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Treating Sunburn From
Within
By Eric Marsden, BSc, ND
(NC)-With temperatures rising, there has been an
increase in the amount of news coverage about the
effects of sunshine on our health that has left many
of us confused.
While you are right to be concerned about
over-exposing yourself to it, the sun is,
essentially, healthy. Moderate exposure to sunshine
has positive effects on not only our health, but on
our well being as well.
Sunshine is a great source of Vitamin D, which helps
prevent osteoporosis and rickets, among other
diseases. It also helps reduce the risk of
developing cancers of the cervix, ovaries and
breast. In addition, most of us notice our mood is
elevated by and in sunshine, leading to a reduction
in stress and depression.
One
key to reducing the risk from sunshine is protection
- be it clothing (including a hat) or a chemical
sunscreen - and to be cognizant of the time of day.
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is at its peak
between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; try to limit your time
in the sun at these times.
Another, equally important way to protect yourself
from sunburn is to alkalinize your body. Many
individuals have accumulated acids within the body
due to a diet rich in acidic foods (e.g. cheese,
meats, eggs) and deficient in alkalinizing foods
like leafy greens. Acidity in the tissues of the
body can sensitize the immune cells and lead to an
increased tendency to inflammation. As a result of
this sensitization, individuals who are "acidic" may
get sunburns more easily or experience more intense
burns.
Finally, as a Naturopathic Doctor, I recommend to my
patients that, if they are going to be in the sun
for any length of time, it is critically important
for them to take anti-oxidants, such as vitamins A,
C and E, as well as selenium and chokeberry (aronia),
which is the strongest antioxidant food yet
discovered.
For
those who are going to be exposed to the sun for
prolonged periods, I will often recommend that they
take chokeberry capsules, which contain a much more
concentrated form of the antioxidant.
Finally, keep yourself hydrated when you are
outdoors.
Now,
go have some fun in the sun.
Credit: www.newscanada.com
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