Sunlight has important biological effects in human skin. Ultraviolet (UV) light striking the epidermis catalyzes the synthesis of Vitamin D and triggers melanin production. Although a causative element in skin cancers, sunlight is also associated with positive health outcomes including reduced incidences of autoimmune diseases and cancers. Stay out in the sun only long enough that you don’t burn, even just 15 to 30 minutes.

A Georgetown University Medical Center study showed that sunlight directly activates key immune cells by increasing their movement, and ability to do their work.

Over 25 studies from around the world found that supplementing with Vitamin D reduced the risk of respiratory system infection by more than 50%, with Vitamin D insufficiency affecting almost 50% of the population worldwide.

Some studies have found that patients who were hit hardest by COVID-19 had low levels of vitamin D in their bodies. Dr. Anthony Cardillo explains why this might be the case and what we can do to boost our vitamin D levels.

If you can’t get enough sunlight, supplementing Vitamin D is always a good idea. Thorne Research is a brand trusted and taken by doctors and health experts, like Dr. Rhonda PatrickThorne’s Vitamin D supplement comes highly recommended with a 4.8 Rating on Amazon. Recommended dosage is up to 5000IU a day, which can be taken at once in a larger pill form, or in smaller amounts throughout the day.

Studies

Intrinsic Photosensitivity Enhances Motility of T Lymphocytes
https://www.nature.com/articles/srep39479

Vitamin D: The “sunshine” vitamin
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3356951/