Health Benefits of Sunlight Exposure

Most public health messages of the past century have focused on the hazards of too much sun exposure. Long wave ultraviolet radiation (95–97% of the UVR that reaches Earth’s surface) penetrates deeply into the skin, where it can contribute to skin cancer indirectly via generation of DNA-damaging molecules such as hydroxyl and oxygen radicals. Sunburn is caused by too much UVB radiation; this form also leads to direct DNA damage and promotes various skin cancers. Both forms can damage collagen fibers, destroy vitamin A in skin, accelerate aging of the skin, and increase the risk of skin cancers. Excessive sun exposure can also cause cataracts and diseases aggravated by UVR-induced immunosuppression such as reactivation of some latent viruses.

Positive Effects of the Sun

Vitamin D production

The best-known benefit of sunlight is its ability to boost the body’s vitamin D supply; most cases of vitamin D deficiency are due to lack of outdoor sun exposure. At least 1,000 different genes governing virtually every tissue in the body are now thought to be regulated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25[OH]D), the active form of the vitamin, including several involved in calcium metabolism and neuromuscular and immune system functioning.

Although most of the health-promoting benefits of sun exposure are thought to occur through vitamin D photosynthesis, there may be other health benefits that have gone largely overlooked in the debate over how much sun is needed for good health [see “Other Sun-Dependent Pathways,” p. A165]. As for what constitutes “excessive” UVR exposure, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, says Lucas: “‘Excessive’ really means inappropriately high for your skin type under a particular level of ambient UVR.”

Enhances Your Mood

Dr. Carey Bligard, MD, UnityPoint Health says there are many benefits from sunlight, including that it is a free mood enhancer. Being in the sun can make people feel better and have more energy. Sunlight increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is associated with improved mood. Not surprisingly, serotonin levels are highest in the summer.

Treats Seasonal Depression (commonly referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder)

In certain people, the lack of sunlight in the winter seems to trigger depression. Symptoms include bad moods, difficulty making and keeping friends, overeating, tiredness and sleeping too much. Seasonal depression, formerly known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, is rare in the warmer months.

Relieves Stress

Everyone experiences stress for various factors, such as family, work and health issues. Dr. Bligard says stress can be relieved in a variety of ways, including exercise, having relaxing hobbies, walking the dog or by getting out in the fresh air for a little sun exposure.

Improves Sleep

Sunlight exposure impacts how much melatonin your brain produces, which is what tells your brain when it is time to sleep. When it gets dark, you start producing melatonin so you are ready to sleep in about two hours. With more sunlight in the summer, you are likely to feel more awake. Dr. Bligard points out that modern technology has allowed us to change our light exposure artificially with lights, TV screens and computer screens (including tablets and cell phones). Consequently, the incidence of insomnia is much higher now than it was before these devices were invented.

Protection from the Sun

Much of the damage to our skin caused by sun exposure can be prevented. Sunscreen must be applied 20 minutes before going out in the sun and should be reapplied after two hours in the sun and after swimming or heavy sweating. You can also protect yourself with UV filtering sunglasses, long sleeves or a brimmed hat. If you are going to be outside for long periods, sit under a cover of a building, an umbrella or a tree that has dense shade underneath.

What you should know about Vitamin C

Vitamin C also known as Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin found in many foods particularly fruits and vegetables. It is called a water-soluble vitamin because it dissolves easily in water and, in general, readily excreted from the body, hence because they are not readily stored, more consistent intake is important. The foods rich in vitamin C include broccoli, cantaloupe, orange juice, papaya, red, green or yellow pepper, sweet potato, strawberries and tomatoes.

Evidence does not support its use for prevention of common cold, however some evidence suggests that regular use may shorten the length of colds. Just as explained in the study of a researcher Mark Moyad, MD, MDH of the University of Michigan “There is a good evidence taking vitamin C for colds and flu can reduce the risk of developing further complications such as; pneumonia and lung infection” says Moyad. Also, a recent study showed vitamin C was beneficial to individuals whose immune system was weakened due to stress, a condition which is very common in our society.

