Introduction:
When a person thinks about sunlight, that person may focus on the harm sunlight or sun rays can do to the human body. When a human body is exposed to sunlight in an excessive amount, it may cause various problems like sunburn. Excess sun exposure may also lead to an increased risk of skin cancer. Too much sunlight may harm the tissues in the eye. Excessive sun exposure should be avoided because of various drawbacks to receiving too much sunlight.
In contrast, receiving sunlight in sufficient amounts, especially in the early morning from the early morning sun, can be very beneficial to the human body. Vitamin D is liable for keeping some of the important functions of the body maintained. It has its traditional share in bone homeostasis and calcium. Deficiency in vitamin D is associated with increased autoimmunity as well as raised susceptibility to infection. The immune system defends the body from foreign bodies, invading organisms, stimulating protective immunity while maintaining tolerance to self. The main source of vitamin D is sunlight, and enough sunlight exposure can maintain vitamin D levels in the body.
Why Is Sunlight Essential for the Human Body?
Sunlight is an important factor in the development and preservation of nature. Its importance is not just confined to the plants and animals or keeping the environmental changes in rhythm. Sunlight is vital for keeping the human body healthy too. When sunlight is received in a sufficient amount, then there are many benefits of it. Sunlight is a source of Vitamin D. People can also obtain vitamin D from diet and supplements, although sunlight is an important source of this essential nutrient. Vitamin D is crucial for key biological processes to take place in the body. The biological processes such as:
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Managing calcium levels.
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Supporting healthy bones.
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Maintaining glucose metabolism.
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Strengthening immunity.
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Reducing the inflammation.
Scientists have studied a connection between exposure to the sun and lower blood pressure levels, with decreased death rates from cardiovascular issues. They indicate that exposure to sunlight activates the skin to release stores of nitrogen oxides, which dilate the arteries, lowering blood pressure, and may reduce the impact of metabolic syndrome. Sunlight is known to support better sleep and set people’s circadian rhythms by regulating the levels of melatonin and serotonin. One of these benefits is that exposure to UVB (ultraviolet B radiation) rays induces human skin to create beta-endorphins, hormones that alleviate pain. Sunlight exposure in healthy amounts also facilitates the prevention of depression.
What Is Influenza?
Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection generated by influenza viruses that spread in all parts of the world. There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B viruses cause and spread seasonal epidemics of disease. Seasonal influenza is denoted by a sudden onset of fever, usually dry cough, muscle and joint pain, headache, severe feeling of unwell, sore throat, and a runny nose. The cough can be severe and can last for two or more weeks. Most people recuperate from fever and other symptoms within a week without needing medical attention. But influenza can cause severe or fatal illnesses, especially in high-risk people. People at risk of severe disease or complications when infected are pregnant women, children under 60 months, elderly people, individuals with chronic medical conditions such as chronic cardiac, pulmonary, renal, neurodevelopmental, renal, liver, or hematologic diseases, and individuals with immunosuppressive conditions like human immunodeficiency virus, people undergoing chemotherapy or currently on steroids, or suffering from malignancies. Healthcare workers are at high risk of contracting influenza virus infection due to rising exposure to patients and the risk of further spread, mainly to vulnerable individuals.
How Can Sunlight Protect Against Influenza?
Some recent medical literature implies that taking vitamin D supplements shields against acute respiratory tract infection. Influenza is a kind of viral respiratory infection. The more comprehensive medical literature studied the relationship between sunlight and flu. It studies many of the biological pathways by which vitamin D can help against influenza, including the reduction of the production of cytokines and the associated inflammation. Sunlight exposure in a sufficient amount may help reinforce immunity. Strengthening immunity can help fight back with viral interventions. The vitamin D receptor is described in immune cells like B cells, T cells, and antigen-presenting cells, and these immunologic cells are skilled in synthesizing the active vitamin D metabolite. Vitamin D can act in an autocrine manner in a local immunologic milieu. Vitamin D can balance and manages innate and adaptive immune responses. Deficiency of vitamin D is related to overactive autoimmunity as well as raised susceptibility to infection. If a person has a stronger immune system, then the body has the potential to eradicate any kind of infection occurring in any part of the body.
What Are the Other Ways to Naturally Cure Influenza?
Sunlight can help cure influenza, but there are other natural ways in which symptoms of influenza can be relieved. Some of the ways to tackle influenza symptoms naturally are given below:
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Salt-water rinsing helps relieve nasal congestion. It also helps in removing virus particles and bacteria from the nose.
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Staying warm and resting when the person first comes down with a cold or the flu helps the body direct its energy toward the immune battle.
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Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary relief. Gargle with some salt dissolved in warm water three to four times daily.
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Drinking hot liquids reduce nasal congestion, prevents dehydration, and soothes the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat.
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One should eat immunity-boosting foods like bananas, carrots, etc., and drink black or green tea.
Conclusion:
In various places, it is better to get vaccinated to avoid infection from influenza. Naturally, sunlight is the best way to prevent contracting infections like influenza. Sunlight induces the production of vitamin D, which eventually strengthens immunity. Strong immunity helps the body fight against various invading viruses, bacteria, or pathogens. Receiving sunlight in sufficient amounts has many benefits, as mentioned in the article and recent research. It is observed that it helps prevent the ill effects of many viruses.
