Podcasts > The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett > Vitamin D Expert: The Fastest Way To Dementia & The Dangerous Lie You've Been Told About Sunlight!

Vitamin D Expert: The Fastest Way To Dementia & The Dangerous Lie You've Been Told About Sunlight!

By Steven Bartlett

In this episode of The Diary Of A CEO, Dr. Roger Seheult explores the relationship between natural elements and human health. He explains how sunlight affects the body beyond vitamin D production, including its role in cellular energy production and mortality rates. The discussion covers how environmental factors like natural light exposure and time spent outdoors among trees can influence immune function and overall well-being.

Seheult also examines the health effects of thermal therapies, including the benefits of heat exposure through saunas and the immune-boosting potential of alternating heat and cold treatments. The conversation extends to the connection between religious beliefs and health outcomes, specifically how different beliefs about a higher power correlate with mental health measures and how various religious traditions incorporate health-promoting practices.

Vitamin D Expert: The Fastest Way To Dementia & The Dangerous Lie You've Been Told About Sunlight!

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Vitamin D Expert: The Fastest Way To Dementia & The Dangerous Lie You've Been Told About Sunlight!

1-Page Summary

The Health Benefits of Sunlight and Natural Light

Roger Seheult explains that sunlight's impact on health extends far beyond vitamin D production. He notes that infrared light, which penetrates deeply into the body, stimulates mitochondrial function and helps produce melatonin within cells, acting as an antioxidant and improving energy output. Studies worldwide have shown that increased sunlight exposure correlates with reduced mortality rates, even on cloudy days.

Research indicates that diseases and deaths peak during low-sunlight months, particularly affecting indoor workers who may go weeks without sufficient sun exposure. Seheult points to historical hospital designs that prioritized patient access to sunlight, noting improved outcomes in rooms with greater natural light exposure.

The Therapeutic Use of Heat, Cold, and Water

Seheult discusses how thermal therapies can enhance health outcomes. He explains that heat therapy, particularly through increased body temperature, stimulates [restricted term] production in the immune system. Finnish studies show that frequent sauna users have lower cardiovascular mortality rates. The combination of heat and cold therapy, such as sauna use followed by cold exposure, can enhance immune function through white blood cell circulation.

Water-based therapies are particularly effective due to water's high specific heat capacity. Studies show that artificially induced fevers through water therapy can increase [restricted term] production tenfold in lymphocytes at specific temperatures.

Immune System and Environment Relationship

Dr. Seheult emphasizes the crucial role of environmental factors in immune function. He explains that [restricted term], a key immune compound, can be modulated by temperature and sunlight exposure. Being outdoors, particularly among trees, provides numerous health benefits. Trees produce phytoncides, compounds that boost immune activity and induce relaxation. The Green Heart Study from South Louisville demonstrated that urban tree planting significantly reduced inflammation in residents.

