For more than a century, scientist have noticed that many diseases like autoimmune and cardiovascular conditions follow a latitude gradient. In 1940, Frank Apperly showed that American states and Canadian provinces receiving more solar radiation had, not surprisingly, higher rates of skin cancer mortality but unexpected lower rates of internal cancer mortality overall. He knew that something about the sun was conferring protection for cancer, but did not know what.
It was not until epidemiologists at Johns Hopkins University in 1980 discovered that vitamin D was responsible at least in part for these effects. As a result of this discovery, vitamin D became the ‘flavor of the day’ with most doctors testing and treating for this vitamin. It was generally believed that vitamin D deficiency caused cancer, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases.
In 2010, Robyn Lucas, an epidemiologist at the Australian National University, found signs of sunlight’s prevention everywhere. For example, people with the most sun damage on the back of the hand- a particularly accurate reflection of lifetime sun exposure – have just one-third the rate of MS compared with those with less. And kids who spent less than 30 minutes a day outside had five times the risk of MS compared with those who averaged more than an hour outside
As it turns out, Vitamin D is only part of the benefit of sunlight. Immunologist Scott Byrne, of the University of Sydney, recently discovered six novel lipids that are produced by the skin in response to UV light and sent to lymph nodes. There they signal T cells- the powerful immune warriors that get out of control in people with MS and attack the nervous system- to stay put and stop proliferating.
Sunlight is made up of a variety of wavelengths, some of which are invisible to the naked eye. One such wavelength is ultraviolet light. Recent research on UV light has caught the attention of insurance companies. Clinical studies have discovered that as little as 8 minutes daily in front of a UV light box delivers natural immune suppressing therapy at a fraction of the cost of pharmaceuticals like Humira. Humira, a biological medication used in treating autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s and rheumatoid arthritis, costs $80,000 a year while a UV light box is about $2,000. Kaiser Permanente, realizing the savings, has started providing free at-home UV light boxes to patients. Aside from the financial savings of UV therapy, it has the added benefit of minimal to no side effects.
The other wavelengths found in sunlight offer their own health benefits. For example RED light is our anti-inflammatory ally, it thins the blood, boosts energy, and battles cancer. It is anti-aging because it stimulates collagen production, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, promotes scar tissues repair, and reduces redness and acne. YELLOW light holds transformative properties. It lifts our mood by encouraging the brain’s serotonin production that infuses us with a sense of calm and contentment. GREEN light contributes to overall blood health, enhances red blood cell function, ensuring better oxygen transport, reducing lactic acid and improving circulation. BLUE light stimulates the synthesis and release of nitric oxide, exhibits potent antimicrobial effects, and reduces inflammation.
At the Renaissance Health Centre we are employing the full spectrum of light in treating a range of diseases like cancer, autoimmune diseases and chronic infections.
Terry Pfau DO, HMD