On Point | Podcast The healing power of sunlight
4 snips
Aug 1, 2025 Join Prue Hart, a leading researcher on ultraviolet radiation and immune health from the University of Western Australia, and Richard Weller, a medical dermatologist from the University of Edinburgh, as they discuss the surprising healing powers of sunlight. They delve into the therapeutic effects of UV light for conditions like multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease. The conversation navigates the balance between sunlight's health benefits and the risks of skin cancer, while revealing fascinating insights on cardiovascular health and the evolution of skin pigmentation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Sunlight's Whole Body Impact
- Sunlight initiates complex biological processes impacting the whole body beyond just the skin.
- It can alter the nervous system, lymph, organs, and influence immune responses and blood pressure.
Balancing Sun Harm and Benefits
- Harm from sun exposure mainly occurs at the skin level, but benefits affect the entire body.
- Recent research suggests the benefits of sunlight may outweigh skin cancer risks if exposure is managed.
Sunlight Benefits Multiple Systems
- UVB rays can significantly reduce whole body inflammation and stress.
- Sunlight benefits multiple systems including immune, cardiovascular, bone, nervous, metabolic, and ocular health.