The Vitamin D Cure

Why do the dermatologists tell us to stay out of the sun if we need more to make vitamin D?

Public health messages are usually over simplified at first in an effort to gain acceptance. Remember when all fat was bad for you or when all carbohydrates were bad for you. Now we know that there are good fats and bad fats, good carbs and bad carbs. We also know there is healthy sun exposure and unhealthy sun exposure.

Sunburn is unhealthy sun exposure. Healthy sun exposure gradually produces a tan if your skin tone is able to do so. This is your skin responding to increased ultraviolet exposure with more protection. The darker your skin gets the more sun you will need to make vitamin D.

Science tells us that skin cancer of all types is related to sun exposure. It also tells us that somebody with melanoma, the deadly form of skin cancer, is likely to live longer if they have higher vitamin D levels or a history of greater sun exposure. See Chapter 12 The Vitamin D Cure to Treat and Prevent Cancer.