Adding to our discussion last week of the benefits of Vitamin D production, other biochemicals that our bodies need and can produce during our exposure to nature....
Part 2.
Serotonin production
Sunlight is known to stimulate the release of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter mostly produced in the gut. It helps electrical signals go across to the brain, telling the body how to function. It is known as the “happy chemical” because it regulates mood (related to depression and anxiety), temperature, learning, memory, sleep and hunger. And the more sunlight, the more serotonin. This trickles over to another benefit: serotonin is a precursor to melatonin ….
Melatonin response
Your pineal gland produces melatonin as daylight hours dim. Regularly spending time outdoors sends a stronger signal to the pineal gland, which responds with increased melatonin production. Melatonin is a natural hormone and plays a major role in your sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythm. In addition it
regulates menstrual cycles
protects against neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimers and Parkinson’s
acts as a powerful antioxidant
helps reduce depression, and
may be helpful in prevention of breast cancer
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