Can Sun Rays Prevent Multiple Sclerosis

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by: SaraJuliRobinson
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Word Count: 565
Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2011 Time: 12:47 PM
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For the last few decades we have talked about little else other than why you should stay away from sunlight. We've recognized exactly how real a risk skin cancer can be and are doing everything we can think of to prevent it from happening. We slather on layers and layers of the greatest SPF sunscreens that we can buy. We wear gigantic hats. We don long pants along with sleeves even during the hottest months of the year. We do our best to keep only in the shady areas--some have even started holding parasols and umbrellas all around so that their skin never comes into contact with direct sunlight. Now we're learning that the sun's rays can sometimes be beneficial! Can you really be helped by the sun?

A new study has been done and it demonstrates that people who allow some time in direct sunshine aren't as likely to get MS as the people who do everything they can to keep out of the sun. At the onset, the study was a lot more about Vitamin D and it's influences on Multiple Sclerosis. Eventually it started to be apparent, however, that it was the Vitamin D our bodies generate as a response to exposure to the sun's rays that seems to be at the root of the issue.

It has been known for some time that the sunlight and Vitamin D can be used to hinder the abnormal immune system workings that are thought to contribute to MS. This specific study, though, is targeted on how sunshine affects the people who are starting to experience the very earliest of MS symptoms. This study is trying to figure out the effects of Vitamin D and sunlight on the precursory symptoms of the disease.

Unfortunately, there are not all that many approaches to really quantify the study's theory. The study really wants to demonstrate whether or not exposure to the sunlight can actually prevent MS. Unfortunately, the scientists found out, the only way to that is to monitor people over the course of their lives. This is the only way to properly evaluate the currently existent levels of Vitamin D in a person's blood before the symptoms of MS start to show themselves. The way it is currently, individuals who get typical exposure to the sun appear to experience fewer symptoms of MS than those who live in colder or darker climates--which isn't new news.

The fact that the risk of developing skin cancer increases proportionally to the amount of time you spend in direct sunlight (without protection) is also a problem. So, in an attempt to stave off one disorder, you could be causing yourself to produce a different one. Of course, if you ever catch skin cancer early on enough you are a lot more likely to cure it. MS even now has no cure.

So should you get more sun to prevent MS from setting in? Your physician may help you determine whether or not this is a plan for you. Your health care provider will explore your current state of wellness, your health history and even into your genetics to help you figure out if you even sit at risk for the disease at all. From there your doctor can help you determine the best ways to keep the disease at bay.

About the Author

While Saras knowledge is helping men and women eliminate tummy fat she loves to help bring awareness to Multiple Sclerosis.