JULY 2025 | NEWSLETTER

Sunshine is essential for health and mood, and a natural source of vitamin D, but too much exposure to the sun’s UV rays—especially without protection—can take a toll on our health. UV rays can speed up aging, weaken your immunity, and even affect how our cells function over time. Protecting your skin and eyes isn’t just about avoiding sunburn—it’s an important part of supporting your overall health and well-being.

 

Choosing sunscreen isn’t just about SPF—it’s about protecting your health. I always say, “What you put on your body is as important as what you put in your body.” Look for clean, mineral-based formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that block UVA and UVB rays without hormone-disrupting chemicals. The Environmental Working Group’s Sunscreen Guide is a great resource—aim for products rated 1–2, with SPF 30 or higher, and don’t forget to reapply every two hours, especially when swimming or sweating.

 

Sun safety is about more than just applying sunscreen—it’s about protecting your body from the inside out. Wearing hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing, and avoiding direct sun during peak hours (10am–4pm), can go a long way in keeping your skin healthy and looking youthful. These simple habits not only help prevent sunburn and skin damage but also support your body’s natural defenses.

 

Healthy, glowing skin starts from within. What you eat can play a big role in how your skin handles sun exposure. Foods rich in antioxidants—like berries, tomatoes, leafy greens, and citrus—help protect your skin by fighting off damage from UV rays. Add in omega-3s from salmon, flaxseeds, or walnuts, and you’re giving your body extra tools to support collagen (whoop), reduce inflammation, and strengthen your skin’s natural defenses. This summer, think of your plate as part of your sun protection plan!

 

Hydration is about more than just drinking water—it plays a key role in energy, detox, and healthy skin, especially during hot summer days. It’s also important to support your body with minerals and (sugar-free) electrolytes to keep hydration working in all our cells. Try adding hydrating foods like cucumber and watermelon, or sip on herbal infusions of iced green tea with mint or hibiscus, to stay cool, balanced, and glowing from the inside out.

 

After a day in the sun, your body benefits from more than just cooling off—it needs repair and replenishment by calming inflammation, supporting skin regeneration, and restoring antioxidant levels. Nourishing the skin with aloe vera, cool minty compresses, and nutrient-rich oils, along with internal support like omega-3s and curcumin, helps reduce the stress of too much sun and promotes healing from the inside out.

 

As we embrace the sun-filled days of summer, remember that true protection starts from within. Functional medicine invites us to see sun care as a full-body practice—blending smart habits, clean products, nutrient-rich foods, and internal resilience. Whether you’re beach-bound or just stepping out for a walk, small daily choices can help you enjoy the season while keeping your body loved-on for the long run.

Summer is the perfect season to embrace colorful, fresh foods that nourish your body and delight your senses. “Eating the rainbow” simply means including a wide variety of naturally vibrant fruits and vegetables in your diet, each color offering its own unique set of chemical magic to support the body's needs. In July, the farmers’ markets and produce aisles are bursting with seasonal goodness, making it easier than ever to build yummy, nutrient-packed meals.

 

This month, focus on market superstars like cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon, and corn. Cucumbers are ultra-hydrating and contain silica, which benefits your skin, hair, and joints—perfect for sunny weather recovery. Watermelon and tomatoes, summer favorites, are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may offer some natural UV protection and help cool inflammation. While corn—especially organic or heirloom varieties—provides fiber, B vitamins, and natural prebiotics that fuel your gut microbiome. Together, these foods not only add color and flavor to your meals but also help your body thrive in the heat by reducing inflammation, supporting hydration, and providing key phytonutrients.

 

This summer, whether in the backyard or a boat, challenge yourself to include a rainbow of produce on your plate—your body (and taste buds) will thank you!