I was listening to the radio when the announcer came on to declare that November was Vitamin D awareness month, and I thought how nice it was for the radio station to prioritize this cause with a commercial.

I was then outraged to find that it was a tanning salon advocating tanning beds as a means to achieve “that youthful glow while supplementing your Vitamin D”.

Initially, thoughts started swirling through my mind about how I should report them or write a heated letter, because I find this type of health washing, or the brainwashing of people about their health, utterly irresponsible.

Young, impressionable people listen to the radio, and they are still of the age where they believe everything they read in the online or hear on the radio. For a company to promote something as damaging as tanning is infuriating.

The dangers of tanning

Tanning is responsible for many instances of skin cancer. Many doctors are now claiming that when you tan, it’s not a matter of IF you will get cancer, but WHEN. And tanning salons have recently come under fire for poor cleaning standards, as tanning beds are a hot bed of bacterial activity. Just think about it – over twenty people will use the same tanning bed in one day, and who really knows how proactive a tanning salon is about cleaning. Their standards aren’t regulated, so it’s really up to them.

By prescribing tanning as a method to get more vitamin D, the company is promoting something that is known to cause cancer. Now, for those who suffer from Seasonal Affected Disorder, a seasonal depression due to lack of sun exposure, otherwise known as S.A.D, tanning isn’t the only means to acquire precious Vitamin D. A light box, for example, which gives off a light that simulates sunshine, is a healthier alternative and doesn’t contribute to instances of cancer.

Other real sources of Vitamin D

Healthier means of Vitamin D are found in the food we eat, and although there aren’t many fruits or vegetables that have high levels of Vitamin D, there are many that are high in calcium such as chia seeds, dark leafy vegetables, flax seeds and of course, oranges.

Calcium is essential for the body to effectively metabolize Vitamin D, with some of the richest sources of of Vitamin D being soymilk and fortified dairy products. When combined in a juice or smoothie, these ingredients completely trump the power of tanning.

Yes, it’s true that tanning is an effective method to acquire Vitamin D, which is even more essential during the winter months, but it would be farfetched to call it a “safe” method.

So don’t believe the hype – tanning is bad for you. And although it gives you a dose of Vitamin D during the winter months, don’t be fooled – using the power of healthy, vitamin-rich food is a healthier means to achieve the amount of Vitamin D that our bodies need to thrive.

Vitamin D can be obtained through natural sun exposure and the body will regulate what you receive.  There are a few foods where vitamin D can be found.  Oily fish and eggs are a couple.  Another way is through taking vitamin D3.  What I’ve read about this is, you would need to have your levels tested because you can overdose on this.  You should check with your doctor if you choose this path.  You should also check with your primary care physician if you have had any melanoma or history of skin disorders in your family.  Another way to get your vitamin D is through a tanning bed that uses UV-B rays.  Me?  I’m not a fan of those beds.  I am of the belief that just like anything else, sun exposure is ok in moderation.  I wear sun screen on my face always.  Getting older and my Italian skin is prone to aging these days.

It doesn’t take long in the sun to get your daily requirement. Most sites are saying 15 minutes.  Any time after that amount, consider yourself unprotected and at risk of eye damage, cancer, immune system problems, especially children.  They are out in the sun for long periods of time.  Check the expiration date on your sunscreen.  What about a base tan?  A base tan may cause you to stay in the sun longer, thinking you won’t burn.  I’m going back to moderate exposure.

I’m always surprised how the sun goes through clothing!  UV rays will go through cotton.  So don’t just put a t-shirt on your child.  Get them in the shade.  Here’s something I just found out…..SPF factor (sun protection factor) describes how long a product will protect your skin, not how much more UV radiation it will block.  Read the directions and reapply as directed.  Fair skin people will begin to burn in 15 minutes.  My daughter is VERY fair skinned and she has burned a couple of times.  Tanning and burning injures the skin.  The UV damage to the deep layers will build up from every tan and burn.

In closing, if you have had any skin cancer, please follow your doctor’s advice.  Even if you are in your car during the peak hours, apply sun screen.  Everything in moderation.

It’s SUMMER!  Be safe and have fun.

In trying to discover what causes allergies we’re met with a void of substantial information from conventional medicine.  Although no one knows with absolute certainty the reasons for them, the holistic approach would suggest that seasonal allergies come about because of a hypersensitive nervous system and a dysfunctional immune system. Any sub-optimal lifestyle—poor stress management, lack of rest, poor food choices, and regular exposure to toxins—can gradually create both a hypersensitive nervous system and a dysfunctional immune system in people who are already genetically susceptible.

Obviously we all love the immediate results provided by over-the-counter solutions but what these do for us long term is create a less healthy and less resilient immune system not to mention they do absolutely nothing for our life as a whole.  As with all holistic treatment, addressing allergies in this way can result in positive effects outside the mere relief of symptoms.  In addition to a healthy diet of whole foods, exercise, a full night’s sleep and a healthy meditation or spiritual practice, below are a few suggestions to tackle the allergy problem specifically.

1. Deep massage focusing on acupressure points related to the spleen, the large intestines and the liver

2. Vitamin D – 800 IU per day maximum

3. A high quality Probiotic (friendly intestinal bacteria).

4. Avoidance of all sources of MSG and Artificial Sweeteners.

5. A JUICE FAST to remove the toxins stored in your tissues, particularly from the insulating sheath that surrounds your nervous system.  Use the Healthy Juicer Electric for best results!

We love the blooming of Spring but we don’t always enjoy the consequences.

Be well,

JuicyJosh