It seems to exert no effort. Mysterious and calm, it spreads freely amidst building and trees. It slowly forms in the morning, eventually covering an entire city. If the air cools just a little, it will become thicker, nothing can stop it at this point, not even the sun.
Good news for American Cancer Society, because it is just another day they do not have to worry about Americans getting too much sun exposure. I like watching the fog, it helps me relax and clear my mind before my workout. But as much as I admire its power to block out the sun, I am instinctively drawn to the sunlight.
Somehow, our ancient human ancestors managed to survive without SPF 45, hats, or long-sleeved clothing. Some experts suggest that blaming the sun on skyrocketing skin cancer rates is an easy way out. Whatever the case may be, all experts agree that getting enough sun is essential to our health.
The ultraviolet spectrum provides us with crucial to our health vitamin D, but this fat-soluble vitamin is not easy to obtain from natural foods. Many studies have suggested a link between low vitamin D levels and a number of cancers, such as colon, prostate, and breast cancers.
Cod Liver oil is well known for its Omega-3 content, but it also contains large amounts of vitamin D. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D is 400 IU (international units). Just one serving (1 teaspoon), of Cod Liver oil contains RDA amount of vitamin D.
But what if you do not want to take fish oil supplements, Heliocare, or consume artificially fortified foods? After all, our bodies are made to synthesize all vitamin D we need from the sun. It is also the safest way to obtain vitamin D, because in dietary form, vitamin D could be toxic.
So what can you do to get your vitamin D safely from the sun? The key to a healthy sun exposure is to never allow the sun to burn your skin. In the beginning always use a quality sunscreen. Start slow, with 10 minutes or less of sun exposure, and build your sunbathing time gradually.
As your tan develops, gradually reduce the level of sunscreen. If you choose to supplement with vitamin D, always consult your doctor, and ask him for a test to determine your vitamin D baseline.