this summer!
SUN IS GOOD?
Sunlight converts your natural cholesterol to vitamin D3. You can store D3
during sunny periods and utilize it when there is little sun. This is a great
thing since we rarely get the D3 that we need from the foods we eat. Synthetic
supplements and fortified milk are vitamin D2 which is inferior and even toxic
at high levels. Vitamin D3 is found in fish, cod liver oil, animal fats, organ
meats and eggs.
If you do any research on Vitamin D3, your will find that it has a positive
influence on cancer survival, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis
and more. I recommend that all of my clients get a Vitamin D3 blood test as
a part of their regular check up and make adjustments as needed with whole
food supplementation from Standard Process.
In terms of sun exposure, too much vitamin D3 without the balancing
nutrients can lead to cramping and sunstroke. I recommend vitamin F and calcium
from Standard Process. These absorbable forms of the whole food supplements
work to mitigate the negative effects of excessive sun exposure.
SUNSCREENWhen it comes to sunscreen products, I would suggest less rather than
more. The Environmental Working Group has done a great deal of research rating the effectiveness and safety of sunscreens. The results are listed in the Sunscreen Review box.
SHADE, HATS, SUNSHIRTS AND A TAN
In the spirit of less sunscreen, I recommend shade where possible, hats and
sunshirts. In addition, remember not to be afraid of the sun. It is actually
good for us in small doses and lack of sun contributes to many imbalances in our
bodies. A tan, achieved over a period of time is your body's natural protective
mechanism. Also, the whole food vitamin F and calcium lactate truly help during
excessive periods of sun exposure.
