Raw Diet for Sun Protection: Science or Hype? With Mirjam @rawfoodfeast

In our chat, I shared my personal experience of being prone to sunburn, having burned well over 40 times in the tropics, and even developing a common form of skin cancer—despite nearly two decades on a raw food diet. This was a big wake-up call, reminding me that while a raw diet has incredible health benefits, it’s not a shield against all of life’s challenges, including skin health and sun exposure.

Many factors influence how our skin reacts to the sun—hydration, skin type, altitude, time of day, and your history with sun exposure all come into play. While diet can have an impact, it’s important to realize that even the most nutrient-dense raw food diet isn’t enough on its own to protect against skin damage. Both Mirjam and I agree that mindful sun exposure and gradually building a base tan can be very beneficial. Exposure to the sun is essential for hormonal balance, vitamin D production, and overall wellness—it even helps to prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). However, even with careful exposure, it’s crucial to avoid burning.

One thing that a fair-skinned ginger friend of mine shared that has helped him is drinking carrot juice before going out in the sun. The beta-carotene in carrots can offer some extra protection for your skin. On the flip side, avoiding citrus fruits before heavy sun exposure is a good idea since they can make your skin more sensitive to burning. Of course, covering up and using high-quality natural sunscreens like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are also key. Staying hydrated and being mindful of your sun exposure can make a world of difference.

In our conversation, we went deeper into these topics, sharing our insights and experiences on how to approach sun care holistically. From diet to lifestyle changes and mindful habits, there are so many ways to protect yourself while still enjoying the benefits of the sun. Mirjam and I both agree that while sun exposure is necessary for overall health, it’s important to strike the right balance to avoid overdoing it.

PS I have a whole post about Vitamin D here, and I have also found a huge benefit from using a Sperti Vitamin D lamp in the winter, which we go into in the video, to ensure I am topped off for hormonal health and overall well-being.

Learn more and check it out here! 

I really appreciated the chance to share this discussion with Mirjam @rawfoodfeast, and I hope it encourages you to think about your own sun care routine. I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation kind and open as we all work toward better health. Be sure to check out the full video for more tips and insights on how to make mindful sun exposure part of a healthy lifestyle. A big thanks to Mirjam for hosting such an important and thoughtful discussion!

Also, for more on this topic, be sure to check out my other videos: