The experts say sunscreen is a necessity for healthy summer.

I am not a skin expert.

But I sure do enjoy 5 feet 6 inches of healthy skin, so whats up?

Burn is bad, but Vitamin D is good.

Here’s the deal: Sunscreens containing Zinc Oxide block the UV radiation required for your skin to synthesize Vitamin D.

So if you lather your skin with sunscreen, you lose out on this essential sunshine vitamin.

Why you Need Vitamin D:

• Immune system
• Healthy hormones
• Absorption and uptake of calcium (bone density)
• Strength, coordination, balance
• Blood sugar control

Since Vitamin D is so important, it’s a GREAT idea to take off your clothes and get some sun exposure this summer.

Keep in mind that BURNED SKIN is dangerous, so you definitely want to avoid a sunburn.

Sun protection through natural health

There are two ways to protect your skin without using chemicals.

1. Natural, herbal, and plant based lotions which heal the skin
2. Food and nutrition that provide your body with natural SPF protection and maintain cellular integrity.

Lets give some examples of each…

Natural Skin Lotions

1. Aloe Vera

Everything about Aloe Vera is soothing, even the name itself! Alooooe verraa…yea I am feeling zen now.

Aloe Vera contains bioactive compounds that are beneficial to humans. For example, when applied to the skin, wounds will heal faster. When ingested orally, the stomach lining is soothed and can reduce or eliminate heartburn completely. Anti-inflammation is key here.

Aloe Vera on the skin can reduce the damage from sun exposure. Use it, sooth it, love it.

2. Neem

One of my favorite trees in existence. In India, the Neem tree is sometimes referred to as the “Village Pharmacy” due to the wide range of HEALING benefits.

Neem is soothing, cooling, and astringent. It tightens skin and leaves it feeling fresh. Neem may or may not reduce the chance of sunburn, but it will protect the skin from damage.

Another benefit of Neem is its natural bug-away abilities. The bioactive compounds in Neem are proven to disrupt activity of over 100 insects and bugs. In fact, Neem kills some bugs, destroys the ability of other bugs to feed, and it prevents the ability of other bugs to reproduce (by screwing up the insects hormonal system).

Neem has helped people avoid chemical skin therapy for parasites by soothing the skin and preventing ecto-parasites from reproducing. Think of some parasites on humans…body lice, head lice, pubic lice, and scabies. Use Neem lotion for a week and the problem is solved. No chemicals, and no damage whatsoever to your own skin.

Skin care AND mosquito repellent. After your day in the summer sun, you use Neem lotion to soothe and heal your skin. And a nice side effect is that once the mosquitoes come out, you will maintain protection from potential disease carrying bites thanks to the amazing natural powers of NEEM!

Nutrition and Food for natural SPF sun protection

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain high levels of Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects skin and internal organs.

How much: One serving of salsa, V8, tomato paste, or spaghetti sauce.

2. Brazil Nuts

Brazil Nuts are the highest natural source of the trace element Selenium. Our bodies require selenium to create selenoproteins, which have at least 30 different functions in the human body relating to cell function and immune system. An extremely important function of selenium is its role in one of our bodies most important antioxidant called Glutathione. Moreover, selenium also rejuvenates Vitamin E and Vitamin C stores, and these vitamins are well established for immune function to protect skin and everything else.

Thanks to all of the contributions of Selenium, research has established selenium as an ANTI-CANCER nutrient — especially prostate cancer.

Because soil in the Pacific Northwest is largely void of Selenium, many of us may not be at optimal levels. Fortunately, Brazil nuts are SO high in selenium, that you only need to eat one Brazil nut per day for optimal selenium and glutathione activity.

3. Carrots

Whats up doc? Carrots contain high levels of Beta-Carotene, which is beneficial for two reasons. First, Beta-Carotene alone is a fantastic antioxidant that protects cells from damage. Moreover, Beta-Carotene can be converted into Vitamin A by the body, for even more immune system benefits.

Go to the juice bar and get some fresh carrot juice. I will even join you for stimulating conversation about health and vitality!

4. Beets

They are purple and love to stain your kitchen counter. However, the purple pigment is responsible for some of the most powerful detoxification known to man. The beet is purple because of Betacyanin, which may or may not make you pee red. Either way, beet juice has been known to literally shrink and eliminate tumors.

If you want to avoid skin cancer, add a beet to your carrot juice.

5. Omega-3 enriched Eggs

I love eggs. I love eggs so much that I eat eggs raw in front of my co-workers.

Whole Eggs (including the yolk) contain so many vital nutrients that they should be a part of nearly any healthy diet. Aside from the complete bio-available protein content, eggs also contain B-family vitamins such as Choline, which (along with Folic Acid) helps to normalize brain function. Moreover, choline is a vital component of cell membranes and you definitely need healthy cells if you want to keep your skin safe.

6. Salmon

Similar to eggs, salmon is an amazing source of essential amino acids, but it is an even greater source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Salmon contains Omega-3s in higher forms than plant-based foods. The Omega-3’s in Salmon are EPA and DHA, which have a multitude of functions in the body, but also contribute to healthy moisturized, and tight skin.

7. Broccoli

Eat your broccoli, André says. Broccoli is green, therefore it contains Chlorophyll, another detoxifying compound (why do you think Iron Man drinks chlorophyll?) There are lots of beneficial elements in broccoli, but there are two that I will touch on here.

First, broccoli (and other cruciferous vegetables) contain Diindolylmethane (DIM), which is a beneficial plant indole. Basically, DIM promotes healthy estrogen metabolism by converting estrogen in the body into non-toxic forms. I’m sure all breast cancer survivors are familiar with the importance of healthy estrogen metabolism, but let me reinforce how important this is for EVERYONE, not just women. Estrogen can be dangerous — but broccoli makes estrogen safe.

Second, broccoli (and again…other cruciferous vegetables) contain the precurser to Indole-3-Carbinol, which has proven anti-cancer effects on the immune system.

For maximum benefits, consume both raw and cooked broccoli every week.

Why? Because temperatures above 114 degrees inactivate the enzyme that converts broccoli into Indole-3-Carbinol and therefore you lose some of the anti-cancer benefits completely.

8. Kimchi

Kimchi prevents colon cancer. There, I said it.

By providing your body with beneficial lactic acid bacteria, Kimchi cleanses the colon and kills bad bacteria. Moreover, Kimchi is attributed to the radiance of Korean skin through other nutrients like Vitamin C, garlic, red pepper, and a healthy digestive system.

9. Pumpkin Seeds

I think an essential part of a fun summer is having a healthy reproductive system. Pumpkin Seeds contain good levels of the essential mineral Zinc, which plays a vital role in both human sexual organs, but also the entire immune system. Zinc is required in over 100 enzyme functions and will protect your body for years to come (hehehe…)

Give your body the nutrients it needs, and cancer doesn’t have a CHANCE.

If your body has optimal nutrients, cancer won’t take over. It won’t take over on your skin, in your brain, or on your boobs.

Do you really need sunscreen?

Look, if I’m going to be out in the sun for 3 hours straight, then yes I’m going to use it. But when I take my 45 minute shirtless jog around the neighborhood, you better bet I’ll be soaking up the Vitamin D.

You should always strive for a balanced and complete diet. Our bodies are only as strong as the nutrients we provide it.

Now go forth and DOMINATE the summer-time fun.

Lets have some juicy watermelon and just chill by the lake.

May the healthy skin be with you!