We're More Scared of the Sun Than Sunscreen: It's Time to Flip the Script

We live in a world where the sun has gotten a bad rap, and sunscreen is seen as our everyday shield. But what if we've got it a bit backwards? What if our fear of the sun is making us miss out on something truly vital, especially for those with ADHD?

Think about it: we automatically reach for the sunscreen, but we often avoid the very thing that helps our bodies make an important nutrient – Vitamin D.

Sunshine Power: Why It Matters for ADHD

For those with ADHD, Vitamin D isn't just another vitamin; it's a key player in how our brains work. We do get a small amount of vitamin D from foods like fatty fish, eggs, and liver, but it's not nearly enough. Our main source? That big, bright sun in the sky!

Between April and September (in the Northern Hemisphere), the sun is strong enough to help us build up our Vitamin D stores. And it doesn't take hours of sunbathing. Just around 20 minutes of direct sunshine on your arms and legs can often do the trick. So, that walk with the dog in long sleeves and trousers? Not quite hitting the mark for Vitamin D. And yep, if you're wearing sunscreen during that short time, you're blocking the magic from happening.

I'm not advocating against sunscreen, or spending hours in the sun without protection – that's not a good idea! But I want to highlight the harms in some of the sunscreens we use, especially the ones you can grab easily in the shops. They often contain chemicals that interfere with our hormones. Whether you put it on your skin or in your mouth, you're eating it.

Scarily, many regular sunscreens contain things called endocrine-disrupting chemicals – things like phthalates, parabens, and even some newer ones with long, complicated names. "Endocrine-disrupting" basically means these chemicals can mess with our hormones, including important ones like oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and Vitamin D itself! So, that sunscreen you're using to be "safe" might actually be lowering your Vitamin D levels.

Why Vitamin D is a Big Deal for ADHD Brains

So why is this Vitamin D thing so important for those of us with ADHD? Well, it's involved in some really key processes:

• Happy Hormones: Vitamin D helps our bodies make serotonin, that "happy hormone" that also helps with memory and learning.

• Immune System Balance: It's also a big player in keeping our immune system healthy. And guess what? Some people with ADHD might have an overactive immune system and more inflammation, which can use up their Vitamin D faster.

Finding the Sweet Spot: Sun Safety and Getting Enough D

So, what's the answer? It's about finding a good balance. Try to get that short burst of direct sun (around 20 minutes) without sunscreen during the sunnier months. If you're going to be out longer, definitely use sunscreen.

When you do choose sunscreen, look for the more natural, mineral-based kinds. Some good brands are Tropic, Green People, and Sun Tribe. They tend to use safer ingredients that are less likely to mess with your hormones.

Winter Reminder: We Need a Little Help

Finally, a really important point: between October and March, the sun here in the Northern Hemisphere just isn't strong enough for our bodies to make much Vitamin D. So, during those colder months, it's a good idea for everyone, especially those with ADHD who might have lower levels or need more, to think about taking a Vitamin D supplement.

Let's rethink our relationship with the sun. It's not all bad! It gives us something really important. By being smart about our time in the sun and choosing better sunscreens when we need them, we can get the Vitamin D we need while staying safe. And remember, when the sun's hiding, a supplement can be our sunshine in a bottle.