Sunbathing is essential to combat vitamin D deficiency during the winter. Experts say that mild sunlight between 7 and 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is most beneficial. Strong sunlight and midday sunshine should be avoided.
Vitamin D in winter: Nowadays, poor diets lead to deficiencies in many nutrients. The most common is vitamin D deficiency. This problem is seen in people of all ages, from children to adults. It has adverse effects on health. Vitamin D deficiency can cause bone and muscle pain, weakness, and fatigue. Hair loss, mood swings, and depression can also occur. Vitamin D deficiency in children can also lead to problems like rickets.
To overcome vitamin D deficiency, it's recommended to include vitamin D-rich foods in your diet or to sunbathe, as sunlight helps the skin produce vitamin D. But when is the best time to sunbathe? Let's find out.
Sunbathe
Sunbathing is considered essential to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D in the body. Many people spend entire winter afternoons sunbathing on the terrace. However, the sun's UV rays can harm the skin. Therefore, even during this season, you should sunbathe at the right time to help your body produce vitamin D. In summer, the sun rises early in the morning, but in winter, the day begins later. So, when can sunbathing be beneficial?
It is best to sunbathe between 7 and 8 am.
Ayurveda experts said that sunbathing is considered best between 7 and 8 in the morning. However, due to cold weather or fog, the sun is not visible early. In such a situation, sunbathing can also be done at 10 in the morning. However, sitting in strong and intense sunlight is not beneficial, because the UV rays can harm your health and skin. The sun is strongest between 12 and 3 in the afternoon; hence you should avoid sunbathing during this time. You can sunbathe at 4 in the evening, because the sun rays are less intense at this time.
Always include foods rich in vitamin D in your diet, such as milk, yogurt, mushrooms, spinach, okra, broccoli, and sweet potatoes. Even 15 to 20 minutes of sun exposure daily helps better absorb the nutrients in these foods, especially vitamin D.
Keep these things in mind
Mild sunlight between 9 and 11 a.m. is considered best. Avoid exposure to strong sunlight. A maximum of 15 to 30 minutes of sun exposure is considered optimal. Prolonged sun exposure can cause tanning or dryness. Cover your head, ears, and feet to protect yourself from cold winds. Apply sunscreen if you sit for long periods. UV rays are present even in winter.
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