Contemporary debate over the best way to achieve healthy levels of vitamin D has focussed primarily on pro and anti-sunbathing claims, but now spas are using new technology to provide "sunlight therapy" as a safe, authentic and pleasurable alternative.
Vitamin D is acknowledged to be essential for healthy bones, but recent research has also linked vitamin D deficiency with a greater risk of serious diseases such as bowel cancer, multiple sclerosis and diabetes. Furthermore, it is suggested that survival rates for many illnesses are greater in sufferers with sufficient levels of vitamin D.
This has resulted in calls for a change in general policy regarding sunbathing in Britain. Sunlight is the best way to generate a healthy amount of vitamin D, as the sun's UV rays stimulate its formation in the body, which naturally breaks down any surplus of the vitamin once enough has been produced. Some researchers are therefore recommending regular sun exposure in summer, and restricted sunbed use in winter when sunlight is scarce.
Sadly, there is a recognised link between skin cancer and over exposure to UV rays. Leading charity Cancer Research manages Britain's national skin cancer prevention campaign, SunSmart, which encourages covering up in the sunshine and the use of suncream. Currently the charity does not believe the evidence regarding the benefits of vitamin D robust enough to justify a change to its negative stance on sunbathing or the use of sunbeds.
Real Sunlight, the UK distributor for Swedish group Suntech, feels that its new "sunlight simulators" offer a safe and pleasant alternative. These simulators are set up in carefully designed environments, and produce full spectrum sunlight, but with limited UV rays. This means that the organic formation of vitamin D is stimulated without the risk of skin cancer. In effect - safe sunbathing! Real Sunlight also attributes additional benefits to sunlight therapy, such as the mood-enhancing impact of full spectrum visible light, and the relieving effects of infrared rays on joint and muscle complaints, making it beneficial for those with complaints such as seasonal affective disorder, fibromyalgia and arthritis.
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Jan Lea, one of the owners of the Leaf Lifestyle and Beauty day spa in Cheshire, has found their summer room to be very popular. "It especially appeals to pregnant women," says Jan. "They like it because it's a safe and pleasant means of getting vitamin D, which the latest research has proved is essential during pregnancy and early childhood."
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