Sun exposure tremendously improves MS symptoms - research
Increased exposure to sunlight may help alleviate the depression and fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis (MS)http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/mm/multiplesclerosis.php, and may even reduce the overall level of disability caused by the disease, research suggests.
Prior research has linked both vitamin D deficiency and lower levels of unprotected sun exposure to a higher risk of developing MS. Likewise, other studies have linked lower vitamin D levels to higher rates of depression. Because depression http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/dd/depression.php, along with anxiety, fatigue and cognitive impairment, are common and potentially disabling symptoms of MS, researchers from Maastricht University Medical Center in the Netherlands recently conducted a study to examine the relationship between these separate factors. The study was recently published in the journal Acta Neurologica Scandinavica.
The researchers followed 198 MS patients for an average of 2.3 years. Twice per year, participants reported on their levels of sun exposure, and researchers measured participants' vitamin D blood levels and evaluated the participants for depression, anxiety and fatigue. Once a year, participants were evaluated for cognitive impairment.
The researchers found that higher levels of sun exposure were significantly associated with lower levels of depression and fatigue. Notably, while they also found an association between higher vitamin D levels and lower depression and fatigue levels, this association disappeared after adjusting for the influence of sunlight. Thus the researchers concluded that it is exposure to sunlight and not vitamin D levels that lead to improvement in symptoms of depression and fatigue among MS patients.
Because the vitamin D levels found in the study were all relatively low, however, the researchers did not rule out the fact that higher levels might lead to further improvements in depression and fatigue.
No association was found between sun exposure or vitamin D levels and levels of anxiety or cognitive impairment.
Sunlight improves more than mood
Another recent study suggests that for some MS patients, exposure to sunlight may also reduce their risk of disability. The study was based on a survey given to 1,372 people registered with the Flemish MS Society in Belgium. Participants reported their sun exposure, skin type and disability-related MS symptomshttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/mm/multiplesclerosis.php. Researchers assigned each participant a score on the Expanded Disability Status Scale, with a score of 6.0 or higher indicating disability. A score of 6.0 indicates an inability to walk without at least some assistance.
The researchers found that among people with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), those who "always" wore sunscreen were 1.8 times more likely to suffer from disability then those who "sometimes" or "never" wore sunscreen. Similarly, RRMS patients whose sun exposure was equal to or greater than that of the non-MS population were 30 percent less likely to suffer from disability.
The researchers also found that among respondents with primary progressive MS (PPMS), those who reported "sun sensitivity" from birth were 1.8 times more likely to suffer from disability than those who had not had lifelong sensitivity. Sun sensitivity was defined as being able to spend only 30 minutes or less in the sun without burning.
Of course, such research does not prove that exposure to sunlight is a direct cause of less MS-related disability, or that such exposure would equally benefit all MS patients. However, given the widespread prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency, increasing numbers of doctors are now recommending that people try to increase the amount of time that they spend exposing their unprotected skin to sunlight. For light skinned people, a minimum of 15 to 30 minutes per day of sun on the face and hands are recommended, while people with darker skin may need significantly more exposure.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/40724
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ane.12155/abstract
http://www.foodconsumer.org/newsite/Nutrition/Vitamins/sunshine_makes_you_happy_0617131011.html
http://blog.nationalmssociety.org/2012/04/sunlight-and-ms.html
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Sunscreen Facts: How Not to Get Burned This Summer
A recent investigation by the Environmental Working Group [1] found that 60% of sunscreens currently on the market are not as safe and effective as you may think. Some of them just don’t offer the protection necessary to block all of the sun’s harmful UV rays, and others actually contain chemicals that can cause damage to your skin.
Even the best of intentions require diligence and effort, so when you reach for that skin lotion “with SPF,” this summer make sure you’re getting the protection you need and not leaving yourself exposed.
UV Rays: How They Can Damage Your Skin
The sun’s rays are categorized based on whether their wavelengths fall into the visible, infra-red (IR), or ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. Ultraviolet rays are the ones that you always hear about, because it is UV rays that are damaging to the skin.
Ultraviolet rays are also categorized based on their wavelengths. UVC rays are absorbed by the stratosphere and do not typically reach the earth’s surface. When interest groups discuss the dangers of the deteriorating ozone layer, UVC rays become a concern because even brief exposure can cause a sunburn and prolonged exposure can be fatal. UVC rays are the strongest and most dangerous type of ultraviolet radiation.
UVB rays are the “tanning rays” or “burning rays” that penetrate the top layers of skin (epidermis) and cause the production of melanin, which appears as a suntan. Over exposure to UVB rays can cause squamous cell carcinoma [2] and basal cell carcinoma [3], two of the most common forms of skin cancer. UVB rays are stronger during the summer months and nearer to the equator.
More dangerous are UVA rays, which penetrate past the epidermis into the dermis. UVA rays penetrate glass, so you are being exposed to them while you’re driving or seated near a window. UVA rays are just as strong regardless of the season, and prolonged exposure to this type of ultraviolet radiation can cause melanoma, the most fatal type of skin cancer.
Do All Sunscreens Protect Skin From Harmful UVA Rays?
Unfortunately, no. Look for sunscreens that specify protection from UVA and UVB rays, or that say multi-spectrum or broad-spectrum. While sunscreens with the above statements may protect you from some UVA rays, the label doesn’t typically indicate how much.
Additionally, even sunscreens that promise broad-spectrum protection are not required to list the level of UVA protection that they provide. You should look for an appropriate level of sun protection factor (SPF). The SPF listed on sunscreen tells you how much longer it will take your skin to redden using the sunscreen than without. For example, using sunscreens with SPF 20 means it will take skin 20 times longer to redden than without the sunscreen.
Can My Sunscreen Hurt Me?
While effective at blocking some of the solar radiation that can cause sunburn, aging and skin cancer, some sunscreen ingredients, such as oxybenzone, can actually be harmful. Oxybenzone is a common ingredient in sunscreens, and also a hormone disrupter. The CDC indicated in 2008 that safety standards for sunscreens are lacking and in need of review [4].
The main purpose of the FDA’s labeling efforts are to provide consumers with information on the level of protection offered by their sunscreens rather than the dangers of the chemicals contained therein. Know what the potential risks are to the chemicals in your sunscreen, and do your best to avoid them.
How do I protect myself from the sun and still avoid harmful chemicals?
Besides wearing a wide brimmed hat or staying indoors (which we do enough of already), you can get clothing that includes an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), which is similar to the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) listed on sunscreens. UPF provides additional protection from ultraviolet radiation while minimizing your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. The popular outdoor store REI provides details on the construction and function of UPF rated fabrics. Also, when spending time in the sun it is best to expose yourself in the morning or late afternoon. If possible, try to avoid the mid day sun. Read more
Vitamin D Levels Tied to Diabetes Risk in Obese Kids
Low levels of vitamin D are much more common in obese children than in those who aren't obese and are associated with insulin resistance, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, researchers have found.
The study included 411 obese children and 87 children who weren't overweight http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/ww/obesity.php. Researchers measured the children's vitamin D levels, blood sugar levels, serum insulin, body mass index and blood pressure.
The children were also asked about their daily consumption of soda, juice, milk, fruits and vegetables, and whether or not they routinely skipped breakfast.
The findings are slated for publication in the January issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
"Our study found that obese children with lower vitamin D levels had higher degrees of insulin resistance," lead author Dr. Micah Olson, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, said in a news release from the Endocrine Society. "Although our study cannot prove causation, it does suggest that low vitamin D levels may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes." Read more
