The Healing Power of the Sun
Sunlight is the source of all life on Earth. With the warm, sunny season in Central Oregon upon us, it’s time to encourage you and your family to soak up those healthy rays and have fun in the sun! Sunshine is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, and we’re lucky to enjoy so many sunny days in beautiful Central Oregon.
The Sun & Your Body
UVB rays from the sun are essential for your body (and your child’s!) to produce Vitamin D3, a powerful hormone with amazing benefits:
Stronger bones
Better eyesight
Richer blood
Balanced hormones
More energy
Happier mood
Boosted immunity
Healthier nerves
Before antibiotics, heliotherapy (sun exposure) was used to help people recover from diseases like the flu and tuberculosis. Research shows that 80% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D3 due to limited sun exposure, affecting everyone from kids to seniors. Fear of sun exposure, often linked to warnings about harmful UV rays and skin cancer, contributes to this deficiency. However, new science suggests that the sun amplifies existing imbalances in your body. An unhealthy internal environment can worsen under sunlight, manifesting as skin issues. To enjoy the sun safely, focus on:
Eating a clean, balanced diet
Regular exercise
Avoiding toxins
Keeping your nervous system balanced with chiropractic care
Toxic Sun Protection
Many mainstream chemical sunscreens are linked to cancer. With lax regulations, 97% of Americans have sunscreen chemicals in their blood, many of which are hormone disruptors that can harm your body—especially in young children. These chemicals also pollute our oceans, rivers, and drinking water. Overusing sunscreen and avoiding the sun blocks your body’s ability to produce Vitamin D3, missing out on its incredible health benefits.
Tips for Time in the Sun
Different skin tones need different levels of sun exposure:
Fair-skinned individuals (blue-eyed, light-haired) need just 10-15 minutes of daily sun to produce enough Vitamin D3.
Darker skin tones may need 1-2 hours for the same benefits.
Know your family’s skin types and set appropriate time limits.
Baby Sun Safety
Baby skin is delicate and sensitive, so avoid sunscreen and prolonged sun exposure for infants under six months. Instead:
Keep babies out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
Opt for morning or early evening walks to avoid midday sun.
Allow 10-30 minutes of indirect sun daily (e.g., at the park) to support Vitamin D3 production.
For longer outings, use hats and light clothing for protection, and bring an umbrella to the beach.
As kids grow, their bodies produce more melanin, allowing longer sun exposure. If using sunscreen, choose non-petroleum-based, natural, organic options with zinc oxide as the active ingredient. Test it on your child’s wrist a day before use to check for reactions.
Sun Safety for Expecting Moms
Pregnant women should take extra precautions:
Avoid overheating, as a high core body temperature can affect your baby. Listen to your body—if you feel uncomfortable, cool down!
Avoid hot tubs for the same reason.
Use natural sunscreens to avoid hormone-disrupting chemicals.
Stay hydrated and watch for skin sensitivity, which can cause hives, heat rash, or chloasma (dark patches).
Optimizing the Sun’s Benefits
Protect yourself from overexposure naturally, just like plants do—from the inside out!
Eat or juice chlorophyll-rich foods like dark leafy greens to fortify your body against harmful sun effects.
Drink at least 64 fl oz of purified water daily to stay hydrated.
Nourish your skin and hair after sun exposure with organic moisturizers (coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera, essential oils).
To fully enjoy the sun, make healthy lifestyle choices for you and your family. Ensure your body is thriving by getting regular chiropractic care to keep your spine and nervous system balanced 🦴. A clear, balanced nervous system is key before heading out for summer adventures in the sun!
Enjoy the sunshine, stay safe, and thrive this summer!