The Health Benefits Of Red Light Therapy
How to biohack your health with a red light therapy device
What if there was a therapy that could help with nearly every condition and disease known? What if this therapy would also be nearly free and without any side effects? Fortunately, that exists. It's called red and near-infrared light therapy. If you read this article, hopefully, a light will switch on for you.
What Is Red Light Therapy
Sunlight consists of different wavelengths. It can be roughly divided into ultraviolet light (UV:100-400 nm), visible light (380-780 nm), and infrared light (IR: 780nm-1mm). To learn more about the fundamentals of light, read this article here.
Red and infrared wavelengths are in the electromagnetic spectrum between visible light and the microwave spectrum. They are divided into three categories:
Near (NIR), mid and far-infrared. Red Light is delivered at 660 nm and is readily absorbed by surface tissues and cells. Near-Infrared Light is delivered at 850nm, it is invisible to the human eye, and penetrates deeper tissues.
Our eyes are limited to seeing wavelengths of light between 400-700 nanometers and anything below and above. Even though we can't see the light, we can feel and experience the heat radiation of infrared light and make photochemical such as vitamin D.
For example, when we feel the heat of the sun or the warmth of a campfire. Infrared rays consist of photons that penetrate our cells. There they react with specific components of the mitochondria and water.
We can also emit infrared light, as can be shown with the help of night vision cameras that take infrared pictures. We can also emit extremely low-frequency UV light. Every object with a temperature above the absolute zero point radiates in the infrared range.
Red light therapy benefits
(Every time “red light therapy” is mentioned in this article, we’re referring to red and NIR light since they work in very similar ways.)
Red light therapy is also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), low-intensity light therapy(LILT), photobiomodulation, biostimulation, etc.
It delivers energy to the cells by applying a range of visible and nonvisible wavelengths of light on the skin.
You have natural “radiation receivers” in your tissues, the chromophores - porphyrins like heme, flavins, melanin, aromatic amino acids, and photoreceptors like melanopsin or neuropsin - to list a few. Chromophores can receive and utilize optical radiation.
The chromophore water is essential because it has an absorption spectrum of 1000-1700 nm, i.e., in the infrared range, in addition to the UV range. You consist of approximately 60% water, and therefore you have a high absorption rate in the infrared spectrum.
We can think of ourselves as a giant mobile and walking solar panel or similar to trees. The unique thing to note is that humans use an iron at the center of 4 nitrogen atoms in their hemoglobin protein. At the same time, plants use magnesium in their chlorophyll to drive photochemical reactions.
The image below illustrates it.
Why is red light therapy and infrared light important?
Number 1: We are mal-illuminated in a world full of alien light.
Just as processed food leads to malnutrition, our modern world light environment (too much blue and too little red light and near-infrared A) leads to mal-illumination. Most people suffer from mal-illumination and don’t even realize it.
We evolved from being outside under the natural light circle 24/7 but nowadays most people only go out to take a walk or on the way to work/ to go shopping. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American spends 93% of their life indoors. 87% of their lives inside buildings, then another 6% of their life in automobiles. That’s only 7% of their life outdoors.
How can people think that this behavior has no consequences on their health?
This light deficient behavior leads to widespread effects on our brain and organ function, immune system, energy production, mood, neurotransmitter balance, and hormone levels.
Here is a question for you… What do people do who don't get enough micronutrients from their diet?
They supplement.
You can do the same if you are mal-illuminated: The answer is a red light therapy device.
Remember Although a red light device is better and a step in the right direction with adding in what modern society misses out on.
You can’t out supplement a poor diet. You also cant out red light a mal illuminated lifestyle.
Top 10 health benefits of red light therapy:
1. Red light therapy improves energy metabolism
You have about 37.2 trillion cells in your body. Your cells contain, among other organelles, the so-called powerhouse of the cell, the mitochondria. Energy (i.e. ATP) is produced in the mitochondria during the so-called respiratory chain. ATP is the basic requirement for a functioning organism. If a lot of ATP is produced, you’re full of energy and power. However, if there is not enough ATP, you’re tired and exhausted. Sound like anyone you know?