Faith and Trust in Health and Well-Being

Seheult cites research showing that belief in a supportive higher power correlates with better mental health outcomes. A University of Texas study by Krauss found that people who believe in God's forgiveness are 2.5 times more likely to forgive others unconditionally, leading to lower rates of depression and anxiety. However, Seheult notes that belief in a punitive god can have opposite effects. He also discusses how various religious traditions incorporate health-promoting practices like fasting, sunlight exposure, and thermal therapies.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Infrared light can penetrate the body, stimulating mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of cells, to function more efficiently. This stimulation can enhance the production of melatonin within cells, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and acts as an antioxidant. The process involves the activation of specific cellular pathways that influence both mitochondrial activity and melatonin synthesis. This dual effect of infrared light on mitochondria and melatonin production contributes to various health benefits beyond just vitamin D synthesis.
  • Interferons are proteins produced by the body in response to viruses, bacteria, cancer, and other pathogens. They play a crucial role in the immune response by signaling nearby cells to heighten their anti-viral defenses. Interferons help regulate the immune system's inflammatory response and activate immune cells like natural killer cells and macrophages to combat infections. Overall, interferons are essential for coordinating the body's defense mechanisms against various threats.
  • Thermal therapies involve using heat and cold to stimulate the body's immune response. Heat therapy, like sauna use, can boost [restricted term] production, while combining heat with cold exposure can enhance immune function through white blood cell circulation. Water-based therapies, such as inducing fevers through specific temperatures, can also increase [restricted term] production in lymphocytes. These therapies aim to improve health outcomes by leveraging the body's response to temperature changes.
  • Interferons are proteins that play a crucial role in the immune response against viruses and other pathogens. Temperature and sunlight exposure can influence the production and activity of interferons in the body. Higher temperatures and adequate sunlight exposure can potentially enhance [restricted term] production, which may contribute to a more robust immune response.
  • Phytoncides are natural compounds released by plants, especially trees, to protect themselves from harmful organisms. When humans breathe in phytoncides, these compounds can boost the activity of certain white blood cells, enhancing the immune system's response to pathogens. Spending time in forests or areas with abundant trees exposes individuals to phytoncides, potentially leading to improved immune function and overall well-being.
  • The Green Heart Study from South Louisville focused on the impact of urban tree planting on residents' health. It found that planting trees significantly reduced inflammation among the residents. The study highlighted the health benefits of trees, particularly through the production of phytoncides that boost immune activity and induce relaxation. This research underscores the positive effects of green spaces on community well-being.
  • Belief in a higher power can influence mental health outcomes positively by providing a sense of support and forgiveness, leading to lower rates of depression and anxiety. However, the effects can vary based on the individual's perception of the higher power, with belief in a forgiving deity correlating with better mental well-being compared to belief in a punitive god. Research suggests that faith in a supportive higher power can promote forgiveness towards others, contributing to improved mental health. Various religious traditions incorporate practices like fasting, exposure to sunlight, and thermal therapies, which can also impact mental well-being positively.

Counterarguments

  • While sunlight exposure has health benefits, excessive exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer, and the benefits must be balanced against potential harm.
  • Correlation between sunlight exposure and reduced mortality rates does not necessarily imply causation; other factors may contribute to these observations.
  • The peak in diseases and deaths during low-sunlight months could also be influenced by other seasonal factors, such as temperature and indoor crowding, which can facilitate the spread of infectious diseases.
  • Historical hospital designs may have included more factors than just sunlight exposure that contributed to improved outcomes, such as better ventilation or design that reduced the spread of infections.
  • Heat therapy may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions such as heart disease, and should be used cautiously.
  • The benefits of sauna followed by cold exposure may not be universally applicable and could pose health risks for individuals with certain medical conditions.
  • Water-based therapies may not be practical or accessible for all individuals, and artificially induced fevers could be dangerous if not properly monitored.
  • The relationship between environmental factors and immune function is complex, and while [restricted term] production is important, it is only one aspect of the immune response.
  • The health benefits of being outdoors and among trees may not be solely due to phytoncides; other factors like increased physical activity and reduced pollution exposure may also play significant roles.
  • Urban tree planting can have numerous benefits, but it may also introduce allergens that could affect individuals with respiratory conditions.
  • The correlation between belief in a supportive higher power and better mental health outcomes may not account for the complex interplay of social, psychological, and biological factors that contribute to mental health.
  • The relationship between forgiveness and mental health may be influenced by other personal or cultural factors, and the causality could be bidirectional.
  • The negative effects of belief in a punitive god may be more nuanced, with individual differences in perception and coping strategies playing a role.
  • Religious traditions may incorporate health-promoting practices, but these practices may also be adopted outside of religious contexts, and their benefits can be secular in nature.

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Vitamin D Expert: The Fastest Way To Dementia & The Dangerous Lie You've Been Told About Sunlight!

The Health Benefits of Sunlight and Natural Light

Sunlight's role extends far beyond vitamin D production, encompassing a wide range of health benefits influenced by various wavelengths and the stimulation of mitochondrial function. Roger Seheult, among other experts, emphasizes the profound implications of light on overall health and mortality.

Sunlight Has More Benefits Than Vitamin D Production

Sunlight is a vital component of human health as it consists of different wavelengths, including infrared light with longer wavelengths that penetrate deeply into the body. Roger Seheult explains that this deep penetration is crucial for sunlight's impact beyond the skin, suggesting infrared light could positively affect internal cellular functions such as mitochondrial health.

Infrared Light Stimulates Mitochondria For Health Protection

Mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, diminish in output as we age, which affects the energy production in our bodies. Infrared radiation from the sun interacts with mitochondria, generating energy but also creating oxidative stress, which can lead to serious diseases if left unchecked. Fortunately, infrared radiation can also stimulate the production of melatonin within mitochondria, acting as a cooling system and an antioxidant that prevents oxidative stress, hence improving their energy output. Vitamin D is thought to be a marker of infrared light exposure, with even devices like red light therapy acting to activate mitochondria in cells, promoting energy production necessary for functions like collagen deposition.

