Ok, first post by the way! Was wondering if their are some legitimate health benefits of going nude aside from just like the positive mental effects. I heard that it can actually give your skin time to "breathe" and get rid of dead skin cells and stuff but I don't know if that's actually scientifically true. Anyhow just curious.
I believe one of the main benefits it that rate at which your body can produce vitamin D. I seem to remember reading somewhere that your naked body can generate as much vitamin D in 20 minutes as it can in a whole day if you are clothed. It's a simple matter of greater surface area of skin being exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is essential for helping your body assimilate calcium, so theoretically naturists should have stronger bones than textiles. I'm sure there are other benefits too, even if it's just feeling more relaxed.
I have to agree that the skin being able to fel the warmth of the sun all over makes me feel better. We I have the opportuniyt to be nude for several days in the sun I do feel alot better!
I guess there a two ways of health effects: First, you make yourself more hardy by influence of changing temperature and weather exposure - and this way increase your body's defenses against cold, flu etc. Second, the exposure to sunligt has postive effects to your hormone systeme, resulting in a better immune system and an antidepressant outcome. afaik both is scientificly evaluated.
Very rarely wear clothes at home. No deep meaningful reason. I'm just too fucking lazy to get dressed if I don't have to go out. There are down sides though. Clothes feel horribly constraining, even loose ones, and you have to be very mindful of drips from your coffee cup!
I think if everyone could see how common it was it wouldn't be such a source of deep hang-ups and personal shame.
I think there are times where not wearing clothes helps your skin to breathe- just think of the times you are barefoot or in sandals, compared to shoes and socks. I think that a swim and especially a sauna nude are beneficial. The physical benefits aside, I am sure that there are mental benefits from the reduction in concerns about appearance that nudists appear to have.