Today's Health Tips
Catch the Sun's Rays
Created 2010-11-26 12:45
Just
when it seemed that sunlight was good for nothing but causing skin
cancer and wrinkles, new research finds that sun exposure may protect
against cancer. The controversial report in the Journal of the National
Cancer Institute found that patients in the early stages of melanoma,
the deadliest form of skin cancer, are significantly more likely to
survive if they've had a history of sun worshipping.
Could sunlight really fight cancer? In the study, doctors measured sun
exposure by interviewing melanoma patients and by looking at their skin
changes at the start of the research. They then tracked the subjects'
health for five years, leading to the contentious finding that sun
damage equaled greater survival. In a second JNCI study, Scandinavian
subjects who reported suffering frequent sunburns within the previous
decade had up to 40 percent fewer incidences of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
than those who got less sun. Marianne Berwick, PhD, lead author of the
melanoma study and director of cancer epidemiology and prevention at the
University of New Mexico, speculates that vitamin D, which is made by
the skin during sun exposure, may be what helps to limit the spread of
cancer. Vitamin D also seems to be a factor in other benefits of sun
exposure, such as preventing autoimmune diseases.
Berwick does not advocate getting sunburned, however: "There's still no
question that increased sun exposure leads to melanoma. I would not
advise throwing caution to the wind." She adds that for now, we should
continue to limit sun exposurefive to 15 minutes three times a week
without sunblock is more than sufficient. She expects an upcoming
eight-year study to be more conclusive.
The benefits of sunlight are a topic that makes dermatologists bristle.
James Spencer, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai
School of Medicine in New York, criticizes these studies, but admits
that UV light is an effective weapon against certain diseases, just as
chemotherapy works on cancer. "Basically, you're trying to poison the
illness before the treatment poisons you," he explains. Read on for more
of what both sides have to say about the sun's benefits.
Can You Cut Your Risks of Multiple Sclerosis?
The Bright Side
When researchers at the University of Tasmania surveyed people with and
without MS for a 2003 study, they found that those who had higher
levels of sun exposure (particularly at least an hour per day during the
winter) from age six to 15 had a lower risk of developing the
autoimmune disease. Scientists believe vitamin D may stop attack cells
from damaging the immune system while it's still maturing, which is why
they say sun exposure early in life is key. Separate studies have shown
that sufficient vitamin D may also help prevent other autoimmune
diseases, such as type 1 diabetes.
The Skeptic's Side
If the sun's rays do have any power over autoimmune disorders, this may
be because UV light suppresses the body's immune system (autoimmune
diseases result from an overactive immune system), says Howard Fein, MD,
attending dermatologist at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. This
suppression, however, is what makes sun worshippers more vulnerable to a
slew of other illnesses, including skin cancer.
Can It Relieve Pain?
The Bright Side
Let's hear it again for vitamin D: In a study published in 2003 by the
Mayo Clinic, 93 percent of patients with unexplained muscle and skeletal
pain were deficient in the nutrient. "Vitamin D is crucial for strong
bones and muscles," says lead researcher Gregory Plotnikoff, MD, of the
University of Minnesotaand the sun is a key source.
The Skeptic's Side
"Orange
juice is fortified with vitamin D, as are milk and cereal," Spencer
says. "If you get anything close to a normal diet, you should be just
fine." You can also take a vitamin D supplement (200 to 600 IU daily is
usually what's recommended).
Can It Make You Happier?
The Bright Side
The sun boosts brain levels of serotonin, the neurotransmitter
associated with good mood. In fact, the sun-induced rush may be
addictive. Scientists at Wake Forest University in North Carolina had
regular tanning-booth patrons test out two tanning beds that looked and
felt exactly alikeexcept that one emitted UV rays and the other didn't.
When given the option to return to the bed of their choice, 92 percent
of the subjects chose the one that radiated UV, adding they found it
more relaxing.
The Skeptic's Side
Bruce
Rabin, MD, medical director of the University of Pittsburgh Healthy
Lifestyle Program, says that sun-related serotonin production happens
simply when you see sunlight, which means that wearing an SPF 45 won't
minimize the feel-good effect one bit.
The Bottom Line
More research on the benefits of sunlight needs to be done. But even if
the pro-sun studies are right, dermatologists maintain that the vast
majority of people meet their vitamin D quota without thinking about it.
"Sunscreen use is going down, not up," Spencer says. "And most people
get five to 10 minutes two to three times a weekthe amount prescribed by
pro-sun expertsjust by running errands and walking across parking
lots." So keep using that sunscreen: You need to use a product with an
SPF 15 or higher, and you should reapply it every two hours during
exposure to the sun.
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