Just like your body has requirements for water and calories, it also has a daily requirement for sun. A leading doctor is framing Vitamin D not just as a nutrient, but as the product of a vital interaction with our environment, and is outlining what that daily sun requirement looks like.
The expert explains that this requirement is based on our body’s need for the hormone Vitamin D, which it can only produce efficiently with sun exposure. This hormone is non-negotiable for regulating our genes, immunity, and mood.
The prescription for meeting this requirement is 10 to 30 minutes of midday sun exposure on uncovered arms and legs. This duration allows the skin to synthesize a potent 1,000 to 2,000 IU, effectively meeting your body’s daily needs.
Failing to meet this requirement can lead to a deficiency, which often manifests as a general decline in well-being, including fatigue and increased susceptibility to illness. It’s a sign that a fundamental environmental need is not being met.
While dietary sources and supplements can play a supporting role, they cannot replace this fundamental requirement. The physician stresses that fulfilling your daily sun quota is the most natural and effective way to ensure your body has the hormonal tools it needs for optimal health.