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KOMPAS.com – In the past, we were often reminded by our parents to play outside more often and get fresh air, not just stay indoors.
The parents’ advice seems to be true in terms of health science.
If we stay indoors for too long, it can be bad for health.
According to Dr Allison Edwards, medical director at Sesame, a health app in the United States, being outdoors is very important for our mental and physical health.
“Sunlight provides vitamin D, and our bodies need that vitamin to stay healthy,” says Edwards.
Read also: Don’t leave the house with wet hair, here’s the reason
“If we rarely out of the houseour vitamin D levels become lower, which results in lower bone density. “
Not just low vitamin D levels, other risks may arise as a result seldom go outside house, namely:
1. Mental health is disturbed
Without exposure to sunlight and fresh air outside, we will experience feelings of sadness and anxiety, notes Edwards.
Most likely, we also find it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep at night.
“When we wake up, we may feel tired, dizzy, or lack energy,” he explains.
“Sunshine and fresh air help us deal with all those problems.”
“Exposure to outdoors and the outdoors is associated with improved mood and reduced anxiety,” he says.
2. Affects circadian rhythm
Our bodies have an internal body clock or circadian rhythm that gives signals for the body to function as it should.
Including the ability to digest food to produce melatonin.
Said medical doctor Mahmud Kara, MD, melatonin production is influenced by the environment and light.
Read also: Eating according to the body’s circadian rhythm is effective for weight loss
“When it’s dark, melatonin in the body’s system starts to increase and gives a signal to the body to sleep. When it’s light, melatonin sends a signal to the body to wake up,” Kara said.
So, if we are rarely active outside the room and do not feel the changes between day and night, the production of melatonin becomes less and as a result we are sleep deprived.
3. Missing many health benefits
“There are real benefits to being outdoors that are typically associated with exercise,” says Edwards.
He added, exercising in the open is also able to reduce symptoms of depression.
“Get a healthy amount of sun exposure, while taking steps to protect yourself from the harmful effects of sunlight that can trigger skin cancer.”
4. Lose the benefits of sunlight as the main source of vitamin D
When the body is not exposed to sunlight, the circadian rhythm and melatonin levels are disrupted.
Also, we miss out on the benefits of sunlight as a major source of vitamin D.
“Vitamin D can be found in certain foods, but sun exposure is one of the greatest sources of vitamin D,” says Kara.
Read also: Vitamin D, Help Us Aging Healthier
Do activities outside the house at least 30 minutes a day
Edwards reminded the importance of spending time in the great outdoors.
“I recommend my patients to move at least 30 minutes a day,” he says.
It would be even better if the activity is done outdoors, such as walking.
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