THE 8 LAWS OF HEALTH

SUNSHINE

   SUNSHINE

AND God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day." Genesis 1:14-19

 Every living thing in our world is dependent on sunlight. Without sunlight nothing would live. the following discoveries show the benefits derived from the sun: It lowers blood sugar and blood pressure; it lowers cholesterol by converting it to vitamin D; it utilizes calcium and phosphorus; it increases red blood cells; it increases white blood cells; it strengthens the immune system; it calms the nerves and increases adrenaline; it destroys germs on the skin; it reverses jaundice; it increases circulation; and it helps eliminate pesticides and other chemicals from the system.

 Ecclesiastes 11:7 “Truly the light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun"

“Pure air, good water, sunshine, the beautiful surroundings of nature...these are God's means for restoring the sick to health." -- Ellen G. White, Testimonies, Vol. 7, p. 85
"As the flower turns to the sun, that the bright beams may aid in perfecting its beauty and symmetry, so should we turn to the Sun of Righteousness, that Heaven's light may shine upon us, that our character may be developed in to the likeness of Christ." -- Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 68

Almost all of the food we eat depends upon sunlight to grow. In fact, the energy our bodies receive from the food we eat is, in a sense, solar energy that the plant has stored in the form of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.

The ultraviolet rays are antiseptic and are capable of killing bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeasts, molds, and mites in air and water, and on surfaces. Even reflected light from north windows can destroy bacteria in the dust on window sills and floors. Since most window glass filters about 95 per cent of the ultraviolet rays, it would be well if they could be opened and the curtains pulled back for a period of time each day. Ultraviolet light also kills germs on our skin. This makes sunbathing a useful treatment for many skin diseases, such as diaper rash, athlete's foot, psoriasis, acne, boils, or impetigo.

Sunlight also toughens and thickens the skin, making it less susceptible to injury and infection. Regular, controlled, moderate exposure to sunlight, instead of damaging the skin and aging it, actually protects the skin by building up a natural resistance to the harmful effects of ultraviolet light, while giving it a nice velvety texture. Later on we will discuss some precautions, but first, more benefits.

Ultraviolet light converts cholesterol in the skin to vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for the proper handling of calcium in the body and thus in the prevention of rickets and adult osteomalacia. Vitamin D is also added to some of the food we eat. It might be possible to get too much of the vitamin this way; but not when we get it from sunlight, since the body makes only what we need. Getting out in the sun, therefore, is a good way to lower cholesterol levels in our bodies. If we expose six square inches of our skin to direct sunlight for one hour per day, we will obtain our minimum daily requirement for vitamin D.

Sunlight helps to regulate almost all our bodily processes. Starting from the top (our minds) and working down, sunlight has been shown to increase our sense of well-being and to improve sleep. Ultraviolet light coming into our eyes stimulates the pineal gland, which helps to regulate our activity cycles. It has been said, "Dark nights and bright days will help keep the hormones in the body functioning properly." In one experiment hyperactivity in school children was decreased when the classroom's fluorescent lights were changed to full spectrum lighting. Thyroid function may improve. Hormone imbalances tend to level out.

Resting heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rates are all decreased after a sunbath. This result is especially true if any of them were high to begin with. Blood sugar levels can be stabilized. (Note: Diabetics must use extra caution in the sun, as they are at greater risk of permanent injury from sunburn.)

Sunlight stimulates the production of more red blood cells, increasing the oxygen content of the blood, and thus increasing muscular endurance. It also stimulates production of more white blood cells and enhances oxygen utilization, which helps the body maintain its defense against disease. While certain skin cancers are associated with exposure to sunlight, the incidence of some of the more serious internal cancers seems to decrease.

Appetite may be improved, along with our assimilation, elimination, and metabolic processes. Poisonous chemicals and heavy metals are removed from the bloodstream faster, while levels of healthy trace minerals are actually increased in the blood. Muscular strength has been increased, even in those unable to exercise. Sunlight has even been found helpful in the treatment of stomach ulcers.

