- Build up exposure to the sun to keep the need for sun cream to an absolute minimum. So, depending upon skin sensitivity, start building up exposure at 10 am and 4pm.
- Do not get sun burnt.
- 15 mins in the midday sun gives the equivalent of 10,000 units at the height of summer – it we are wearing a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. If we are out for longer, the skin stops making vitamin D, so we will not overdose.
- Avoid the usual sunscreens since they are full of dubious chemicals. The link to this website gives recommendations of sunscreens that will not damage our health.
- If in doubt, cover up.
- We do need good levels of vitamin D to enjoy good health. Rickets is on the rise, and this is a disease of lack of Vitamin D.
- Good levels of Vitamin D help prevent sunburn. And should we get sun burnt, taking a mega dose of D3 will help alleviate the damage. Bizarrely, good levels of D help prevent skin cancer.
- Every cell in the body has a receptor for vitamin D in it – and there are billions of cells. We have a huge need of Vitamin D.
- In the brain, Vitamin D is anti-inflammatory – like a natural steroid for the brain.
- Unless we live at the latitude of Lisbon, we do need to take Vitamin D supplementation. We simply cannot get enough otherwise. The linked blog goes into more details. The supplement must be D3 only. D2 is completely ineffective and a waste of money.