While many experts say to avoid the sun completely to avoid cancer, the British Medical Journal posted an editorial that concludes moderate sun exposure is a more prudent recommendation.
Sunscreens do not adequately protect against ultraviolet A light, which is carcinogenic, and the authors state that sunscreens should not be relied upon to prevent melanoma.
Further, sun exposure is the main source of vitamin D, which reduces the risk of certain cancers. People in the United Kingdom cannot synthesize vitamin during the winter months due to decreased amount of sun exposure. The authors say that people should get moderate sun exposure without sunscreen in order to allow the adequate synthesis of vitamin D.
British Medical Journal November 22, 2003;327:1228
With the negative spin that sun exposure has gotten from the media, you may be tempted to avoid the sun completely. But remember that we ALL need sunshine to stay healthy. Exposure to the sun provides many benefits such as promoting the formation of vitamin D and fighting depression.
Can sun exposure cause skin cancer? Absolutely.
However, there is strong evidence that suggests sunlight is protective against MS and breast, colon and ovarian cancers.
This does not mean that we should all go out and get as much sun as we want--you must exercise caution. At the beginning of the season, go out gradually and limit your exposure to perhaps as little as 10 minutes a day. Progressively increase your time in the sun so that in a few weeks, you will be able to have normal sun exposure with little risk of skin cancer.
Remember to never get burned, that is the key.
Using sunscreen is not a good way to limit your sun exposure; in fact, sunscreen is one of the LAST things you want to put on your body. Sunscreen is a toxic chemical that can cause problems in your system and increase your risk of disease.
A far more logical solution would be to creatively use your clothing to block the sun’s rays during your build-up time.
Additionally, consuming many whole vegetables will increase antioxidant levels in the body, which will provide protection against any sun-induced radiation damage.
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