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The Effects of Natural Full Spectrum Lighting

Light, or its absence, makes a big difference in how the body reacts and functions and even its overall health. One of the best things you can do for yourself is make sure you get enough natural full spectrum lighting, either from sunlight, or special light fixtures. The natural full spectrum lighting products you can buy contain the same colors of light as the sun. The colors are electromagnetic fields containing light rays or wavelengths that our bodies recognize and assimilate into signals for healthier functions.

  1. Winter Depression

    • One of the most common problems associated with a lack of natural full spectrum light from daily life is winter depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Sunlight, nature's full spectrum light, heightens adrenaline, makes you feel happier and more satisfied. Light stimulates the hypothalamus, pituitary and pineal glands, the body's hormone factory, according to Dr. Julian Whitaker. Lack of proper natural lighting can lead to fatigue, illness and irritability. Extended sunlight, or the use of natural full spectrum lighting fixtures will ease the discomfort of SAD.

    Malillumination

    • Proper diet and nutrition also starts with natural full spectrum lighting. Dr. John Ott coined the phrase "light diet" to point out the necessity of the proper amount of natural full spectrum light to getting all the nutrition your body needs. Not only does natural full spectrum light have its own value, but it creates the perfect atmosphere in the body for complete absorption of vitamins and minerals from the foods we eat.

    Vitamin Absorption

    • Full spectrum light penetrates the eye and creates stimulus for the brain that in turn increases activity and absorption of vitamins and minerals. Dr. H.L. Hembold, M.D. states that artificial florescent light actually blocks full entry to the eye and into the brain in his book "Mega-Nutrients for Your Nerves." However, he tested the use of natural full spectrum light bulbs for people suffering from many diseases associated with the lack of natural light and found them very effective means of reversing the effects of a lack of sunlight.

    Vision

    • Natural full spectrum lighting, or when not available, full spectrum bulbs improve visual acuity according to a paper written in the "Lighthouse Center for Vision and Aging," by Dr. Robert Rosenburg, O.D. Natural light increases the contrast between colors, especially black and white making vision sharper.

    Overall Health

    • Dr. John Ott studied rats living under both natural full spectrum light bulbs, and fluorescent lighting and found that the rodents living in natural full spectrum lighting were generally healthier and lived more than twice as long. Dr. Ott's studies in Sarasota, Florida centered around light in a classroom and the effects on the health of students and their ability to concentrate. Students with natural full spectrum light had a much higher concentration rate. Full spectrum bulbs also helped children with learning disorders achieve better grades while those who studied under cool white florescent bulbs suffered more fatigue and attention problems.

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