All About Vitamin D
In the thick of summer, while the hot days feel long and busy, this is your reminder to slow down, step outside, and get some intentional sunshine.
We talk a lot about nutrient density, animal-based eating, and foundational wellness, and vitamin D is right there at the core of it all. It’s not just about strong bones or avoiding the winter blues (though those matter too). Vitamin D is a key player in almost everything your body does to stay resilient.
Why does it matter right now?
If you live in the northern half of the U.S., this time of year is your chance to build up your vitamin D naturally. Come late fall through winter, the sun’s angle changes and it becomes harder (or nearly impossible) to make adequate vitamin D from sun exposure alone.
But here’s the good news: vitamin D is a fat-soluble hormone (yep, not technically a vitamin), and your body knows how to store it when you get enough. That means the sun you get now can help carry you through the darker, colder months ahead.
What does vitamin D actually do?
More than most people realize. It plays a major role in:
Immune strength and resilience
Hormone production and balance
Energy and mental clarity
Bone and joint health
Muscle repair and function
Inflammatory control
Nervous system and cardiovascular health
Vitamin D works best in synergy with nutrients like retinol (vitamin A), cholesterol, saturated fats, magnesium, and copper. All of these are found in the nutrient-dense animal based foods we are always talking about.
Our Recommendations
We love a well-placed supplement protocol. But the truth is, no pill can replace what happens when full-spectrum sunlight hits your bare skin! That interaction creates a hormone your body knows exactly what to do with. You’re also getting circadian rhythm support and mental health benefits.
Solar Recover
After Sun Spray
This one is great to help re-moisturize after a day out in the sun. It works great!
Angel's Mist Facial Toner
This one is great to just use throughout the day, we love it! Use code ‘EXCELANDTHRIVE’ at Alitura.
Getting the Most Out of the Sun ☀️
Here’s how we do it, even with work and real life in the mix:
🌅 Get early morning light.
This sets your internal clock and actually helps your body handle midday sun more safely.
🕛 Aim for 10–30 minutes in midday sun.
Between 11am–3pm is ideal for vitamin D production. Start slow, no burning, and let your tan build gradually.
🧈 Eat animal-based and nourish deeply.
Think liver, raw dairy, grass-fed beef, butter, pasture-raised eggs — these are full of the cofactors that help your body process UV light without damage.
👁️ Skip the sunglasses when you can.
Letting natural light into your eyes (not staring at the sun!) helps regulate melatonin, serotonin, and other key hormones.
📱 Try the DMinder app.
We like this for tracking safe sun exposure based on your location, skin tone, and goals.
What if you work indoors?
🍽️ Eat lunch outside
📞 Take calls or meetings on a walk
🚶🏽♀️ Step out for 10–15 minutes between 11–2 if you can
🌄 Bookend your day with early morning or golden hour walks
We get it. Not everyone has the freedom to sunbathe in the middle of their workday. You can also try a Red Light Therapy device. We highly recommend this one.
Sunlight isn’t something we’re meant to fear, it’s something we’re meant to engage with wisely. It’s free medicine, it’s ancient wisdom, and it’s part of what keeps us grounded in our bodies.
So let’s make the most of the season while we can.
Here’s to strong bones, steady moods, sharp minds, and thriving through winter. Let the sun work its magic 🌞