John Erickson

Witnessing my father's struggle with Multiple Sclerosis sparked my interest in nutrition. In our efforts to address his disease, we tried a variety of approaches, including healthy foods, targeted supplements, and cutting-edge medications prescribed by his doctor. Yet, none of these proved to be a solution. After he passed away, I realized there must be other underlying factors that are not being addressed.

Throughout my career, I have self-published 15 books on healthy eating and exercise. However, staying up late working on my computer—driven by a desire to help others—was not the best choice for my own longevity. The artificial light at night disrupted my circadian rhythm, resulting in poor sleep, intense food cravings, and a dependence on caffeine.

Despite eating well and exercising daily, I still developed a blood clot in my left leg. Looking back, I realized I always carried my cell phone in my left pant pocket. Coincidence or not, I found myself—a 40-year-old fitness enthusiast—taking blood-thinner medication typically prescribed for older adults. For me, diet and exercise alone were not enough. There must be other, non-caloric factors contributing to dysfunction. People shouldn’t be experiencing serious health issues in their 30s and 40s as frequently as they do.

Imagine dedicating your life to diet and exercise, only to discover one day that much of what you were taught was incomplete or even misleading. In my search for answers, I encountered the groundbreaking work of neurosurgeon Dr. Jack Kruse, which he discussed in a compelling podcast with Rick Rubin and Andrew Huberman. Dr. Kruse’s approach to circadian biology, grounded in biophysics, offers a unique perspective on health and wellness. Unlike most circadian diet books that focus primarily on biochemistry, Dr. Kruse emphasizes biophysics as the foundation. By understanding how your biological rhythms interact with your environment, you can gain deeper insights into maintaining optimal health.

Circadian biology explores how your metabolism is influenced by the natural cycles of light and darkness. By aligning your daily habits with these rhythms, you can enhance brain function and support overall well-being. Effectively managing your circadian biology is crucial for maintaining health and longevity. In today’s modern world—where artificial light and wireless pollution are widespread—simply eating well and exercising is no longer enough.

Circadian biology has only recently been fully understood, so there’s no need to feel discouraged by our earlier misconceptions. For example, in the 1980s, the concept of the glycemic index was groundbreaking, measuring how quickly carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels. However, it wasn’t until 2016 that researchers began to recognize the “glycemic index” of light and its impact on our biology.

Research shows that artificial blue light can raise blood sugar levels, while exposure to red light can lower blood sugar by nearly 30%. This suggests that what passes through your eyes—your light environment—may have a greater impact on your metabolic health than what passes through your mouth.

I created the SunDiet™ to educate those unfamiliar with circadian biology—a science that can take years to master independently. By aligning your body with the natural light and dark cycles, reducing exposure to unseen pollution, and eating properly, remarkable changes can occur. You will sleep more soundly, feel better, look younger, and think more clearly. The SunDiet™ emphasizes that many health problems originate from a poor light environment, excessive use of technology, and poor food choices, which together creates dysfunction.

The SunDiet™ shares the improvements I’ve made by applying circadian principles inspired by Dr. Jack Kruse and other innovators in the field. Since everyone’s environment is unique, your personal situation may require customized solutions. For example, each person has a different sun cycle, varying levels of exposure to unseen radiation, and the seasonal availability of fruits and vegetables depends on your location. Always conduct your own research to determine what works best for your specific circumstances.