Why Hiding From the Sun Is Making You Sick

SuperLife with Darin Olien

What if the sun—the very thing we’ve been told to fear—is actually your body’s most essential nutrient?

In this myth-busting solo episode, Darin dives into the science, history, and healing power of sunlight. From ancient heliotherapy to modern vitamin D research, Darin breaks down how we've been sold fear about the sun while living under flickering blue lights that are quietly damaging our bodies. You'll discover the surprising truth about sun exposure, the dangers of sunscreen and sunglasses, and how to safely reconnect with the light your biology depends on.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• 00:00 – Why this isn’t just about sunlight—it’s about truth, biology, and reclaiming rhythm

• 00:03:14 – The history of heliotherapy and how sunlight used to be medicine

• 00:04:22 – The Nobel Prize-winning light therapy that healed disease in the 1900s

• 00:05:46 – How we became afraid of sunlight—and what really caused the rise in skin cancer

• 00:07:11 – Modern lifestyle vs. natural light: the real root of our chronic disease

• 00:08:37 – Vitamin D, cancer, and sunlight’s forgotten power

• 00:09:46 – What your circadian rhythm, mitochondria, and hormones need from the sun

• 00:14:11 – How sunglasses and sunscreen may be hurting more than helping

• 00:16:03 – The difference between sunburn and safe exposure (and the real melanoma science)

• 00:17:52 – Studies show moderate sun exposure reduces mortality—here’s how

• 00:21:22 – How to gradually build tolerance and reconnect with natural light safely

• 00:22:47 – Fear of the sun vs. biology’s need for it—why you’re not fragile

• 00:23:28 – What you eat affects how your skin responds to sunlight

• 00:24:02 – Superfoods for skin protection: chaga, cacao, spirulina, berries & more

• 00:25:52 – The real sun protocol: light, food, melanin, hydration, and common sense

• 00:26:54 – Ditch junk light: how to filter screens and restore healthy signals

• 00:28:05 – Fueling the skin: water, polyphenols, mushrooms, and mineral-rich foods

• 00:29:04 – Final truth: you were built for the sun, not for screens

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

• Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Use code DARIN for 10% off at fromourplace.com.

• Shakeology-All in One Nutrition: Get 15% off with code SUPERLIFE at Shakeology.com

Follow Darin Olien:

• Website: darinolien.com

• Instagram: @darinolien

• Book: Fatal Conveniences

Key Takeaway:

"We weren’t designed to live in the dark. The sun is not our enemy—it’s the original medicine our biology was built for." – Darin Olien