Exposure to Sun May Help Ward Off Arthritis

Press Dispensary - April 29, 2008 - We often read of the dangers of over-exposure to the sun, but avoiding it completely can lead to arthritis, according to The Arthritic Association (http://www.arthriticassociation.org.uk) . The national arthritis charity warns that sunshine is crucial for the body to produce vitamin D which is required to ward off degenerative conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis.

Earlier this year, James E. Dowd, an American rheumatologist, published details of his use of vitamin D in treating arthritic patients. However, The Arthritic Association states that supplementation alone is not the answer.

“The body needs sunshine in order to synthesise the vitamin D required for optimum health,” explains The Arthritic Association’s John Wedlake-Griffiths. “Although you could take a vitamin D supplement, it’s easy to overdose, and that can be counter-productive. So moderate exposure to sunlight is better – for example, earlier or later in the day, for short periods of time.”

Vitamin D plays an active role in the absorption of calcium. The National Osteoporosis Society advises that low levels of vitamin D are associated with the development of osteoporosis, and a recent study linked low levels of vitamin D to Type 1 diabetes. The indications are that the body's immune system is more robust when we are exposed to sunlight, but weakened when over-exposed.

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For further information, please contact:
Ian Sketchley, secretary and treasurer, The Arthritic Association
Tel: 01323 433 770/777
Email: ian@arthriticassociation.org.uk

Site: www.arthriticassociation.org.uk

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