I’ll admit it….even I’m confused as to whether the sun is good for you or not.  We all agree that when the sun shines, our mood definitely changes, and we don’t even have to be out in it.  However, in most areas of the US, most people rarely are exposed to the sun.  You are working during the week and the time you spend outside for lunch, I’m sure you are covered up with clothing.  Every cell and tissue needs vitamin D.  Vitamin D regulates over 2,000 genes in your body.  No, there are no physical signs of vitamin D deficiency, however it can support heart, skin, eye, reproductive, respiratory vascular system, immune and pancreatic health.  It can also aid in hearing, sleep patterns, cell formation, muscles, proper digestion and food absorption, moods, and it can encourage calcium absorption.  So for all of that, I guess we should look into what “they” are saying about sun exposure.

Vitamin D can be obtained through natural sun exposure and the body will regulate what you receive.  There are a few foods where vitamin D can be found.  Oily fish and eggs are a couple.  Another way is through taking vitamin D3.  What I’ve read about this is, you would need to have your levels tested because you can overdose on this.  You should check with your doctor if you choose this path.  You should also check with your primary care physician if you have had any melanoma or history of skin disorders in your family.  Another way to get your vitamin D is through a tanning bed that uses UV-B rays.  Me?  I’m not a fan of those beds.  I am of the belief that just like anything else, sun exposure is ok in moderation.  I wear sun screen on my face always.  Getting older and my Italian skin is prone to aging these days.

It doesn’t take long in the sun to get your daily requirement. Most sites are saying 15 minutes.  Any time after that amount, consider yourself unprotected and at risk of eye damage, cancer, immune system problems, especially children.  They are out in the sun for long periods of time.  Check the expiration date on your sunscreen.  What about a base tan?  A base tan may cause you to stay in the sun longer, thinking you won’t burn.  I’m going back to moderate exposure. 

I’m always surprised how the sun goes through clothing!  UV rays will go through cotton.  So don’t just put a t-shirt on your child.  Get them in the shade.  Here’s something I just found out…..SPF factor (sun protection factor) describes how long a product will protect your skin, not how much more UV radiation it will block.  Read the directions and reapply as directed.  Fair skin people will begin to burn in 15 minutes.  My daughter is VERY fair skinned and she has burned a couple of times.  Tanning and burning injures the skin.  The UV damage to the deep layers will build up from every tan and burn. 

In closing, if you have had any skin cancer, please follow your doctor’s advice.  Even if you are in your car during the peak hours, apply sun screen.  Everything in moderation. 

It’s SUMMER!  Be safe and have fun.

Who of us, if we’re honest, can really stand the nuisance of seasonal allergies?  I understand that the body’s production of histamines is a natural defense against toxins and that we want this critical function of our immune system in place when we’re exposed to a real threat, like the Mycotoxins produced by mold.  However, in the same way that neurosis is the mind’s maladaptive fear response; allergies are the body’s needless freak out when exposed to substances that pose no real threat.  Those swollen sinuses, that sneezing, runny nose, those itching and watery eyes are the physiological equivalent of Woody Allen thinking a headache is a brain tumor.

In trying to discover what causes allergies we’re met with a void of substantial information from conventional medicine.  Although no one knows with absolute certainty the reasons for them, the holistic approach would suggest that seasonal allergies come about because of a hypersensitive nervous system and a dysfunctional immune system. Any sub-optimal lifestyle—poor stress management, lack of rest, poor food choices, and regular exposure to toxins—can gradually create both a hypersensitive nervous system and a dysfunctional immune system in people who are already genetically susceptible.

Obviously we all love the immediate results provided by over-the-counter solutions but what these do for us long term is create a less healthy and less resilient immune system not to mention they do absolutely nothing for our life as a whole.  As with all holistic treatment, addressing allergies in this way can result in positive effects outside the mere relief of symptoms.  In addition to a healthy diet of whole foods, exercise, a full night’s sleep and a healthy meditation or spiritual practice, below are a few suggestions to tackle the allergy problem specifically.

1. Deep massage focusing on acupressure points related to the spleen, the large intestines and the liver

2. Vitamin D – 800 IU per day maximum

3. A high quality Probiotic (friendly intestinal bacteria).

4. Avoidance of all sources of MSG and Artificial Sweeteners.

5. A JUICE FAST to remove the toxins stored in your tissues, particularly from the insulating sheath that surrounds your nervous system.

We love the blooming of Spring but we don’t always enjoy the consequences.

Be well,

JuicyJosh