Sunlight Exposure Is Linked To Better Health Outcomes

Exposure to sunlight correlates to reduced mortality rates and health benefits that go beyond the previously acknowledged effects of vitamin D.

More Sunlight Exposure Reduces Mortality Rates

Seheult compares the lack of sunlight to ailments like scurvy, explaining that sunlight, particularly infrared light, is crucial for health. Studies have shown that higher levels of vitamin D, associated with better health outcomes, are seen as a marker for individuals who spend time outside, getting broader benefits from sunlight. Different research across the globe, from Brazil to the University of Edinburgh, has shown a connection between sun exposure and lowered COVID-19 mortality rates, independent of vitamin D levels.

Sunlight's Benefits Beyond Vitamin D, Even on Cloudy Days

Even on cloudy days, being outside exposes individuals to more infrared light than being indoors implies that sunlight exposure is connected to health benefits beyond vitamin D production. Seheult indicates this pertains to the modern pattern of dull days and bright nights correlated with increased mortality, suggesting the need for daylight to optimize health outcomes.

Lack of Sunlight Contributes To Health Issues

Seheult and others underscore the potential hazards of limited sunlight exposure, particularly during winter months and amongst indoo ...

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The Health Benefits of Sunlight and Natural Light

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Sunlight can stimulate mitochondrial function by interacting with the mitochondria in our cells. Mitochondria are responsible for producing energy in our bodies. Sunlight, particularly infrared light, can influence mitochondrial health and energy production, impacting overall cellular functions. This stimulation can lead to the production of melatonin within mitochondria, acting as an antioxidant and improving energy output.
  • Infrared light interacts with mitochondria, the cell's powerhouses, influencing their function. It can stimulate the production of melatonin within mitochondria, acting as an antioxidant and improving energy output. This stimulation helps in energy production and can aid in functions like collagen deposition. Infrared light's impact on cellular functions is crucial for overall health and well-being.
  • Sunlight exposure plays a role in influencing diseases like influenza, cardiac issues, and kidney problems by impacting the body's immune system, cardiovascular health, and hormonal balance. Reduced sunlight exposure during darker months has been linked to increased incidences of these health issues, possibly due to factors like vitamin D deficiency and disrupted circadian rhythms. Studies suggest that adequate sunlight exposure may help in regulating immune responses, maintaining heart health, and supporting kidney function, thereby potentially reducing the risk of developing or ...

Counterarguments

  • While infrared light may stimulate mitochondria, excessive exposure can also lead to skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer.
  • The correlation between sunlight exposure and reduced mortality rates does not necessarily imply causation; other factors may contribute to these health outcomes.
  • Vitamin D can also be obtained through diet and supplements, which may be necessary for individuals at high risk of skin cancer or those living in areas with limited sunlight.
  • The link between sunlight exposure and lowered COVID-19 mortality rates may be influenced by confounding variables such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and outdoor activities that promote general health.
  • The peak in diseases and deaths after the shortest day of the year could also be influenced by factors such as temperature, indoor crowding during colder months, and seasonal behavior changes, not just sunlight exposure.
  • The health of indoor workers may be affected by a range of occupational factors, including stress, physical inactivity, and artificial lighting, not just the ...

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Vitamin D Expert: The Fastest Way To Dementia & The Dangerous Lie You've Been Told About Sunlight!

The Therapeutic Use of Heat, Cold, and Water

Roger Seheult explains how thermal and water-based therapies can offer various health benefits, ranging from boosting the immune system to reducing cardiovascular mortality risk.

Heat Therapy Boosts the Immune System

Heat-Induced Fever Stimulates [restricted term] Production By the Immune System

Seheult illustrates that an increase in body temperature, such as a fever, can stimulate the production of [restricted term] by the immune system. This increased [restricted term] production is a natural response to combat viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, creating an environment where viruses do not replicate efficiently. A study showed that regula­tory proteins increased the production of [restricted term] when the body temperature in mice—equivalent to human body temperature—rose from 37 to 38 degrees Celsius.

