The sun and summer go hand in hand. We all look forward to shedding our winter coats and lightening up, but there are some things we can do besides using Coppertone sunscreen to keep us safe on the outside and inside. The time of the day we soak up rays, the clothes we where, the food we eat, and the type of sunscreen we wear, can help make this summer more enjoyable and safer than before.
1) Timing is everything. Plan outdoor exercise routines like walking, running and biking in early morning or late afternoon. If you love lunching outside find a big tree to picnic under. Wearing a wide brimmed hat, UV sunglasses, and clothes that have tight weaves all help to keep the strong sun’s rays at bay. Of course, keeping well hydrated with lots of water is essential.
2) Protection from the inside out. Certain foods and drinks act as antioxidants and help build up our body’s defense against the free radicals that sun damage causes. Green tea contains ferulic acid,a strong antioxidant, and poyphenols which provides internal/ external protection from UV light, and tastes great as an iced tea. Broccoli, spinach, and other cruciferous vegetables contain lutein which has been shown to reduce the skin’s suseptability to ultraviolet damage. The red color of carotenoid, contains a strong antioxidant called lycopene (in watermelon and tomatoes).The orange colors of carrots and peppers have high contents beta-carotene which also contain lycopene. A study in the Journal of Nutrition showed that by mixing these colorful veggies and fruits together and nourishing our bodies with them, we are reducing inflammation and strengthening our cells against free radical damage and DNA damage both which cause skin and other cancers.
3) Choose sunblock products with care. Evidence of nanoparticles in many sunblocks and skin care products may be causing more harm than good. According to AOL Special News Report, June 2, 2010, other countries like France, Germany and the U.K. are labeling, testing and even banning sunscreens and skin products with nanoparticles but the U.S. hasn’t done anything. Friends of the Earth has stated that Nanosunscreens harm people and the environment because the particles are so tiny that they get absorbed through the skin and deposit into the blood and organs like the heart, liver and brain. Specifically, the nanoparticles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the most dangerous and they make the sunscreen colorless. Not all sunscreens contain nanoparticles, but most do. Some safe sunscreens according to Friends of the Earth are: Alba, Aubrey, Avalon, Black Opal, Blistex, Botanical Organics, Bullfrog, and Tatoo Goo.
4) Use virgin coconut oil as an after sun and all over moisturizer. The hype on virgin coconut oil is big and it makes sense. According to Organic Facts, an educational website, it contains lauric acid which is converted to monolaurin in the human body. Monolaurin is clamed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria, is an antioxidant, anti fungal, moisturizer, prevents premature aging, heart disease, and pancreatitis. It helps with weight loss and digestion as well, and can be used in cooking. The list goes on and on.
5) Finally, keeping a strong immune system is essential for preventing skin problems as well as overall illness. Maintaining a healthy nervous system by getting adequate sleep, proper relaxation, and receiving Chiropractic care for wellness and to maintain nervous system health. By following the steps laid out above, we can be sure to enjoy summer sun and fun with ease and joy.
Have a wonderful summer!!!!