The sun, source of vital energy
For the naturopath, the sun is above all the main provider of vital energy, this life force which presides over all the functioning of the body, and on which the phenomenon of self-regeneration is based. Thus, the more vitality one has, the more one is able to defend oneself against the physical and psychological stresses encountered each day. This vital energy is gained through natural sleep and contact with nature, the major source being the sun.
Vitamin D and natural defenses
Beyond this overall effect on our vitality, the sun has a well-known specific action: it is a source of vitamin D. Its role in bone calcification has long been well established, but this vitamin has also become essential in recent years for strengthening natural defenses. We now know that a vitamin D deficiency is associated with insufficient natural defenses, which is why it is increasingly recommended in winter.
The “sunshine vitamin”
Vitamin D is present in certain foods, but two-thirds of our reserves should come from the sun. Indeed, our bodies have the ability to synthesize it in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet rays. And importantly, we are also able to store this vitamin. This means it can be released when needed, during periods of low sunlight.
These reserves, however, are often insufficient and several causes explain this deficit: lack of exposure during sunny days, the presence of pollution which hinders this process, clothing that is too covering, poor liver function, and of course the winter season when the rate of sunshine is lower. In addition, our capacity to produce vitamin D decreases with age. There are still other conditions for its production: liver and intestines that function well, diet that provides adequate quantities of good cholesterol and specific nutrients, well-maintained skin...
Stock up on Vitamin D in winter
To have sufficient levels, even in winter, the ideal is really to learn to expose yourself throughout the year, and this until autumn, by doing as much outdoor activity as possible when the sun is present (with all the precautions that this may require depending on your sensitivity, skin type, etc.). You should know that, even in the shade, under a parasol or a tree, we produce vitamin D!
To benefit from the sun, it is also important to take care of your skin. Different techniques can be used: dry brushing, exercise, hot baths, etc., to be adapted according to each person's profile. We have also seen that it is necessary to have a well-balanced liver and intestines, which is achieved with a diet where fresh vegetables and fruits have a large place and exercise.
Of course, some foods contain vitamin D: cod liver oil, egg yolk, salmon, oysters, mushrooms, butter and cheese from free-range cows, etc.
But when winter is already here, in case of vitamin D deficiency it can be interesting to supplement to compensate for the deficiencies, while waiting for the return of good weather!
The sun again...
We have seen that the sun has an effect on our natural defenses, on the one hand through the general vitality it offers us, and on the other hand thanks to vitamin D, but it also has a lesser-known action, its sanitizing quality of places. At the beginning of the last century, it was taught that dark and damp homes were unfavorable for health and that it was very beneficial to bathe the rooms in light to purify the atmosphere, a simple practical tip to be even better protected!
*These tips do not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. Before using dietary supplements, refer to the instructions, precautions, and contraindications on the packaging.
