Sunlight, Modern Life, and Obesity

This episode is brought to you by Bon Charge, Maui Nui, and Momentous.

Light isn’t just something we see; it’s a nutrient our bodies depend on. New research shows that sunlight and infrared light boost mitochondrial function, support brain health, and may even influence obesity and seasonal illness. Today’s guest breaks down why modern life leaves so many of us light-deficient and shares simple steps to bring this essential pillar of health back into their daily routine.

Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with quadruple board-certified physician Dr. Roger Seheult to explore the often-overlooked role of light, especially infrared light, as a vital nutrient for our health. Dr. Seheult breaks down how modern lifestyles have led to a widespread deficiency in natural sunlight, contributing to issues like cognitive decline, obesity, and chronic disease. He shares insights from his clinical experience, the latest research on light therapy, and practical steps anyone can take to increase healthy light exposure. Dr. Seheult also outlines the eight laws of health, highlighting how nutrition, exercise, sunlight, and rest work together to support long-term well-being.

Dr. Roger Seheult is a quadruple board-certified physician in internal medicine, pulmonary diseases, critical care, and sleep medicine. He serves as an Associate Clinical Professor at UC Riverside and an Assistant Clinical Professor at Loma Linda University. He practices at Optum California as a critical care, pulmonary, and sleep specialist, directs a sleep lab, and serves as Medical Director for the Crafton Hills College Respiratory Care Program. He is also the co-founder of MedCram, whose CME-accredited medical education videos are used by hospitals, medical schools, and millions of clinicians worldwide.

In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Seheult dive into: 

• The overlooked “nutrient” your body is starving for (00:32) 

• How infrared light supercharges your mitochondria (4:40)

• The hidden link between light and cognitive decline (8:47)

• COVID-19 treatment with light therapy (15:23)

• Healing power of sunlight (21:41)

• Why low sunlight may drive weight gain and obesity (28:40)

• The surprising reason flu season even exists (41:16)

• Eight Laws of Health (59:56)

• Morning light hacks when you can’t get outside (01:04:37)

• Benefits of leaving windows open (1:07:50)

• Beating the afternoon slump (1:11:05)

• Red light devices and their limitations (1:16:13)

• Light Deficiency: The Modern Scurvy (1:24:15)

• Final takeaways to reboot your relationship with light (1:26:34)

Also mentioned in this episode:

• Higher ultraviolet light exposure is associated with lower mortality

• Brighter nights and darker days predict higher mortality risk

For more on Dr. Seheult, follow him on Facebook, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, or visit his Website.

This episode is brought to you by Bon Charge, Maui Nui, and Momentous.

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