In part 1 of this series, we discussed how most sunscreens are full of potentially hazardous chemicals. Not only is it a fat that these products offer an incomplete protection against sun damage, they even contribute to skin cancer, which ironically is the main reason why you are applying sunscreens in the very first place.

The use of sunscreen has significantly peaked in the past decades. That is hardly surprising when both doctors and media are shouting from the rooftops that wearing a good sunscreen cuts down your risk of sunburns and skin cancer. Sounds like a good strategy: if only things were as simple as that.

Asthma is a chronic disease of the lung that causes inflammation and constriction in the airways. Affecting more than 300 million people across the world, this respiratory disorder causes recurring episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The severity of these symptoms may range from mild to severe flare-ups (exacerbations may require immediate medical attention.)

The sunshine vitamin needs no introduction when it comes to making your bones healthy and strong. Besides its well-known role in helping your body absorb calcium, vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating both adaptive and innate immune system responses.

While scientists are still in the dark about what exactly causes autism, genetics and environmental factors (early exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, infections and other toxins) are cited as some of the main risk factors.  Complications experienced in pregnancy and delivery may also make a new-born more susceptible to develop this neurodevelopmental condition.

Vitamin D, mostly known for its role in helping the body absorb calcium and thus contributing towards bone health, has far more to offer. As more studies stream in and shed new light on various health benefits of vitamin D, we now know that vitamin D plays an incredible role in regulating the immune system. And part of this credit goes to vitamin D’s ability to stimulate the production of natural antibiotics in the body.

November marks the beginning of Vitamin D Winter in the Northern Hemisphere, when sunlight is not strong enough to trigger Vitamin D production in the skin, leading to seriously low levels of the vitamin in the body. Research shows that people living in high latitudes are deficient in the sunshine vitamin, especially in the winter months (October-March).

Are you taking vitamin D? Are you taking magnesium at the same time? Wondering what is the connection? It is a very strong connection. Let’s find out why.