Like plants, you need sunlight to thrive, as your body has a biological mechanism that transforms sunlight into cellular energy. When the sun's rays touch your skin, your body captures the red and near-infrared light and converts it into electrons. These electrons feed the electron transport chain, allowing your mitochondria—the energy power plants inside your cells—to create ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a form of energy.
"Getting optimal sun exposure is one of the cornerstones of health, particularly in optimizing your cellular energy. Besides exposing you to beneficial red and near-infrared light contributing to cellular energy production, sunlight also helps optimize your vitamin D levels and melatonin production. This aids in anchoring your circadian rhythm, helping you sleep better at night," says Dr. Joseph Mercola. He adds, "The key is to restore that cellular energy, and one way to do this is through the sun."
Dr. Mercola recommends grounding yourself to the earth and using methylene blue to help eliminate excessive electrons that may have accumulated in your mitochondria.
Unfortunately, a significant portion of the population isn't receiving enough sun exposure. It's important to have your Vitamin D levels checked at least twice a year.
Are you afraid of being in the sun? Did you know that this fear may not be supported by science? Holistic doctors believe that the benefits of sunlight greatly outweigh the risks, as vitamin D is essential for a robust immune system. However, avoiding sunburn is crucial!
Remember to choose your time for sun exposure wisely: aim for before 11:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m.