As with most good things, there are some precautions to consider. The main concern is that of burning the skin. Normally, invisible pigment in the inner layer of the skin is converted to melanin, a much darker pigment that tends to reflect the sun's rays. But this process takes time. Blue-eyed blondes and red-haired people are not as adept at this, and these are the very ones who tend to burn easiest. The amount of natural pigment in the skin is the most important factor.

 For this reason Blacks have only about 20 percent as much skin cancer as Whites. For this same reason they also have more rickets, due to a lessened vitamin D production.

The amount of tan acquired from previous exposure is a factor, too. A good tan may screen out up to 90 percent of the burning rays. Also, there are persons who for some reason are supersensitive to even a brief exposure to the sun. Some drugs, deodorants, soaps, cosmetics, and beverage alcohol can sensitize the skin to sunlight, making it more sensitive.

FATS, OILS, AND SUNSHINE-

 You have no doubt heard the propaganda that sunshine is harmful and can cause cancer. Well it is partly true- but if our diets were free from unnatural fats- we would find cancer of the skin to be very rare indeed.

You see it is the action of the sun on all these TRANS fatty acids and hydrogenated fats in our skin that causes the mutations that lead to skin cancer.

Eliminate fried foods- (learn better ways to cook and you won’t miss them) eliminate vegetable oils, and shortenings, margarine, and foods containing them.  You will be surprised to find out that if you were a person who sunburns easily, after a while you will be no longer .

Toxic Oils-  Cotton seed oil- due to high amount of pesticides present in the crop, but also contains toxic fatty acids.

Canola, Rape and Mustard seed oils contain toxic fatty acids and there is oil called bromilated oil used in bottled fruit juices to prevent ‘ring around the collar’. These are not listed on the label and are very toxic. The use of these is outlawed in some countries and they are harmful to thyroid, heart, kidney and liver. Peanut oil is best avoided as well.

Saturated fats like butter are less harmful as the body can use them fairly easily for fuel but even they should be used sparingly.  Animal fats have the additional problem of contamination with pesticide, disease factors and chemical residues from the animal.  The actual fat on meat was always forbidden to be used for food in the Bible.  When referring to animal fat- I mean butter.

If you use a lot of processed and pre-prepared foods, you will not be able to eliminate a lot of  harmful fats and oils so it is better to learn to prepare simple, fresh foods yourself so you know what you are eating. Better yet, eat as much as you can raw. For ‘Fast Foods’ you can’t beat raw fruit!

For details on this subject- read the book- ‘Fats and Oils’ by Udo Erasmus.

. An abundance of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in the diet provides substances that help to prevent the formation of free radicals and protect against their harmful effects, and are thus important in order for the body to properly handle exposure to sunlight.

Overheating can lead to heat exhaustion or sunstroke. How can we best use sunlight to obtain the benefits while minimizing the risks? The first rule is tan, don't burn. Take into consideration the time of year and the hour of the day. As the sun moves more directly overhead, its intensity increases.

When sunbathing, unaccustomed persons should plan their exposures, keeping them short at first (2 minutes per side) and gradually increasing the duration and frequency of exposure. Any color change in the skin beyond the slightly pink stage is a sign you have overdone it. The therapeutic effects occur just below the level of turning red. Remember that it takes time for skin color to change. Get out of the sun before you turn pink. If you don't, it may be too late. Also the benefits are enhanced with shorter, more frequent exposures.

When you've decided that you have had enough sun, the best sunscreen to wear is clothing.  Creams or oils are not necessary when sunbathing,. Clean, dry skin is best for sunbathing. Opaque ointments like zinc oxide are the best for total blockage to susceptible areas like the nose, and they do not wash off in water like other screens that usually need to be reapplied.

A helpful motto to remember when sunbathing is "Not too much-as often as possible." Combine productive exercise in the fresh air and sunshine for a really healthful trio.

The Scriptures declare, "'Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun." Ecclesiastes 11:7

Our Saviour, God's Son, can be compared with the sun and all of its benefits. As we see the sun in the sky above, let us also remember that "unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings." Malachi 4:2