When it comes to pandemics . . .
Societies tend to focus on an exterior, pathogenic cause with regard to a pandemic. Viruses, bacteria, and other environmental contaminants dominate the imagination. But there’s another pandemic our modern society doesn’t often consider: the indoor pandemic.
What is the indoor pandemic?
It’s the modern human’s tendency to live and work primarily indoors, away from the natural sunlight our ancestors soaked in on a daily basis. While modern conveniences and desk jobs bring humankind comfort and convenience, they also deprive it of the “bionutrients” and energy natural light provides.
“We have finally learned that light is a nutrient much like food, and like food, the wrong kind can make us ill and the right kind helps keep us well.”
— DR. JOHN OTT
HEALTH AND LIGHT
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Mal-Illumination: The Root Problem?
Light is an essential nutrient. Humans miss out on important nutrients by remaining indoors most of the time. The late Dr. John Ott, known as the father of full-spectrum light, called this phenomenon “mal-illumination.” He is known for making a statement that has become more apparent over time…
“Mal-illumination is to light as malnutrition is to food”
According to Dr. Ott, an existence behind windows, eyeglasses, windshields, and other materials that block ultraviolet light which is an essential part of the spectrum, and too much “limited spectrum” artificial indoor light, inhibits humankind’s ability to receive a balanced spectral diet required for heath and reduced risk of disease.
How the Sun Affects Our Wellness
The most well-known health benefit associated with sun exposure is the production of vitamin D in the body. Sunlight is the most fundamental source of vitamin D in nature, along with some foods and nutritional supplements. Vitamin D is thought to control 1,000 or more genes that influence every tissue present in the body. Without this critical nutrient–which can’t fully be replaced without sunlight--the body becomes more vulnerable to illness.
It is believed that consistent exposure to natural light can positively affect the natural circadian rhythm. This rhythm, in addition to the sleep cycle, has also been shown to be disrupted if a person is exposed to light when they should be sleeping. Doctors and psychiatrists prescribe light therapy for certain health conditions, such as depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), disordered sleep, jet lag, dementia, and for individuals who work the night shift.
Sunlight and Light Therapy: Keys to Overall Wellness?
To combat the indoor pandemic, or even pathogen-driven pandemics that we may encounter, it’s essential to focus on good health and a strong immune system.
In addition to spending more time outdoors in the sunlight, it’s also important to supplement with balanced, “full-spectrum light” during the busy work day. SOL’s Nutritional Light can help boost intake of the nutrients we get when we spend time outdoors, mitigating the potential damage that working inside can induce.