Can Sunlight Revolutionize the Light Therapy Technique

Abstract

Throughout human history, the role of sunlight to sustain life on earth has been recognized. The contribution of sunlight starts with photosynthesis, promoting the growth of plants and crops, which then feed the entire lifecycle, humans being an integral part of the natural process. Interestingly, over 100 years ago as the plastic revolution began and everything natural started to be replaced with their artificial version, sunlight didn’t lose its appeal.   Only recently, scientists started to think of the sun as a liability. While recognizing, its many benefits, it has also become customary to talk about ‘blocking the sun’.  With widespread awareness of the danger of global warming, exposure to UV radiation causing skin cancer, and perceptions, people almost became oblivious of the fact that sunlight cannot be replaced and sunlight is beneficial and necessary in its whole. For instance, the exposure to UVB rays causes human skin to produce beta-endorphins, which are hormones that reduce pain. Today, the facts that sunlight is the true source of vitamin D, which is made in the skin when it’s exposed to sunlight is almost forgotten. By contrast, “Vitamin D” is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, and many other biological effects. In humans, the most important compounds in this group are vitamin D3 (also known as cholecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol)