The Christian Nutritionist

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245: Starting Your Sun Protocol

Chelsea Blackbird

😎Did you know that the sun you get through your EYE influences how you burn or don’t burn on your SKIN? But that wearing sunglasses doesn’t allow that full signal through?

🌅 Did you know that getting the morning and evening infrared and red light helps prepare your body to tolerate the stronger signals of UVA and UVB?

🔥Did you know that eating foods that cause “fire” (inflammation) on the inside make you more susceptible to catching “fire” (sunburn) on the outside?

☀️In this week’s episode we’re talking about how to healthfully and responsibly build your solar callus so that you can receive all of the benefits of sunshine the way God made us to. It’s the perfect time of the year to start your sun protocol!

245: Starting Your Sun Protocol

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EPISODE BLOG

Welcome back to the Club! How are you today? Here in Texas, we've been enjoying some beautiful weather lately, and it's got me thinking about the importance of starting your sun protocol. As spring approaches, it's the perfect time to prepare our bodies to soak in the sunlight and reap its incredible benefits without risking sunburn or skin damage. In this blog post, I'll guide you through the process of building your solar callus – strategically training your body to tolerate sun exposure for optimal health.

Dispelling Sunlight Myths

Despite the prevalent warnings about avoiding the sun at all costs, it's essential to recognize sunlight as an essential nutrient for our bodies. Just like any other essential nutrient, a deficiency in sunlight can lead to illness and disease. However, fear has been instilled in us regarding sun exposure, much like with other aspects of nutrition such as meat, fats, and salt. But it's time to challenge these misconceptions and understand the truth about how our bodies are designed to thrive with sunlight.

Historical Perspectives

Reflecting on history, our ancestors didn't have access to sunscreen, sunglasses, or UV-protective clothing. Yet, they spent a considerable amount of time outdoors under the sun, maintaining their health without the widespread prevalence of skin cancer. It's essential to consider their lifestyle habits, which involved discrete sun exposure throughout the day, balanced with protective measures like covering up when necessary.

Understanding Sun Exposure

To understand sun exposure better, we need to explore the concept of the solar callus. Similar to how calluses form on our skin through repeated friction, our bodies can build a tolerance to sun exposure through gradual and intentional exposure. By conditioning our skin and eyes with various light frequencies, we can prepare our bodies to handle sunlight more effectively.

Optimizing Morning and Evening Light

Starting with red and infrared light exposure in the morning or evening serves as a warm-up for our bodies, preparing them for more intense sunlight later in the day. Red and infrared light therapy offers numerous benefits, including promoting skin health, supporting mitochondrial function, and boosting collagen production. By incorporating natural light exposure into our daily routine, we can harness these benefits without relying solely on artificial sources.

Embracing Sunlight Through the Eyes

Contrary to common practices, wearing sunglasses excessively can hinder our body's ability to receive vital sunlight signals through our eyes. Allowing our eyes to adjust to natural light conditions, especially during sunrise and sunset, helps regulate our circadian rhythm and promotes the production of essential hormones like serotonin and melatonin.

The Importance of UVA Light

UVA light plays a crucial role in signaling melanin production, which protects our skin from sunburn. Additionally, UVA exposure contributes to serotonin production, thyroid hormone regulation, and the synthesis of essential neurotransmitters like dopamine. By embracing UVA light, we can enhance our mood, improve cognitive function, and support overall well-being.

Midday UVB Exposure and Vitamin D Synthesis

Midday UVB rays offer the ideal conditions for synthesizing Vitamin D, a vital hormone that regulates various physiological processes in our bodies. By gradually exposing our skin to UVB light and building our solar callus, we can optimize Vitamin D production while minimizing the risk of sunburn and skin damage.

Supporting Sun Exposure with Nutrition

A low-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diet can further enhance our sun tolerance and protect against sunburn. Foods rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential nutrients help fortify our skin's natural defenses, reducing inflammation and supporting overall skin health.

Conclusion: Embracing the Gift of Sunlight

In conclusion, sunlight is not just a source of warmth and illumination – it's a fundamental component of optimal health and well-being. By responsibly building our solar callus and embracing sunlight as a vital nutrient, we can unlock its full potential for health and vitality. Let's celebrate the gift of sunlight and honor the Creator's perfect provision for our bodies.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploring the benefits of sunlight and learning how to harness its power for our health and vitality. If you're interested in diving deeper into these concepts and finding motivation to incorporate them into your daily life, consider joining The Christian Health Club or The School of CHN.

Remember, from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised (Psalm 113:3). Let us embrace the sunlight as a reminder of God's goodness and provision for our well-being.

Thank you for reading, and may you bask in the light of health and vitality!

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Thanks for listening! Have a healthy and blessed week!

XOXO,

Chelsea