Whilst we wend our way through these peculiar times of world flux and the various restrictions to our personal norms, one constant we can be sure of is that the sun will appear each morning. Albeit for us Brits it may amuse itself by then playing hide and seek all day long, but one benefit of being at home and not tied to work hours, is the opportunity to go outside and grab a ray or two when a string of sunny days entices us out into whatever outdoor space we have for our daily exercise.

Certainly, one positive in the current lockdown, is that, for us, it’s happening now as Spring arrives, and not in the dreary, dark, depressing days of November. Even if the sun is not fully out, lighter days make us all feel so much better. Even just waking up to the sun pouring in and glimpsing pockets of blue sky makes our spirits soar, regardless of any externals going on. It’s like we are programmed to respond. Which indeed we are. 

Naturopath Andrew Wren explains why,  “ … all matter is slowed down light. At its most basic level, light itself is a form of energy transfer, one catalysed by electromagnetic energy created by bio-photon activity, while our mitochondria acts as a solar panel to collect light.” In other words, we are light, and we react to it. 

TAN WITH A PLAN

I’m an unashamed sun worshipper, the feel of those rays kissing my skin is almost orgasmic. Contrary to much negative information (backed, quelle surprise, by the manufacturers of sunscreen) the sun’s rays are good for us and we need them. And it’s not all just about the Vitamin D. It is however the best way to avail yourself of this vitamin which is imperative for so many bodily functions. 

A decade ago, living in the mountains of Spain for a few months, I noticed a deeply tanned person, so darkly tanned and withered of skin that it was impossible to figure out any gender. This could be considered a stark warning to anyone who loves to lie in the sun (duly noted by self), yet as it turned out this woman was an alcoholic, never to be seen without a bottle in hand. This is an important factor. When the body is in a highly toxic state, this affects all natural functions, in other words, a healthy, clean body will be far less likely to burn or incur skin damage, than one that is fed a diet of sugar (from foods or alcohol), dairy and animal flesh. 

The key is to gently and moderately tan. There is evidence that a tan protects against certain skin cancers. Not all skin cancers are the same, there are two groups, melanoma and non melanoma. Intriguingly, it is on record that between 1935 and 2003, sun exposure in the USA went down by over 90%, yet alongside this huge decrease, there was a 3,000 % increase in melanoma. Other studies show that women who wear the burka and therefore never get sun exposure on their skin are ten times more at risk from breast cancer than someone whose skin is touched by the sun. 

Consider these further points of Marc Sorenson, author of “Embrace the Sun”, “ Your body is designed to benefit from sun exposure, and if you’re diabetic or have heart disease, it may well be one of the missing factors. Sunlight also lowers your risk for many other conditions, including Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis and several types of cancer, including melanoma.”   

It’s a good idea to get morning sun for vitamin D purposes, I’d opt for between 11 a.m to noon, and expose as much skin as possible for a good 10 to 15 minutes without sunscreen if you are light skinned. Those with genetically darker complexions need considerably longer, 40 – 60 mins. Sounding like too much of a schedule? Basically, expose as much of your body as you can to the sun in the early part of the day, warmth allowing. Let the sun sink into your bones and you can literally feel the rejuvenation going on. The weaker the sun, the longer you need to expose your skin. If or when you do apply sunscreen, please make sure it is free of chemicals. Remember: if it goes on your skin it goes within. 

EAT SUN FILLED MEALS 

Hopefully, you are able at least to get out in the fresh air for the sanctioned exercise period, but if not, fling open your windows and stick your head out. Draw back your curtains as far as they go and let as much light as possible stream into your home. We need this natural light. In particular, morning light helps regulate our circadian rhythm, which impacts on our sleep/wake process. 

Why do we need that light in our cells? Biophysicist Dr. Fritz Albert Popp,  discovered this, “ Light can initiate, or arrest, cascade-like reactions in the cells, and that genetic cellular damage can be virtually repaired, within hours, by faint beams of light. We are still on the threshold of fully understanding the complex relationship between light and life, but we can now say, emphatically that the function of our entire metabolism is dependent on light.” 

Have you noticed how your appetite drops when it’s summer and hot? For a long time I thought it was simply the heat effect – especially in a humid climate. In fact, as light bodies, we gain energy or sustenance from the sun, meaning we need less from food. Which makes it a perfect time to eat lighter meals, and when we are having a run of grey days, then we can eat some sun! 

Foods that are packed with sunlight and alive with energy are fresh and raw, organic and wild if possible. Fruits, vegetables, salad greens, sprouted seeds and nuts, all have a high biophoton content whereas dairy and meat are low, and grains middling. To boost your intake, make friends with liquid chlorophyll it tastes like grass and soil but don’t let that deter you – you’ll hardly notice it in a juice or smoothie and you will feel the effects within hours, honestly. Remember photosynthesis from those biology classes? Chlorophyll is responsible for a plant absorbing sunlight. It is a wonderous supplement and I don’t say that lightly! 

PUT YOUR FEET ON THE FLOOR

In this case we are talking mother nature’s floor, the earth. We are a mass of electrical circuitry with an electromagnetic field. Alongside needing photons to infuse our bodies and pass information around, we also need to encourage the optimum operation of our electromagnetic system. “Emerging research has revealed that direct physical contact with the surface of the planet generates a kind of electric nutrition, with surprisingly potent and rapid anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects”, states a recent study from Pubmed.

We need to be outdoors bare-footed and allow the grounding effect to connect us. Children instinctively know these things, as you will know if you have ever had to battle with one to keep their shoes and socks on. Electrons pass from the earth to us, or to be completely specific, via wet sand, concrete or grass. Water acts as a conductor of course. Failing that, drier grass will do, wood will not. So sitting with your feet on your decking will not work. 

If however this is not easily accomplished – you live in a high rise flat or have no outdoor space, don’t live by the sea, and baulk at walking in the local park barefooted, there is happily a solution. Namely get yourself some earthing equipment. This is not too costly and certainly the benefits more than make up for the expenditure, plus it is not something that needs continually replacing. 

Earthing has been recognized as of great benefit with regards to healing the body with various studies conducted over 2 decades attesting to this. It is highly regarded by the Tour de France athletes, many of whom sleep in grounding sleeping bags as this speeds recovery from both excess physical exertion and injuries. In addition, they make use of it via small adhesive patches on localised injuries. Anything that has a profound effect on healing is going to bestow those same benefits regardless of whether injured or not. 

There are many evidence-based studies apropos the effects, ranging from preventing disease to increasing resistance to stress, improving mood, muscle tone, and sleep. 

Perhaps more importantly, it happens to be one of the best ways to protect yourself from EMFs, such as those emitted from laptops, computers, mobile phones, wifi, radio and TV, kitchen appliances and all that hidden wiring in and around your house.

Why is this necessary? Because the electromagnetic radiation emitting from these sources disrupts the functions of our cells, which in turn opens us up to illness and disease, both mental and physical. You can be earthed whilst you work in your home office and also all night long as you sleep. The natural world has so many gifts for us and now is a great time to explore and research them. 

Helen is a nutritional therapist and freelance natural health writer, interested in metaphysics, Taoism,  babies, cats and chocolate, though not necessarily in that order. Having searched over 2 decades for the best ways to eat to live long and strong, Helen switched 12 years ago to a highly raw, plant-based diet which she loves.” You can reach her at [email protected]