Sauna Use Linked To Lower Cardiovascular Mortality Risk

Regarding sauna use, Seheult notes that regular users enjoy a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular diseases. With supporting data from Finland, he states that people who use a sauna four to seven times a week have a lower death rate from cardiovascular disease compared to those who use the sauna once a week.

Heat and Cold Therapy Combination Offers Added Benefits

Engaging in a sequence of thermal therapy that involves 20 minutes of heat exposure in a sauna followed by brief cold exposure provides added benefits. Seheult explains that this process can maintain the body's core temperature longer post-heat exposure due to vasoconstriction, and it promotes the release of white blood cells into the circulation, enhancing immune function through a process call ...

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The Therapeutic Use of Heat, Cold, and Water

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Interferons are proteins produced by the immune system in response to viral infections. They play a crucial role in inhibiting viral replication and spreading within the body. By stimulating [restricted term] production, the body can create an environment that hinders viruses from multiplying effectively, aiding in the immune response against viral invaders.
  • Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the skin's surface. This physiological response helps retain heat in the body after exposure to heat, aiding in maintaining core body temperature. By constricting blood vessels, the body conserves heat and prevents excessive heat loss post-heat exposure. This mechanism is crucial in regulating body temperature and ensuring thermal balance in response to environmental changes.
  • Demargination is a process where white blood cells are released from the blood vessel walls into circulation, enhancing immune function by increasing the availability of these cells to respond to infections and other immune challenges. This process is crucial for the immune system's rapid response to threats in the body. By promoting demargination, thermal therapy involving heat and cold exposure can help bolster the immune system's effectiveness in combating pathogens. The release of white blood cells into circulation through demargination supports the immune system's surveillance and defense mechanisms, contributing to overall immune function and response.
  • Water's high specific heat means it can absorb and retain a significant amount of heat energy without a large change in temperature. This property allows water to transfer heat efficiently when applied to the body, making it effective in therapies like saunas or hot water immersion. The high specific heat of water helps in inducing ...

Counterarguments

  • While heat-induced fever may stimulate [restricted term] production, it is important to note that artificially inducing a fever can be dangerous for some individuals, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, and should be done cautiously.
  • The link between sauna use and lower cardiovascular mortality risk may be influenced by confounding factors such as lifestyle, diet, and genetics, which the studies might not fully account for.
  • The benefits of thermal therapy involving heat and cold exposure may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with cardiovascular issues, as sudden temperature changes can be stressful to the heart.
  • Water immersion therapies may have benefits, but they also carry risks such as ove ...

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Vitamin D Expert: The Fastest Way To Dementia & The Dangerous Lie You've Been Told About Sunlight!

Immune System and Environment Relationship

Dr. Roger Seheult delves into the complex interactions between our immune system and the environment, exploring how factors such as temperature, sunlight, and nature play critical roles in maintaining our health.

The Innate Immune System: The Body's First Defense

Viruses Disrupt Critical Immune Compound: [restricted term]

Dr. Seheult underscores the significance of the innate immune system, including the essential role of cells like monocytes and natural killer cells that seek and destroy invaders. He highlights that the compound [restricted term] is a crucial effector of this immune system. Serious viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, have developed mechanisms to counteract [restricted term], demonstrating the compound's key role in pathogen defense.

Temperature and Sunlight Exposure Modulate [restricted term] Production

Dr. Seheult discusses the beneficial effects of heat, cold, and sunlight on the immune system. He alludes to the idea that certain practices, like using saunas or getting enough sunlight, may influence the immune system. He also implies that temperature and environmental conditions can affect [restricted term] production.

Environmental Factors Can Influence Immunity

Poor Indoor Air and Lack of Plants Harm Immunity

Dr. Seheult emphasizes the importance of good air quality, which is often best found outdoors. He mentions that pure air, containing more than just oxygen and nitrogen, is found in areas with trees, which also reflect beneficial infrared light. Trees significantly improve air quality compared to urban environments, where concrete dominates and vegetation is sparse.

Getting Outside In Nature Boosts Immune Function

Dr. Seheult notes that being outside in nature, particularly among trees, has myriad health benefits. Trees produce phytoncides, aromatic compounds that interact with the immune system to boost its activity and i ...

