Fresh Air for Better Health

It seems emphasizing the healthy benefits of fresh air may be slightly redundant, but the fact is, the average person spends almost 90 percent of their time indoors. Stop and think how easily time can add up when a person is indoors at work, at school, watching television, playing video games, on the computer, eating, sleeping, or just relaxing.

The truth is our bodies need plenty of fresh air to circulate through the cells of our body, giving a new and fresh supply of oxygen daily to breathe in and replenish the stale air we may be accustomed to.

Here Are the Many Benefits of Fresh Air

• Increase Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D deficiency is on the rise since more people are spending more time indoors and less time outside. This unfortunately, can lead to Vitamin D deficiency which is linked to many health problems including, heart disease, certain cancers, arthritis, depression, and diabetes. Sunlight, on the other hand, can provide a direct source of vitamin D exposure that can be absorbed through the skin. It’s best to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun; however, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Remember, if you plan to stay outdoors for any extended length of time, it’s best to liberally apply sunscreen with a recommended SPF of at least 30 or more.

• Boost Your Immune System                 

A walk outdoors in the fresh air can help clear your lungs, enable you to breathe in fresh air, and invigorate your body to boost its natural defenses. Outdoors in the fresh air and sunlight can help relieve stress, and lift your spirits, thereby assisting to naturally boost your immune system.

• Improve Your Mood

Sunlight plays an important role to increase serotonin production in the brain. In fact, research shows serotonin levels were higher in individuals exposed to sunlight than those that weren’t. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain, created from the amino acid, tryptophan, which helps to regulate anxiety, stress, sleep, appetite, mood, and even depression.

• Help Fight Obesity

Exercise out in the fresh air such as walking, jogging, running, or participating in outdoor sports, helps burn fat and calories that can help to reduce added weight gain that can lead to obesity. Today, this is especially important with the startling obesity statistics that are continuing to climb. In fact, approximately 20 percent of children in the 2-5 year old bracket are considered overweight, with about one-third of adults in the United States that qualify as obese under the current standards.

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from allergies in the spring and summer you may have to limit your time outdoors. It’s best to go outside for fresh air after it has just rained, when much of the pollen has been cleared from the air. Check the pollen counts daily as well, to find out when the levels are low enough for you to venture outdoors.

Fresh air is an essential part of good health that can provide your cells with a steady supply of oxygen that is needed by all parts of your body.