It always comes back to nature. You may notice that animals bask in the sun. They intuitively know that sun exposure is critical to their health. They don’t have a guide to follow, they follow their gut, and the cycles of nature. The same way it feels for us to feel the sun on our skin.
We synthesize vitamin D from the sun in our skin. It is hands down the best way for us to increase this essential vitamin in the body. The best way to increase vitamin D intake is the sun. Sun exposure prevents chronic illness, regulates sleep, and increases serotonin.

Where did we go wrong? We lack nutrients to synthesize vitamin D, seed oil consumption and processed foods increased, healthy saturated fat consumption decreased, we decreased our overall time in nature as a society, and increased our intake and exposure to chemical laden sunscreens.
What can we do?
#1 Reduce Seed oils: Seed oils inhibit the anti-inflammatory process in the body. A ratio higher in omega-6 to omega-3 fats inflames the body instead of deflame when needed. The result of the consumption in the body leads to oxidative stress introducing free radicals also known as cancer causing agents.
#2: Increase healthy saturated fats rich in cholesterol and vitamin A. These fats primarily from animal proteins, grass finished raw dairy, raw milk, tropical oils, and eggs are the most stable fats for the body and are highly bioavailable meaning most recognized and absorbed. Cholesterol helps the body synthesize and convert UV radiation to vitamin D.

#3 Increase collagen consumption. Eat more regenerative red meat. Tougher cuts that are delicious in stews or make homemade bone broth. Both will be rich in gelatin, collagen, and minerals that are also supportive of healthy gut function. Not into making your own bone broth? Try Fond Bone Broth . Add collagen to your morning coffee. I like Natural Force, the third party purity test for heavy metals and other contaminants such as pesticides.
#4 Ease into exposure. Naturally, years ago, we spent more time outside in the sun resulting in a nice base layer tan. According to the NIH article Ultraviolet Radiation & Health Optimal Time For Sun Exposure, the current recommendation to avoid the sun between 10AM-4PM may be wrong. Optimal sun exposure is between 10AM-1:00PM. If you are spending extended time in the sun, reapply non-toxic sunscreen, find shade ,or wear more sun protection.
#5 Invest in non-toxic sunscreen and ditch the toxins. Bottom line, read the label. There are a lot of buzz words out there today, “natural, organic, mineral-based, etc.” Always flip it over and read.
Ingredients to avoid:
Oxybenzone- an endocrine disruptor. Linked to hormonal issues, problems in pregancy and cancer.
Octinoxate- shown in animal studies to disrupt hormones including thyroid and metabolic system. Banned in other countries.
Homosalate- potential endocrine disruptor.
Octisalate- evidence of endocrine disruptor and known skin allergen.
Octocrylene-little evidence on endocrine disruption but terrible for aquatic life and coral reef.
Avobenzone- endocrine disruptor– targets testosterone.
Phthalates- powerful endocrine disruptors primarily found in plastics and fragrances–cosmetics, sunscreens, and personal care products. Linked to autoimmunity, chronic inflammation and many others.
Parabens-endocrine disrupting preservative. Check the EWG (Environmental Working Group)guide for safe products.
I hope you found this helpful and educational. Now, focus on a nutrient dense diet, get in the sunshine, reduce the consumption of industrial seed oils, and above all enjoy SUMMER.
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