In a 2004 study published in Eureka Alert, researchers found that the “feel-good” effects produced by ultraviolet light (UV) in tanning beds are a major factor in the repeat visits of tanning bed users.
A safe tanning bed, adds natural health expert Dr. Joseph Mercola, also appears to aid in lowering blood pressure.
Study on Tanning Bed Users
In a study on teenagers who are frequent tanning bed users, 14 participants underwent two tanning sessions a week for a six-week period. They split their sessions in half, using two identical-looking tanning beds. One tanning bed contained UV light, the other did not.
Aiming to measure the relaxing effects, the research evaluated the moods of the participants at the beginning and end of each tanning session.
The findings are as follows:
- • The participants who used the tanning beds with the UV light reported feeling more relaxed and at ease than those who weren’t exposed to the UV light.
- • When presented with the option of extended tanning bed visits, 12 of the participants opted to continue their sessions and chose the bed with the UV light for 95 percent of their sessions.
In conclusion, the “euphoric feelings” produced by the UV light from tanning beds are a main reason for tanning bed users’ frequent visits. The researchers theorize that UV exposure leads to the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in your brain that can ease pain and create euphoric feelings.
Can Tanning Beds Lower Blood Pressure?
The researchers also believe that low vitamin D levels result in increased parathyroid hormone production which can increase blood pressure.
Dr. Mercola says that this study supports claims on sunlight exposure – your main source of vitamin D – as significantly lowering blood pressure.
“The teenagers exposed to tanning beds felt a relaxing effect, and since stress raises blood pressure, they are also likely lowering their blood pressure,” he explains.
Another study also discovered that vitamin D is a negative inhibitor of the renin-angiotensin system, which serves to lower blood pressure.
With these favorable studies, Dr. Mercola reminds us that we need sunlight, and that we can suffer if we have less-than-optimal levels of this nutrient.
To compensate for the lack of sunlight exposure, use a safe tanning bed that will maximize the benefits and absorption of vitamin D. But first, make sure you take the 25-hydroxyvitamin D test to determine your vitamin D levels and to figure out the right vitamin D dosage for you. Ideally, your vitamin D levels should be in the optimal 50-70 ng/ml range.
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Read Dr. Mercola’s vitamin D dose recommendations
Related links:
Reduce Your Risk of Cancer with Sunlight Exposure
Sunlight Influences Your Risk of Getting Sick
