Sunbathing in winter is good for your health

Sunbathing in winter is good

27/11/2013

The dark and gloomy winter time does not just affect our minds. Lack of sunlight can also lead to more colds. By soaking up the sun every day, the immune system can be set in motion. That's why you should refuel sunbeams as often as possible, especially in winter. The sun is a simple but very effective way of improving the body's immune system“, says Prof. Ingo Froböse of the German Sport University in Cologne.

Vitamin D, which is actually a hormone, is an important factor in strengthening the immune system. This occurs in several steps by the absorption of the sun's rays via receptors on our skin. Too little sunlight can lead to a vitamin D deficiency. According to British studies, this hormone also helps lower blood pressure. „Most people have a marked vitamin D deficiency at the end of winter and spring because they have not received the minimum daily dose of light daily“, Froböse explains.

If one goes by the international criteria, according to information of the German society for nutrition (DGE) about 60 per cent of the population live with a vitamin D Unterversorgung. But only 15 minutes to 20 minutes of sunlight on face and arms are sufficient in winter to prevent this. Froböse also advises that one should move his sports and exercise units in this season rather in the midday. Even if the sky is overcast or in light rain, there are still enough sunbeams available and you should take a little walk. In addition, the sun promotes good mood, „By the sun rays serotonin is released, the so-called happiness hormone, "said Froböse.

Vitamin D is even more capable. A study conducted by scientists from the University of California, the University of San Diego Medical School and the medical faculty of Creighton University in Omaha has shown that vitamin D is also an effective remedy for the prevention of degenerative diseases such as diabetes Type 1, multiple sclerosis and also has been proven in some cancers. Probably the one who defies the cold and is traveling in wind and weather. (Fr)