Let There Be Light
By Brandon J. Alleman, OMP, CEK, HHP
Sick Season’ is upon us. Have you ever noticed that ‘sick season’ coincides with a series of holidays where we generally eat less-than-healthy foods, deprive ourselves of sleep, and are exposed to less sunlight? These are all things that will increase oxidative stress at the cell level.
Many things can be done to decrease oxidative stress. A lesser known modality to improve immunity and health during ‘sick season’ is the use of light therapy. Few people realize that darkness is a stress to the body. Darkness actually down-regulates mitochondrial activity and decreases energy production. Ever noticed that you feel better in the Spring and Summer when you are typically exposed to more sunlight?
From a hormonal perspective, sunlight and light can:
- Stimulate progesterone (a protective and ‘youth associated’ hormone) production
- Increase overall immunity
- Stimulate overall metabolism
- Protect tissue from free-radical damage
- Down-regulates melatonin and adrenaline (indirectly)
- Help the liver store cholecalciferol which is important for vitamin D production and calcium absorption in the small intestine
- Protect against sodium, magnesium, and potassium loss through down regulation of aldosterone
- Stimulate mitochondria to produce more energy
Lack of sunlight/light is also associated with increased serotonin levels. According to Ray Peat, PhD, “Serotonin tends to cause hypoglycemia, and hypoglycemia inhibits the conversion of thyroxine into the active T3 hormone. Hypoglycemia and hypothyroidism increase noradrenaline.” Excess serotonin also stimulates cortisol, decreases CO2, and puts you into a state of hibernation. Bright incandescent light, particularly red light, can act on the same mitochondrial enzymes governed by thyroid hormones.
A simple act to improve immunity during ‘sick season’ is the implementation of light therapy.
Purchase a 250-watt incandescent light bulb from Home Depot (preferably red). Expose skin to light while making sure you are not close enough to burn yourself – light being around 24-30 inches away from you. Start with 5-10-minute exposures and work up to 30 minutes over the course of one month. Ideal time to use light therapy is when the sun is going down.
Enjoy light therapy daily and improved health this winter!