Spending time in the sun may DECREASE your risk of Melanoma
Posted on 21. Sep, 2011 by admin in (02) 9905 9099, Blogroll, www.neurohealthchiro.com.au
This article is from Dr. Jessica Hambly, Chiropractor at Neurohealth Chiropractic Allambie (Northern Beaches, Manly)
Well, the warmer weather is certainly upon us! If you’re like me, you are loving the longer, warmer days that are signalling the start to what should be a beautiful Spring. My favourite part of Spring is the return of that warm midday sun. But did you know that even here in sunny Australia, most of us are not getting enough sun? More specifically, we are not getting enough of an essential nutrient the sun provides – Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is most commonly marketed as helping increase bone density, but more than that it is a vital immune system nutrient! Vitamin D helps boost your immune system by increasing the body’s ability to recognise and destroy foreign cells – like the rapid cell replication that happens in the development of cancer!
A study published in 2010 in the journal of Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, looked at the correlation between incidence of Melanoma between people who tanned in solariums, and those who got outdoor sun exposure. They found there was a higher incidence of Melanoma in the indoor tanning group, but this was not from the UV light alone… it was from the increased risk of burn.
“A meta-analysis of 57 studies and a pooled analysis of 15 studies each reported fairly weak associations between total sun exposure and melanoma, no relationship to chronic exposure (based on outdoor occupations), moderately strong associations with intermittent exposure (usually defined as sunbathing, time spent during sunny vacations, or outdoor recreational activities), and strong associations with sunburn.” *
Here is a fact surprising to most sun conscious Aussies- Sun exposure does NOT cause melanoma. SUNBURN leads to melanoma. Sun exposure is in fact hugely important for your immune system, and the stronger your immune system, the lower your risk of cancer. Humans are genetically designed to need sunlight, but we are not meant to burn.
So how do we find that balance between getting the sun exposure we need, and not getting so much that we burn?
- Fish oil is a fantastic in built SPF, and in people who have good levels of Omega 3 (see last month’s article), their natural skin SPF is up to +2 higher than someone who is deficient in Omega 3. Fish oil is also a great cell repairer should we overdo the sun exposure.
- Use common sense, and increase you sun exposure slowly and avoid getting burnt!
- Regular exercise. Research indicates that people who walk 30 minutes per day reduce their chance of melanoma by up to 70%! Get some sun, produce some vitamin D and you will reduce your cancer risk even further!**
- Beware of commercial toxic sunscreens – have you ever seen the ingredients in those things? Ridiculously high SPF sunscreens are unnecessary if you are sensible with your sun exposure, and they completely block your body’s ability to take in Vitamin D. A few good alternatives are grapeseed, coconut or almond oil which are rich in cancer fighting antioxidants. You can apply these as often as you need. If you want another physical sunblock other than clothing, you can mix some zinc in with these oils.
If you are not getting some sun everyday (ever wonder why we are sicker in Winter?), make sure you are also supplementing with a good quality Vitamin D supplement. We have a very reliable brand here at Neurohealth that we can recommend if you are concerned about the state of your immune system.
Embrace the sun and warmer weather this season friends, it’s GOOD FOR YOU!
*Lazovich et al. Indoor Tanning and Risk of Melanoma: A Case-Control Study in a Highly Exposed Population. Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention 2010 19 (6); 1557-68
** Dr James L. Chestnut – Sun exposure: Cancer Preventing or Cancer Causing
Neurohealth Chiropractic treats an extensive variety of musculoskeletal and nervous system related issues. Our clinic has had much success with the following conditions:
- Back Pain, Lower Back Pain, Neck Pain, Muscular Pain and Sciatica
- Headaches and Migraines
- Numbness, Pins and Needles
- Disc and Joint Injuries
- Allergy Desensitization
- Childhood Concerns Including: Primitive Reflexes, Bed Wetting, Colic, Allergies, Poor Immunity, Ear Aches, Behavioural Concerns & Concentration Difficulties
- Pregnancy Related Concerns Including Back Pain, Stress
- Emotional Management using Neuro-Emotional Technique
- Poor Posture
- Women’s Issues including Menopause and Excessive Menstrual Symptoms
- Sporting Injuries
If you would like any more information about our gentle, safe and effective chiropractic care please don’t hesitate to call Neurohealth Chiropractic- Northern Beaches:
Call us on: 02 9905 9099
Email us: admin@neurohealthchiro.com.au
33- 35 Kentwell Road, Allambie NSW 2100
(Northern Beaches Chiropractors- 5 mins from Manly, Dee Why, Frenchs Forest, Forestville, Balgowlah, Fairlight, Manlyvale, Curl Curl, Brookvale)
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