Wellness Wednesday

I've decided this quarter that I am going to try to become a better blogger! So to start my new goal, I've decided to do Wellness Wednesday! As a future chiropractor I've got to train myself to be an educator as well as a physician to my future patient...the best way to do that is practice how you want to perform!
Today's Wellness Wednesday is all about Vitamin D. I will admit I am a lover of the sun and will always have a pocket full of sunshine. We all need Vitamin D; vitamin D is a HORMONE that is made in our bodies, and has many benefits. So how do we get Vitamin D? We get Vitamin D from sunshine, and on cloudy days supplement with a whole vitamin form of Vitamin D. Vitamin D from the sun, is absorbed in our skin and is then carried to the liver and kidneys to start its magic....but how much is too much?
I admit, I DO NOT wear sunscreen (bad,bad me) and I am THAT person that loves laying out, catching rays and getting that beautiful bronze color. But maybe this article will shed some light on how to get ENOUGH vitamin D at SAFE levels AND still gain that beautiful summer tan!

Here's a brief synopsis of the article:

Safe sun exposure is essential for optimal health, but incorrect exposure can raise your risk of skin cancer while not providing any health benefits. Sunburn should be avoided at all cost. Detailed guidelines are provided for safely increasing your vitamin D stores through proper sun exposure are included
While sunlight is composed of about 1,500 wavelengths, UVB is the only wavelength that will produce vitamin D when hitting unexposed skin. UVA’s increase your risk of skin cancer and causes photoaging of your skin. Therefore, it’s important to determine the ideal times of year for safe and effective sun exposure, and avoid exposure during times that UVB rays are not present. Instructions are included
Vitamin D3 is an oil soluble steroid hormone that forms when your skin is exposed to UVB radiation from the sun (or a safe tanning bed). When UVB strikes the surface of your skin, your skin converts a cholesterol derivative into vitamin D3. It takes up to 48 hours for this vitamin D3 to be absorbed into your bloodstream to elevate your vitamin D levels. Therefore, it’s important to avoid washing your skin with soap after sun exposure
In case you do develop a sun burn, immediately apply raw aloe vera. It’s one of the best remedies to help accelerate skin healing

I encourage you to visit www.mercola.com
It is a FANTASTIC website for all health and wellness questions; there are many articles that address various health and wellness concerns also!