Red and infrared light has a direct effect on the mitochondria building exclusion zone water.
The following happens in detail:
A healthy cell can oxidize glucose into carbon dioxide with the help of essential nutrients in the mitochondria. Every part of cellular metabolism is catalyzed by different enzymes which help with chemical reactions in the body. One of these important enzymes is cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) which plays a fundamental role in ATP production.
A number of stressors like cyanide, estrogen, aluminum + other heavy metals, mycotoxins, etc inhibit CCO.
When cells are exposed to these chemical toxins, they produce excessive or insufficient free radicals like hydroxyl radicals or nitric oxide. Excess Nitric Oxide tends to bind with CCO during cellular respiration, which can hinder the production of ADP ( precursor to ATP) by inactivating CCO. In nature, this works synergistically with the full spectrum of wavelengths accordingly. The reason why you wake up to sunrise is this effect to signal to water in your cells to jump-start and make energy from the red light present and turn on like a spark plug the circadian biology effects with cortisol, glucose, insulin, and neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, etc.
CCO absorbs light, especially red and NIR wavelengths. The wavelengths from NIR and red light can stimulate electrons, which can disassociate CCO from the inhibitory nitric oxide, thus restoring the electron transport chain and increasing mitochondrial membrane potential. The results of red light therapy are an enhanced metabolism and a lot of beneficial effects like):
Increase in ATP (energy) production
Increase in cellular oxygenation
Increased blood flow (because of NO)
Increased CO2 production
Reduced inflammation
Reduced free radicals *1,2,3,4
2. Red light therapy supports healing
Red light therapy helps people to heal from wounds faster and accelerates the repair of wounds by reducing inflammation and increasing tissue formation. *5,6
3. Red light therapy can make your skin glow
Red light therapy has been shown to work wonders for the skin: it can reduce acne by reducing the inflammatory process and stimulate collagen production, improve intracellular cellular hydration in the epidermis resulting in younger, more glowing skin. *6, 7
4. Red light therapy can help reverse hair loss
In America, approximately 35 million women and 21 million men suffer from forms of hair loss. Red light therapy stimulates hair growth in women and men and can stimulate growth on a bald head. The great thing is that unlike costly and sometimes harmful hair transplants or synthetic drugs, red light therapy has little to no downside. *8
5. Red light therapy can help with acne
Acne is a very common condition, not only in teenagers. Acne directly affects emotional health as it can lead to low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Red light therapy has been shown to have a positive effect on reducing and healing acne. *6, 9
6. Red light therapy helps muscle and joint pain
Do you know the feeling when you have pain and want to get rid of it with ibuprofen or other painkillers? Good news: Red light therapy can relieve acute pain and inflammatory processes.
*6,10
The discount code is now LIVEVITAE20 - which gets you 20% off. I recommend going for the Firestorm for maximum effects or the Inferno. Get 20% OFF EMR TEK Red Light Therapy Devices here.
7. Red light therapy lowers inflammation
What exactly is inflammation?
Inflammation is an active reaction of the immune system when bacteria or viruses attack the body. Unfortunately, the immune system is sometimes also activated when there is no "enemy" and the body begins to attack its own cells. This happens, for example, with an autoimmune disease. Also, if fatty acids or carbohydrates don't leave the blood fast enough or if there is too much fatty tissue, inflammatory reactions occur in the body.
Studies have shown that red light therapy is beneficial for inflammatory and inflammation-related chronic diseases such as autoimmune thyroiditis, obesity, psoriasis, etc *11,12
8. Red light therapy helps with anxiety and depression
In winter, when it is dark and cold, you often feel listless and slightly down, red light therapy can lighten the mood. It has even been shown that applying red light therapy to the forehead can reduce depression. *13
9. Red light therapy increases testosterone
In advance: You expose your testicles to achieve the effects.