Other benefits of vitamin C include its antioxidant properties which aid in skin regeneration process which help our body to repair damaged skin cells.https://www.allure.com/story/vitamin-c-beskinnefits-for-

It is also used to treat and prevent scurvy, a disease resulting from deficiency of vitamin C characterized by spots on and bleeding under the skin, spongy gums and poor wound healing. It also encourages production of white blood cells, collagen and connective tissue synthesis. Vitamin C is easily absorbed in food and in pill form, and can enhance the absorption of iron when the two are eaten together.

Cosmetics: Complex Mixtures and Complex Regulations

The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics act defines a cosmetic as anything applied directly to a human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering the appearance without affecting the body structure and function. According to this definition, mixtures as diverse as a modern roll-on deodorant and henna, a colored plant extract used in ancient times as well as today to dye hair, are classified as cosmetics. However, it is interesting to note that according to Federal, Food and Drugs act, soap is not legally considered to be a cosmetic.

The sale of a cosmetics in many countries is regulated by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) but the regulatory requirements are regulated by Fair Packaging and Labelling Act. This act require that every cosmetic product must be labelled with the list of ingredients in order of decreasing quantity. For example, many skin products contain water than any other ingredient so, water is labelled first.

Any cosmetic product that is designed to treat and prevent disease, or otherwise affect the structure or function of a human body is regulated as both a drug and a cosmetic, and must meet the labelling requirement for both. Some well-known examples of these products are; dandruff shampoo, fluoride toothpaste and deodorants.

Chemistry: Center of it all.

Chemistry is often referred to as the “central science” because it serves as a necessary foundation for many other scientific disciplines. Regardless of which scientific field you are interested in, every single substance you will discuss or work with is made up of chemicals. Also, many processes important to those fields will be based on an understanding of chemistry.

Chemistry is the foundation for many other scientific disciplines, like Health science Nutrition, Microbiology, Physiology, Botany etc

We also consider chemistry a central science because of its crucial role in responding to the needs of society. We use chemistry to discover new processes, develop new sources of energy, produce new products and materials, provide more food, and ensure better health.

Do you know the role of diet in peptic ulcer disease?

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD), which includes ulcer formation in the stomach or the duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine) and is the leading reason for gastrointestinal surgery. Since PUD affects your digestive tract, it makes sense that what you eat on a daily basis should impact the development of ulcer disease. However, direct associations between what many people believe to be ulcer-causing components of the diet and the development of PUD are surprisingly limited and inconsistent. Large observational studies have not established a direct link between the intake of alcohol, caffeine, or spicy foods and ulcer formation. This is true despite the fact that alcohol and caffeine are known to stimulate gastric acid secretion, which in turn makes ulcer symptoms worse and interferes with ulcer healing. Research over the past few decades has found that 80–90% of peptic ulcers are actually caused by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). So, while diet might play a role, particularly in terms of ulcer healing, H. pylori infection is the primary cause of PUD. Milk, which many people still mistakenly believe protects against or even helps to treat PUD, might actually increase its severity by causing an increase in acid secretion and masking ulcer symptoms. Masked symptoms allow the disease to progress without treatment.

 On the other hand, fermented milk products, including yogurt and cheese, have been associated with a reduction in PUD, possibly due to their antimicrobial properties. Research shows that probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, inhibit the growth of the H. pylori. These probiotic strains have also been shown to improve the effectiveness of treatment for H. pylori infection. In the past, fiber consumption was discouraged for patients with PUD. Current research suggests that soluble fiber might actually play a protective role. In a large prospective study, those with the highest intakes of soluble fiber, particularly fiber from legumes, including beans, tofu, peanut butter, and nuts, had a 50% lower incidence of duodenal ulcer compared to those consuming the least amount of soluble fiber. Vegetable fiber and vitamin A intake also appear to exert a protective effect. Conversely, higher intakes of refined grains (which are lower in fiber) and refined sugar have been associated with a higher risk of duodenal ulcer disease. Polyphenols, plant-based nutrients that play a role in decreasing the risk of numerous diseases, also appear to play an important role in ulcer prevention.

 Animal studies have shown that several different polyphenols help prevent PUD by increasing the formation of gut-protecting mucus; decreasing acid secretion; inhibiting the growth of H. pylori; and acting as powerful antioxidants, which help protect the lining of the gut.

