Re: Equator, sunshine and rheumatic diseases

[Guest guest]

a,

Thanks for the information. You are so helpful.

Hope you have a great day today!!

Smiles,

Jeanne

> >

> >

> > Jeanne,

> > I have read that some autoimmune diseases were very rare near the

> > equator. Although it is still unclear to scientists why, there

are

> > hardly any reported cases of multiple sclerosis near the equator.

In

> > contrast, Canada has the highest rate of MS in the world. Also,

> > Spokane, Washington has the second highest MS rate in the world.

Most

> > scientists do not believe that environment is the sole cause of

MS, but

> > many think that the environment, coupled with another factor such

as a

> > virus, may cause a person to be more at risk to contract MS.

> > Scientists have tried replicating different weather scenarios in

the

> > lab, but can't really prove if the weather is to blame, but they

do

> > agree that low pressure

> > caused more arthritic patients to complain of pain.

> > My personal belief is that the sunshine has something to do with

it.

> > Sun exposure is very healthy in moderation.

> > Without it, we don't produce vitamin D, which helps us to utilize

> > calcium. I've read that it increases the number of lymphocyes in

> > circulation, thus strengthening the immune system. It also tends

to

> > normalize blood pressure and decrease cholesterol. It lowers

lowers

> > blood sugar in diabetics. Babies born with jaundice are put

under sun

> > lamps.

> > Sunshine appears to influence many of the body's hormones such as

> > cortisol & melatonin. We don't need a lot of sunshine for these

> > benefits. Overexposure is very dangerous and can cause cancer.

I try

> > to get outside every day even if it's just for 15 minutes. Just

15

> > minutes of sunlight can provide the daily requirement of Vitamin

D.

> > a

> >