This Might Be the Most Underrated Nutrient for Your Health

Hey FunLifers, 

Let’s talk about a “nutrient” that almost no one’s tracking—but absolutely everyone needs.

It’s sunlight.

You can’t eat it. You can’t drink it. But your body needs it to thrive.

We talk a lot inside Functional Lifestyles about movement, strength, recovery, and eating well—but if you’re missing the daily dose of what’s outside your front door, you’re leaving major gains (in health, mood, metabolism, and longevity) on the table.

This week on the Pursuit of Balance podcast, I broke down why sunlight is the most underrated health lever—and how to actually use it to your advantage.

Let’s dig in.

 Pillar 1: What Is Sunlight, Anyway?

Sunlight isn’t just brightness in the sky—it’s a full spectrum of electromagnetic wavelengths, and each part has a specific function for your body. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• UVC (100–280 nm): Mostly blocked by the ozone layer (thankfully).

• UVB (280–315 nm): Helps you synthesize vitamin D, especially midday.

• UVA (315–400 nm): Penetrates deeper, stimulates melanin (your body’s internal sunscreen), boosts nitric oxide, and supports mood regulation.

• Visible Light (400–700 nm): This is what your eyes use to sync your circadian rhythm (your body’s internal clock).

• Infrared Light (>700 nm): Supports mitochondrial health, tissue repair, and inflammation modulation.

That means sunlight doesn’t just make you feel warm. It regulates dozens of biological systems—many of which affect your performance, recovery, fat loss, and sleep.

Pillar 2: What Sunlight Does For You

Let’s move beyond the basic “vitamin D is good for bones” narrative. The benefits of regular sun exposure extend far beyond that. Here’s how daily light exposure can transform your health:

Brain & Mood

• Increases dopamine and serotonin levels (think: sharper focus, lower anxiety, less brain fog).

• Reduces depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

• Regulates melatonin production for better sleep.

Physiology & Performance

• Improves testosterone and thyroid function.

• Enhances muscle recovery via better mitochondrial health.

• Lowers blood pressure through nitric oxide release.

Metabolism & Immune System

• Boosts insulin sensitivity and metabolic rate.

• Supports immune modulation—your body better handles viruses and inflammation.

• Helps regulate inflammation systemically (less chronic joint pain, fewer colds, more vitality).

 Pillar 3: Sunscreen, Skin Health, and What We’ve Gotten Wrong

Let’s be clear: I'm not anti-sunscreen. I'm anti-fear-based approaches to health.

Here’s some context:

• Many mainstream sunscreens contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (like oxybenzone) that may do more harm than good.

• Skin cancer rates have gone up, while sun exposure has gone down. Why? Possibly because of:

  • Lack of sun = lower vitamin D = poor immune response

  • Higher time indoors = more oxidative stress

  • Poor diet = less protection from the inside out

Your diet and lifestyle affect how your body handles sunlight.

If you’re eating a whole-foods diet with healthy fats, polyphenols (berries, herbs), and collagen, your skin is better equipped to handle UV exposure naturally.

Our tip: choose mineral-based sunscreens when needed (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) and support your skin from within.

5 Simple Steps to Harness the Sun Like a Pro

1. Get outside within 30–60 minutes of waking.

   → Even 5–10 minutes of morning sun anchors your circadian rhythm.

2. Expose skin and eyes (no sunglasses early on).

   → This helps set your internal body clock, especially first thing in the day.

3. Work your way up to 15–30 minutes of mid-morning to midday sun.

   → Depending on skin tone, build tolerance gradually.

4. Avoid artificial light at night.

   → Bright indoor lighting and screens confuse your body’s clock.

5. Support with lifestyle.

   → Hydration, nutrient-dense food, and proper sleep all help your body process light better.

Final Thoughts: Balance Over Fear

At Functional Lifestyles, we always aim to approach health holistically. Sunlight is not a trend—it’s a biologically necessary input for human function.

Like anything, there’s nuance and context. But the real conversation is this:

If the sun has existed for billions of years…

And humans evolved with it…

Why is it suddenly the enemy?

Maybe we’ve just lost our connection to it.

Let’s get it back.

• Sunlight powers your mood, metabolism, hormones, immune system, and sleep.

• It’s more than vitamin D—it’s a full-body upgrade.

• Get outside. Live in rhythm. And don’t be afraid of the light.

-Corey

Founder, Functional Lifestyles

P.S. Catch the full conversation on our latest episode of the Pursuit of Balancepodcast, Season 2, Episode 3 – streaming now on YouTube and Spotify.