So, what do I do? Go out in the sun or stay indoors? Put on sunscreen or keep my clothes on? Work on my tan or stay pale and interesting? More importantly, who is telling the truth? Conventional doctors or the alternative therapists? Is there an answer or do I simply ‘plump’ for what suits my circumstances?

I think I’ve tried all of the above at one time or another and I still wonder if there is a better way. As summer approaches (I hope) some more definitive answer seems to be a more positive route forward. As I see it the problem revolves around three main points – sun exposure time, sunscreens and vitamin D.

Lets start with vitamin D. There are lots of articles around now that explain how vitamin D or rather lack of vitamin D is a factor in many diseases of the 21st century. From all of these, both conventional and alternative views, the consensus seems to be that we all need more vitamin D to be healthy and most of us don’t have enough in our bodies. Whether this is because of our diets or where we live doesn’t seem to matter if we can increase our vitamin D somehow.

The most natural and efficient way of achieving this is to get some sunshine on our bodies every day. Easier said than done, especially in the part of the world where I live that seems to have more sunless days that sunny. When the sun shines we rush out and spend too long sunbathing so all we get is red and sore. Not ideal!

The sensible solution is to restrict our unprotected time in the sun to about twenty minutes or so then cover up or apply sunscreen. You don’t want to burn. That’s where the cancer can begin. And that brings me neatly to the problem with sunscreens. There isn’t such a majority view here. Many conventional doctors say sunscreens are absolutely essential to prevent some cancers, while others and alternative advocates tell us that sunscreens or their components cause cancer.

It isn’t always realistic to put clothes and a hat on when you’re in the sun, although this is the simplest answer to over-exposure. Search out a suitable product that is effective and apply it as directed by the manufacturer. Sunscreens of all types, even the swim-resistant type, wash off to reduce or negate any protection.

The first thing to look for in sunscreens is protection from UVA rays – these are the cancer-causing ones. The UVB rays need to be screened out too, but are less problematic. Then avoid the chemicals used as filtering agents that can be toxic and those that can penetrate your skin and get into the blood. One combination that is classed as a safe, natural sunscreen contains a mix of titanium dioxide and zinc.

The conclusion? Get into the sun for 15 to 20 minutes a day if possible. Then cover up or use a safe sunscreen. Maximise your vitamin D level this way and you will have the best chance of staying healthy and avoiding disease. If you can’t do this, try a vitamin D supplement.