We’re living in a world full of men with “low-t-syndrome”. Advancing age, too much stress, poor nutrition, and environmental contaminants lower testosterone levels and this has a number of negative changes for men's physical and mental health:
reduced libido
low energy
decreased muscle mass and increased fat mass
Infertility and much more
Studies showed that serum T levels can significantly be increased by exposing the testicles to red and near-infrared light and it can even be considered as an alternative treatment. *14, 15
As if these weren't all incredibly good benefits already, here comes another one on top:
10. Red light therapy can support you with fat reduction
Nowadays, the number of overweight people is increasing day by day. There are many reasons for that:
Lack of nutrients
Exposure to toxins
Lack of movement
Lack of quality sleep
Behavior and habits such as overconsuming hyper-palatable foods.
Inflammation - impacting the brain centers which control for hunger and satiety.
Mold exposure and other xenobiotics
There are overwhelming factors correlated with an increased risk of obesity.
But could a lack of light, especially natural light, also play a role?
Studies show: YES because red light therapy has been shown to have positive effects on fat burning and the reduction of the waist, hip, thigh, and upper abdomen circumference. In addition, it also helps in reducing cellulite. *16,17,18
What red light therapy device should you buy?
1. Low EMF exposure
The main issue of red light therapy is the potentially high levels of non-native electromagnetic fields (nnEMF) that the devices emit. There is no device without EMF but you should make sure that yours emits it as little as possible.
2. Wavelengths
Different wavelengths have different effects on the body and not all wavelengths are beneficial. You can get the best benefits by using a red and NIR light device.
3. Power density
The power density is very important. Having proper power density makes a difference between needing 5 minutes of exposure or 50 minutes of exposure. You want many photons passing through the area.
Our favorite and recommended brand is EMR-Tek. They currently have a special 20% discount for you using the code LIVEVITAE20 at checkout.
Are there any side effects of using a red light therapy device?
When used correctly, there are almost no side effects. This depends on the device you purchase. We recommend EMR TEK for its quality and friendlier price. (20% discount code for EMR TEK using LIVEVITAE20 at checkout)
I personally use and recommend to family and friends no more than 15 minutes per time using the red light therapy device. More is not always better. Better is better.
How to use red light therapy at home
Ideally 1-2 times a day in the morning and evening. However, the exact time and distance to the device depend on the model, as they always have different wavelengths and densities. However, you should be careful not to do it after sunset, as the energy boost could prevent you from sleeping. And more is not always better. If you overdose on it you could diminish the benefits. Think of the natural light cycle: there are never such high amounts of red light available.
If you have any questions, please comment on this blog post and we will be happy to help you.
Red light therapy health benefits: Conclusion
Red light therapy is a real healing miracle and a MUST HAVE for every person who wants to bring their performance and health to the optimum.
There are 2 options: the natural option in the form of the sun or a campfire. Exposing your body safely to natural sunlight in an appropriate manner.
Or the much simpler variant, a red light therapy device. Your neighbors will thank you if you don't sit naked in the garden in the morning holding your genitals or breasts up to the sunrise. Using a device is easier and far more effective.
Disclaimer:
All information connected to Live Vitae does not provide medical advice and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Any and All information contained herein, do so at your own risk. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Anyone wishing to embark on any dietary, drug, exercise or other lifestyle change intended to prevent or treat a specific disease or condition should first consult a qualified healthcare professional. Anyone who is currently taking medicinal products and/or suffering from any form of a medical condition should consult their doctor prior to the change in dietary and lifestyle practices. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read or heard via Live Vitae content (articles, social media, media appearances and newsletter). If you think you may have a medical condition or emergency, immediately call your doctor or emergency services.
References:
*1 Klepeis, N., Nelson, W., Ott, W. et al. The National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS): a resource for assessing exposure to environmental pollutants. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 11, 231–252 (2001).
*2 Farivar S, Malekshahabi T, Shiari R. Biological effects of low level laser therapy. J Lasers Med Sci. 2014;5(2):58-62.
*3 Chung H, Dai T, Sharma SK, Huang YY, Carroll JD, Hamblin MR. The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy. Ann Biomed Eng. 2012 Feb;40(2):516-33. doi: 10.1007/s10439-011-0454-7. Epub 2011 Nov 2. PMID: 22045511; PMCID: PMC3288797.
