Sunshine

Along with things like water and rest, sunshine is another essential element of life. This one is less commonly known as being essential for life and good health.  

The sun's UV rays supply us with an essential vitamin known as Vitamin D. Our bodies need Vitamin D, ideally in the form of sunshine, to function properly. Every cell in our body has a receptor for it!

Sadly, many people are deficient in this. According to healthline.com, approximately one billion people throughout the world are deficient in this essential vitamin! 

I remember reading a brief story once of a woman who was extremely depressed and an emotional wreck. If I remember correctly, this woman felt as though everything was dark and like she was slowly dying because she was such a mess, emotionally and physically. She and her husband had no idea what was wrong. This woman's husband took her to some clinic, and he even had to carry his wife in because she was so incredibly weak. 

The doctor in this clinic (I can't remember if it was a natural doctor or a medical doctor) quickly figured out what the problem was. She was severely deficient in Vitamin D. The doctor immediately administered Vitamin D to her, and after a little while, this woman saw "the light of day". Her normal color returned, and life suddenly looked much brighter to her simply from receiving the Vitamin D her body so desperately needed and was crying out for! Though I have no idea who that woman was, I've never forgotten that story.  

In North America where I live, there are many states (particularly in the east and mid-west) that can go weeks without seeing the sun in the winter time. 

I have a harpist friend who lives in New York City who sometimes calls me to visit. I frequently hear her tell me (especially in the winter time) "Erin, it's horrible! We don't see the sun here!"  

My heart goes out to her when I hear her say that because I live in a state where we get plenty of sunshine, even in the winter time. A few years ago, I encouraged this friend to consider purchasing some Vitamin D in supplement form, especially in the winter time when she doesn't see the sun much.

These are a few signs or symptoms people often exhibit when they are low in Vitamin D:

1. Getting Sick or Infected Often

2. Fatigue and Tiredness 

3. Bone and Back Pain  

4. Depression 

5. Wounds Slow to Heal

6. Hair Loss

7. Muscle Pain

Before purchasing a bottle of Vitamin D in supplement form, I encourage you, try to get some sunshine first! Even just 5-15 minutes a day can do a lot! If you're not sure if you're deficient in this vitamin, talk to your doctor or some health care provider before purchasing this supplement. 

Since discovering the importance of sunshine/Vitamin D, I try to make an effort to get a little bit of sunshine every day by going outside, even in the winter time, if possible! The term "winter blues" is a real term that refers to people getting more depressed in the winter time due to a lack of sunshine/ vitamin D which in turn affects a person's mood. 

The benefits of sunshine? 

1. Sunlight can help with mental health.

2. Sunlight can help build strong bones.

3. Sunlight can help prevent many types of cancer.

4. Sunlight (in moderation) can help with certain skin conditions.

Vitamin D has numerous health benefits! I've also read that sunlight helps in regulating normal sleep patterns. Incredible, isn't it?! 

God's wonderful gifts surround us daily, even in things such as sunshine!

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, and I have no medical training. The things I share on this blog are simple, practical things that I've learned help with good health.

(some information about Vitamin D was sourced from healthline.com, medicalnewstoday.com, and webmd.com)