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Immune System and Environment Relationship

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Interferons are proteins crucial for the immune response against viruses. They help cells resist viral replication and enhance immune defenses. Viruses like SARS-CoV-2 can evade [restricted term], highlighting its importance in combating infections. Interferons play a key role in activating immune cells to fight off pathogens effectively.
  • Viruses like SARS-CoV-2 have evolved mechanisms to counteract [restricted term], a crucial component of the immune system. They achieve this by producing proteins that can inhibit [restricted term] production or its signaling pathways. By suppressing [restricted term] responses, these viruses can evade the immune system's early defense mechanisms, allowing them to replicate and spread within the host more effectively. This evasion strategy is one of the ways viruses like SARS-CoV-2 can establish successful infections in the human body.
  • Phytoncides are natural compounds emitted by plants like trees. These compounds interact with the human immune system, boosting its activity and inducing relaxation. Phytoncides have been shown to increase natural killer cells and their disease-fighting enzymes. Spending time around green plants and trees that emit phytoncides can have positive effects ...

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Vitamin D Expert: The Fastest Way To Dementia & The Dangerous Lie You've Been Told About Sunlight!

Faith and Trust in Health and Well-Being

Roger Seheult delves into the connection between religious faith, trust in a higher power, and mental health, suggesting there is a significant impact on well-being.

Forgiving God's Belief Linked To Better Mental Health

Belief in God's Forgiveness Boosts Unconditional Forgiveness, Improving Mental and Physical Health

Roger Seheult cites studies indicating that people with faith in a supportive higher power are less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. A study conducted by Krauss at the University of Texas showed that unconditional forgiveness, which was more common among those who believed they were forgiven by God, is associated with less depression and fewer somatic symptoms. These individuals were 2.5 times more likely to forgive others unconditionally, correlating with lower rates of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, integrating patients' faith into cognitive behavioral therapy has proved to make the therapy more effective for those individuals.

Unhealthy Faith Relationship Can Have Opposite Effect

Punitive God Belief Heightens Anxiety and Depression

By contrast, Seheult mentions that believing in a punitive or vindictive God can have negative impacts on a person's well-being, potentially increasing anxiety and depression. Although the podcast transcript did not explicitly state it, it can be inferred that an unhealthy relationship with faith may have deleterious effects on mental health.

Faith and Spirituality in Traditional Health Practices

Religions Incorporating Sunlight, Fasting, Hot/Cold Therapies in New Start Framework

Religions often incorporate natural elements and practices that align with healthy living. Seheult notes that traditions such as Hindu rituals involving sunlight and the Islamic practice of fasting during Ramadan may have ties to health benefits. The New Start program emphasizes components that include rest, exercise, sunlight, fasting, and hot/cold ...

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Faith and Trust in Health and Well-Being

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The analogies between bodily systems and the architecture of temples in ancient texts suggest similarities drawn between the structures of the human body and the design of religious buildings. These comparisons aim to highlight potential connections between physical health and spiritual beliefs, often seen in ancient religious teachings. The concept implies a symbolic relationship between the intricate design of the human body and the detailed construction of sacred spaces, hinting at a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual well-being. Such analogies can serve to illustrate the significance of holistic health practices that integrate both the physical and spiritual aspects of human existence.
  • Scientific testing of biblical principles involves examining whether the teachings or concepts mentioned in religious texts align with scientific evidence or can be validated through empirical research. This process aims to explore potential correlations between ancient religious beliefs and modern scientific understanding, seeking to bridge the gap between faith-based narratives and empirical data. Researchers may investigate how certain practices or beliefs described in religious texts could have practical applications or implications for health and well-being, prompting further exploration and discussion in both religious and scie ...

Counterarguments

  • The correlation between faith and mental health does not necessarily imply causation; other factors may contribute to the observed benefits.
  • The effectiveness of integrating faith into cognitive behavioral therapy may vary significantly among individuals with different religious beliefs or those who are non-religious.
  • The belief in a punitive God could be a reflection of underlying psychological issues rather than the cause of anxiety and depression.
  • Some studies suggest that certain religious practices may have negative health outcomes, such as excessive fasting leading to malnutrition or eating disorders.
  • The interpretation of religious texts and their supposed health benefits can be highly subjective and may not withstand rigorous scientific scrutiny.
  • The analogies drawn between human anatomy and spiritual structures could be coincidental or the result of humans projecting familiar patterns onto religious concepts.
  • The scientific merit of biblical statements or any religious text s ...

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