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Reap Sunshine's Benefits ... Even in Dark Days of Winter!
Posted by: Dr. Mercola
December 25 2004 | 1,425 views

When researchers set out to discover if high exposure to sunlight would increase one's risk of the blood cancer non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) they found an entirely opposite reality: One's risk of developing NHL is actually decreased following high exposure to the sun.

Findings were conceived from a study involving over 704 patients with NHL and 694 randomly selected matched controls -- subjects ranged in age from 20 to 74. In order to assess people's exposure to sunlight for up to 60 years, researchers utilized a questionnaire and a telephone interview.

They took into account:

  • Working days
  • Non-working days
  • Vacation days

The study proved that the risk of NHL decreased as hours spent in the sun increased. Further, the odds of having NHL decreased by 35 percent in those with the highest exposures, compared to those with the lowest.

Based on these findings, it was suggested that an increased production of vitamin D (due to more sun exposure) offers a greater protection against NHL and additional cancers.

Medical News Today December 6, 2004

Yahoo! News December 3, 2004


Dr. Mercola''s Comments
Dr. Mercola's Comments:
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This study is another example of how sun exposure is beneficial to your health. The sun is an amazing healing source that is absolutely under-appreciated in our current culture. But, with the winter months that provide minimal sunlight currently upon us, you may be in a quandary wondering what you can do to achieve sun-related vitamin D benefits.

Well folks, the most convenient way for most of us to maintain healthy vitamin D levels is by taking high-quality cod liver oil. Taking a high-quality cod liver oil is more important than any supplement you can take because it is not a supplement at all: It is an essential food because most fish are contaminated with mercury and PCBs leaving us with few options to get healthy animal based omega-3 fats.

If you are severely time-challenged you may not have the time to do the homework it takes to confirm you're taking the best cod liver oil available. That's why I have done the work for you and highly recommend (and offer on this site) the superior quality of Carlson's cod liver oil.

However, if you do opt to take cod liver oil, it is important to have your vitamin D levels checked, as it is possible to overdose on vitamin D. (At this time of year most people living in the United States do not have optimal levels of vitamin D. It is important to know that not only does this increase your risk for colon cancer, but also your risk of far more common cancers like breast and prostate cancers.)

An additional avenue to fill the sunlight void during these winter months is by using Bio-Pure Light Boxes -- now available on my "Recommended Products" page.

In order to achieve natural balanced sunlight INDOORS it is important that your light bulbs contain a full-spectrum of color, as well as infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths. There are two Bio-Pure models you can choose from (BP-12 Combo Box and BP-12 Junior), which contain these essential ingredients to help you obtain the balanced sunlight that is essential to your physical AND mental health, even during the winter.

Finally, if you are committed to preventing disease by way of the sun, I cannot urge you strongly enough to read the recently published book that I am calling one of the most important health books of all time, The Healing Sun by Dr. Richard Hobday.

If you have been brainwashed by conventional medical wisdom into fearing the sun, this book will help you see the light about the value of proper sun exposure. Without question it is the single most important book on health I have read in a long time.

Note: The strong evidence provided in this article revolves around reducing the risk of NHL with sunlight exposure; however, vitamin D has also been associated with improvement in the following conditions:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • Arthritis
  • Infertility and PMS
  • Fatigue, Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • Autoimmune Disorders
  • Obesity
  • Syndrome X

Related Articles:

Reduce Your Risk of Cancer With Sunlight Exposure

Vitamin D Fights Breast Cancer

Vitamin D Expert Fired for Recommending Sunshine

Vitamin D for Cancer

Why You Need to Have Your Vitamin D Level Tested Now





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