Primal Blueprint Law #8 is “Get plenty of sunlight” and is probably one of the most important laws. at last, Perhaps the greatest change to the human environment is the transition from outdoor to indoor living.. We’ve gone from working, playing, and hunting outdoors to doing it all inside buildings. We took shelter in outdoor structures, caves, lean-tos and cabins.
Even when we were inside, we were outside half the time. We took shelter in outdoor structures, caves, lean-tos and cabins. We were not surrounded by impermeable climate control walls, roofs and windows. The air flowed, sunlight came in, and the difference between indoors and outdoors was not that big.
The sun provides many important health benefits, including:
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that Maintains our circadian rhythm Every cell and organ in our body works. Without exposure to sunlight throughout the morning, noon, and afternoon, our circadian rhythms get messed up and don’t work properly.
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that Helps you sleep at night. Sun during the day and darkness at night set the physiological pathways that allow for a good night’s sleep.
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that Provides vitamin D. When sunlight hits our skin, the cholesterol it contains is converted into vitamin D, an important compound that regulates immunity, sex hormones, bone formation and density, cognitive function, and physical activity. Vitamin D is closer to a hormone than a vitamin.
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that Improves endothelial function. Sunlight hitting the skin also triggers the production of nitric oxide, a compound that improves blood flow and helps the heart deliver nutrients and oxygen to tissues that need them.
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that I feel better. We have an endogenous opioid system that is triggered by exposure to sunlight. Sunshine literally makes us feel good.
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that improves eyesight. Children who spend too much time indoors have a higher risk of developing myopia. True sun exposure appears to improve vision. Note: this not so It means looking at the sun.
It’s true that you need to be exposed to sunlight safely. are you still ~can do Frequent burns can lead to skin cancer.
To do this safely:
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Get some morning sunlight. The infrared rays present at sunrise prepare the skin for increased resistance to UV damage when the stronger sun arrives in the afternoon.
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Build your sun calluses slowly. Get as much sunlight as you can tolerate without getting burned, then get into the shade. Eventually, you will be able to add more and more sun as your tolerance increases. Building solar calluses should begin in late fall or whenever the sun reappears.
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Avoid burns. This goes without saying, but I’ll still say it. Riding is bad.
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Dress well, use shade, and use high-quality mineral sunscreen. (Contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) if required.
Today we spend eight hours a day confined to impervious, climate-controlled offices surrounded by walls and roofs. Even if we do see the sun, it is through a window that filters out many of the beneficial wavelengths of sunlight. That has to change.
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* This blog reflects my personal views and opinions and is not intended as medical advice, but I hope it will be informative and inspiring in your pursuit of a healthy and fulfilling life.