*4 Farivar S, Malekshahabi T, Shiari R. Biological effects of low level laser therapy. J Lasers Med Sci. 2014;5(2):58-62.
*5 Kuffler DP. Photobiomodulation in promoting wound healing: a review. Regen Med. 2016 Jan;11(1):107-22. doi: 10.2217/rme.15.82. Epub 2015 Dec 18. PMID: 26681143.
*6 Avci P, Gupta A, Sadasivam M, Vecchio D, Pam Z, Pam N, Hamblin MR. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2013 Mar;32(1):41-52. PMID: 24049929; PMCID: PMC4126803.
*7 Zarei F, Abbaszadeh A. Application of Cell Therapy for Anti-Aging Facial Skin. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther. 2019;14(3):244-248. doi: 10.2174/1574888X13666181113113415. PMID: 30421684.
*8 Lanzafame RJ, Blanche RR, Bodian AB, Chiacchierini RP, Fernandez-Obregon A, Kazmirek ER. The growth of human scalp hair mediated by visible red light laser and LED sources in males. Lasers Surg Med. 2013 Oct;45(8):487-95. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22173. Erratum in: Lasers Surg Med. 2014 Apr;46(4):373. PMID: 24078483.
*9 Barbaric J, Abbott R, Posadzki P, Car M, Gunn LH, Layton AM, Majeed A, Car J. Light therapies for acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Sep 27;9(9):CD007917. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007917.pub2. PMID: 27670126; PMCID: PMC6457763.
*10 Langella LG, Casalechi HL, Tomazoni SS, Johnson DS, Albertini R, Pallotta RC, Marcos RL, de Carvalho PTC, Leal-Junior ECP. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on acute pain and inflammation in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty-a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2018 Dec;33(9):1933-1940. doi: 10.1007/s10103-018-2558-x. Epub 2018 Jun 16. PMID: 29909435.
*11 Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophys. 2017;4(3):337-361. doi: 10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337. Epub 2017 May 19. PMID: 28748217; PMCID: PMC5523874.
*12 Höfling DB, Chavantes MC, Juliano AG, Cerri GG, Knobel M, Yoshimura EM, Chammas MC. Low-level laser in the treatment of patients with hypothyroidism induced by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2013 May;28(3):743-53. doi: 10.1007/s10103-012-1129-9. Epub 2012 Jun 21. PMID: 22718472.
*13 Sit DK, McGowan J, Wiltrout C, Diler RS, Dills JJ, Luther J, Yang A, Ciolino JD, Seltman H, Wisniewski SR, Terman M, Wisner KL. Adjunctive Bright Light Therapy for Bipolar Depression: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. Am J Psychiatry. 2018 Feb 1;175(2):131-139. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.16101200. Epub 2017 Oct 3. PMID: 28969438.
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*15 European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP). "Lack of interest in sex successfully treated by exposure to bright light." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 18 September 2016.
*16 Paolillo FR, Borghi-Silva A, Parizotto NA, Kurachi C, Bagnato VS. New treatment of cellulite with infrared-LED illumination applied during high-intensity treadmill training. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2011 Aug;13(4):166-71. doi: 10.3109/14764172.2011.594065. PMID: 21740089.
*17 Thornfeldt CR, Thaxton PM, Hornfeldt CS. A Six-week Low-level Laser Therapy Protocol is Effective for Reducing Waist, Hip, Thigh, and Upper Abdomen Circumference. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016 Jun;9(6):31-5. Epub 2016 Jun 1. PMID: 27386049; PMCID: PMC4928454.
*18 Roche GC, Shanks S, Jackson RF, Holsey LJ. Low-Level Laser Therapy for Reducing the Hip, Waist, and Upper Abdomen Circumference of Individuals with Obesity. Photomed Laser Surg. 2017 Mar;35(3):142-149. doi: 10.1089/pho.2016.4172. Epub 2016 Dec 9. PMID: 27935737.