Benefits of Sunlight: A Bright Spot for Human Health 9

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How else is sunlight used in the human body?  Numerous chemicals, enzymnes, and hormones are created from the sunlight.  The sun’s UVA and UVB light improves immunity.  Hormones in the skin are created with sunlight.  Numerous brain chemicals and endorphines are released during sunlight exposure.  Learn about the other sun-dependent pathways in the body in part 9 of Benefits of Sunlight.

Benefits of Sunlight: A Bright Spot for Human Health

M. Nathaniel Mead
Other Sun-Dependent Pathways

The sun may be best known for boosting production of vitamin D, but there are many other UVR-mediated effects independent of this pathway.

Direct immune suppression. Exposure to both UVA and UVB radiation can have direct immunosuppressive effects through upregulation of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-10) and increased activity of T regulatory cells that remove self-reactive T cells. These mechanisms may help prevent autoimmune diseases.

Alpha melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Upon exposure to sunshine, melanocytes and keratinocytes in the skin release α-MSH, which has been implicated in immunologic tolerance and suppression of contact hypersensitivity. α-MSH also helps limit oxidative DNA damage resulting from UVR and increases gene repair, thus reducing melanoma risk, as reported 15 May 2005 in Cancer Research.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Released in response to both UVA and UVB exposure, this potent neuropeptide modulates a number of cytokines and is linked with impaired induction of immunity and the development of immunologic tolerance. According to a report in the September 2007 issue ofPhotochemistry and Photobiology, mast cells (which mediate hypersensitivity reactions) play a critical role in CGRP-mediated immune suppression. This could help explain sunlight’s efficacy in treating skin disorders such as psoriasis.

Neuropeptide substance P. Along with CGRP, this neuropeptide is released from sensory nerve fibers in the skin following UVR exposure. This results in increased lymphocyte proliferation and chemotaxis (chemically mediated movement) but may also produce local immune suppression.

Endorphins. UVR increases blood levels of natural opiates called endorphins. Melanocytes in human skin express a fully functioning endorphin receptor system, according to the June 2003 Journal of Investigative Dermatology, and a study published 24 November 2005 in Molecular and Cellular Endocrinologysuggests that the cutaneous pigmentary system is an important stress-response element of the skin.

Source: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2290997http://www.scribd.com/doc/6480898/Benefits-of-Sunlight-A-Bright-Spot-for-Human-Health<

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One Comment

tltandr said:

on October 16th, 2009

It is ALL THE WORK OF SUNBIOPHOTON ENTERING OUR EYES DURING SUNGAZING during sunrise and not exceeding 7 a.m. and INDIRECT SUNLIGHT DURING DAYTIME. BUT CERTAINLY NOT DUE TO EXPOSURE OF UV SUNLIGHT WHICH IS CARCINOGENIC.
After entering our eyes and reaching our retina the biophoton reacts to to our whole bdy DNA and exerts to our ENDOCRINE PRODUCTION IN WELL BALANCE.not just the hormone vit.D

DR TAN tjiauw liat

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This website is dedicated to the free discemination of information on the healing powers of the Sun and the spiritual practices of Sun Gazing and Surya (Sun) Yoga. All information is given in the spirit of the Sun, whom shares its Light and Love without restriction. May all of humanity benefit from the enlightening energy of the Sun and the wisdom of all beings who share in this service of Sun Yoga.


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