Get Your D’s from “D” Sun

There is a common misconception when it comes to skin damage from the sun. The sun is actually something to welcome because it helps us to get Vitamin D. *Vitamin D is a valuable nutrient that can help prevent osteoporosis, depression, prostate cancer, breast cancer and can even effect diabetes and obesity.

Vitamin D is produced naturally from UVB rays. The sun gives off both UVA and UVB rays but the UVB rays are the only ones that are beneficial. However, UVA rays can penetrate through glass, unlike UVB and they can also penetrate much deeper. UVA therefore may be the real culprit behind photoaging, wrinkles and skin cancer. The real kicker? Most sunscreens today do a pretty good job filtering out the good rays, UVB, while letting through skin-damaging UVA light. Even a sunscreen with SPF 8 can block up to 95% of Vitamin D synthesis. Furthermore, many sunscreens contain major toxic chemicals that your body is absorbing. Your best bet is to avoid the sunscreens altogether! Does this mean to soak up the sun without any protection? Absolutely not.

The best way you can catch some “D’s?”…start getting your sunlight in ten minute increments. Most of us produce about 20,000 units of vitamin D after about twenty minutes in the sun. That is one hundred times more than the government says you need every day. So, at ten minutes a day, you are still getting the vitamin D that your body needs and you aren't harming your skin by absorbing too many UVA rays. The most important thing to remember when out in the sun…don’t get burned! If you are going to be in prolonged sun exposure and are at risk of a sunburn use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They are nontoxic and block out harmful UVAs.

*http://www.naturalnews.com/003069.html

What to Eat, What to Eat...

What is a balanced diet? The food pyramid has changed over the years and it can be confusing trying to decide portions and balance of food choices. Food combinations are usually very important and can vary from one person to the next, but in general there are two major food groups you should always have on your plate, protein and vegetables. Green leafy vegetables are best but more colorful veggies are great alternatives to change up the routine.

Protein choices vary depending on your health and metabolism. Just remember, fat is necessary in your diet but best from food sources other than animal so lean cuts of meat are generally healthier. Healthy fats can be found by eating avocados, walnuts, fish and using coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil.

Things to avoid when deciding on what to feed your family include alternative sweeteners, processed food, high fructose corn syrup and dairy. Try to avoid meals that contain too many starches like heavy pastas and breads. Vegetables actually count as a carbohydrate so adding high starch items is usually overkill on the carbs.

For more information on what food choices you should be making, I recommend reading "Eat Right 4 Your Type" by Peter D'Adamo or "Take Control of Your Health" by Dr. Joseph Mercola.