Episode 68 - Reclaiming Health Through Circadian Biology & Sunlight Wisdom with Zaid K. Dahhaj

🐚Topics coveredZaid's journey from competitive athlete to circadian biology educatorCircadian biology defined: body as a timing system tied to the sun & moonMaster clock (SCN) & peripheral clocks in every organ & cellNatural versus artificial light impacts on the circadian systemThe light bulb invention correlated with chronic disease emergenceAncient sun worship confirmed by modern circadian scienceEarly 1900s heliotherapy curing tuberculosis & lupus with sunlightUV light as a hormetic stressor, not inherently toxicNear-infrared preconditioning removes isolated UV cytotoxicitySunscreen breaks apart the hormetic signalingChemical sunscreens are transforming into photo-carcinogens under light & heatSunscreen blocking UVB & preventing vitamin D synthesisMorning sunlight creates collagen, elastin, & natural SPFMidday UV treated like exercise: progressive overload approachSunglasses blocking master clock signals & creating light sensitivitySunglasses prevent melanin production & increase burn riskViolet light stops myopia progression via the EEG1 gene activationCircadian eyesight regeneration through unfiltered light exposureSkin is a circadian organ with light-sensing proteins in all layersBlue light disrupts skin's circadian signaling, not just eyesPractical timing: sunrise, UVA rise, midday UV, nighttime darknessNatural fabrics for nighttime skin protection from artificial lightAbout Zaid K. DahhajZaid K. Dahhaj is a circadian biology educator and coach, helping people reconnect with sunlight, natural rhythms, and the body’s innate clocks to restore health. His work bridges quantum biology, ancestral wisdom, and modern lifestyle design, making circadian science practical, relatable, and transformative.Where to find Zaid K. Dahhaj📝Website: https://www.zaidkdahhaj.com✍️Substack: https://zaidkdahhaj.substack.com📲X: https://x.com/zaidkdahhaj?s=21&t=lMyKdyY1i1JiMEgQImSA-w📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaidkdahhaj🎙️The 2AM Podcast: https://beacons.ai/the2ampodcastAbout the HostI’m Iris Josephina, a functional hormone specialist, orthomolecular hormone coach, and entrepreneur. Through Cycle Seeds and The Inner Rhythms Podcast, I support people in reconnecting with their cyclical nature, deepening body literacy, and reclaiming hormonal harmony from a place of sovereignty and embodied knowledge. Most people know me from Instagram, where I share stories, tools, and inspiration on cyclical living, menstrual cycles, fertility, hormones, and more. Let’s stay connected:📸 Instagram: @cycleseeds📧 Join my newsletter: https://www.cycleseeds.com/💻 Visit the Cycle Seeds website: https://www.cycleseeds.com/📝 Check out the blog: https://www.cycleseeds.com/blog🎓 Holistic Hormone & Cycle Coaching Certification Training: https://www.cycleseeds.com/hhcc-training-2025-selfstudy-vip📚Join my courses: https://www.cycleseeds.com/courses-masterclasses📊 Chart Your Cycle Masterclass: https://cycleseeds.plugandpay.nl/checkout/chart-your-cycle-97