We’ve spent the last few decades talking about how important it is to stay out of the sun. We’ve realized just how real a risk skin cancer can be and are doing almost everything we can think of to prevent it from happening. We slather on layers and layers of the largest SPF sunscreens that we can buy. We have on large floppy hats. We use long sleeves and also pant legs even in the warmest of temps. We try and stick to the shady areas-some folks have even taken to carrying parasols around with them to keep the sun from ever making contact with their skin. Now we’re learning that the sun’s rays can be beneficial! Can direct sunlight actually help you?
A new study has demonstrated that folks who allow themselves some sun exposure are less likely to develop MS than those who try to minimize their sun exposure. Originally the analysis was to see how Vitamin D impacted the indications of Multiple Sclerosis. Eventually it grew to be clear, however, that it was the Vitamin D our bodies create as a response to exposure to the sun’s rays that seems to be at the root of the issue.
It’s been acknowledged for a very long time that Vitamin D and the sun’s rays can impact the way the immune system works and how it can contribute to Multiple Sclerosis. This study, however, focuses on the affects of the sun’s rays on individuals who are experiencing the very earliest symptoms of the disease. This study is trying to figure out the results of Vitamin D in addition to the sun’s rays on the precursory signs and symptoms of the disease.
Unfortunately, there are not all that many approaches to really quantify the study’s hypothesis. The purpose of the study is to find out whether sunlight can actually prevent the disease. Unfortunately, the researchers discovered, the only way to that is to monitor people over the course of their lives. This is only way that it is possible to measure and understand the levels of Vitamin D that exist in a person’s blood before the precursors of the disease show up. The way it stands now, and has stood (widely recognized) for years is that people who live in warm and sunny climates and who get more exposure to direct sunlight are less likely to develop MS than those who live in dark or cold climates and get very little exposure to the sun.
The fact that the risk of developing skin cancer rises proportionally to the amount of time you spend in direct sunlight (without protection) is also a problem. So, in an attempt to stave off one disease, you could be causing yourself to develop a different one. Of course, if you catch skin cancer early enough you are a lot more likely to cure it. MS still has no cure.
So should you get more sun to prevent MS from setting in? Talk to your doctor to figure out if this is a good idea. Your doctor will figure out if you are at risk for the disease (and how much) by checking out your genetics, medical history and current health. From here your doctor will be able to help you decide the best course of action.
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