 Promising research in rats has shown a potential beneficial effect of numerous polyphenol-rich plant compounds, including ginger, fennel, and olive leaf extract. Smoking has been strongly associated with the incidence of PUD through numerous mechanisms. On the other hand, physical activity has been shown to decrease the risk of duodenal ulcer. So, the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, including a diet containing a variety of fruits and vegetables, plenty of soluble fiber, and fermented dairy products with limited added sugar; not smoking; and exercising regularly can play a significant role in the prevention of ulcer disease.

Did you know that GERD is not just a heartburn?

The medical name of the acid reflux disease is gastroesophageal reflux disease which is often abbreviated ad GERD. It’s often mistaken for occasional heartburn. It occurs when stomach acid or bile irritates the food pipe lining located just above the stomach. When operating normally, this muscle relaxes and opens allowing food to pass down into the stomach from the esophagus, then contracts to close the opening and the stomach acidic content and bile from backing up into the esophagus.

When food pipe lining relaxes at appropriate time, the acidic contents gets into the esophagus and cause burning chest pain called heartburn, when it occurs repeatedly and frequent the acid can also erode the food pipe lining of esophagus. GERD is a complex condition ranging from frequent heartburn symptoms to erosive esophagitis, in which the esophagus can suffer different degrees of damage. In extreme occurrence ulcers develop in the esophagus and lead to esophageal bleeding which can in turn can cause iron deficiency, anemia, weight loss as well as extreme pain. In severe cases GERD can cause a serious medical condition that may need surgery to correct.

The main common symptoms of GERD for adults are an acidic taste in the mouth, regurgitation, and heartburn. Less common symptoms include pain with swallowing or sore throat, increased salivation (also known as water brash), nausea, chest pain and coughing. GERD may be difficult to detect in infants and children, since they cannot describe what they are feeling and indicators must be observed. Symptoms may vary from typical adult symptoms. GERD in children may cause repeated vomiting, effortless spitting up, coughing, and other respiratory problems.   

Doctors recommend change of lifestyle and dietary changes to GERD patients, including foods that weaken lower esophageal sphincter and stimulate gastric acid secretion such food include; chocolate, peppermint, beverages caffeine, acidic fruits and juices as well as spicy foods. Change of lifestyle include not lying down for three hours after eating, raising the head of the bed, losing weight, avoiding foods that result in symptoms and stopping smoking. Some evidence suggests that reducing sugar intake and increased fiber intake can help. The primary medications used for GERD are proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole followed by hydrogen gas inhibitor and antacids.

Do temperature changes affect our body function?

The human body has the ability to maintain its temperature despite the changes of the surrounding temperature. Because of this characteristic, humans are classified as warm-blooded. However our body temperature varies in range depending on sex, age, time of the day, exertion level, health status (such as illness and mensturation ), what part of the body the measurement is taken at, state of consciousness  ( sleeping, waking, sedated), and emotions. Human body temperature is kept in normal range by thermoregulation in which adjustment of temperature is triggered by the central nervous system.
Human body temperature on normal condition is considered to be 37.0°C when measured orally, but this normal value can fluctuate to 36.1°C when one just woke up in the morning to higher value of 37.2°C just before bedtime in the evening.
Hypothermia occurs when one’s body temperature drops to dangerously low levels. As a result the body temperature decreases and at 28.5°C the afflicted person appears pale and might have irregular heartbeat, unconsciousness normally occur when the body temperature gets lower than 26.7°C. at these temperature respiration also slows and become shallow  resulting to decrease in the delivery of oxygen to body tissues.

However no person always has exactly the same temperature at every moment of the day. Temperature cycles regularly up and down through the day controlled by the person’ circadian rhythm.  

In addition to this variation, our body fluctuates in response to the extremes of the surrounding. Foristance when temperature rise, the body reacts by increasing blood flow to the skin surface , taking the heat from within the body to the surface , this means sweat. As the sweat evaporates the body cools down. Body temperature more than 3.5°C above normal begin to interfere with bodily functions. Body temperature above 41.1°C can cause hyperthermia which are several conditions that occur when one’s heat regulation can’t handle the heat of the surrounding, and it can cause permernent brain damage especially to children.