In this illuminating solosode of The Red Light Report, Dr. Mike Belkowski takes a deep dive into the fascinating work of photo-biological pioneer John Ott, whose groundbreaking discoveries laid the foundation for our modern understanding of how light affects biological systems. Dr. Mike revisits Ott’s influential (yet often overlooked) book,
Health and Light, exploring excerpts that demonstrate the profound influence of light on plants, animals, and humans — including its effects on hormonal balance, cellular behavior, sex determination, and even viral activity.
The episode covers:
• Ott’s concept of mal-illumination and the modern light environment crisis
• Experiments showing how different light wavelengths influenced the sex of fish and chinchillas, cholesterol levels in mice, and behavior in lab animals
• How ultraviolet light affects chloroplast streaming and retinal pigment epithelial cells
• The surprising connections between light, the endocrine system, and overall health
• Why sunglasses may be harming your health by disrupting natural UV perception
• Dr. Mike’s reflections on the importance of embracing full-spectrum sunlight for true vitality
Whether you’re a longtime light therapy enthusiast or just beginning your journey, this episode will radically shift how you view the light that surrounds you.
If you found the information in today's episode particularly interesting and/or compelling, please share it with a family member, friend, colleague and/or anyone that you think could benefit and be illuminated by this knowledge. Sharing is caring :)
As always, light up your health!
-
Key points:
00:00 – Introduction
00:32 – John Ott: Pioneer of Photobiology
02:09 – Mal-illumination: The Concept and Its Health Impacts
04:04 – Health and Light: Exploring John Ott’s Book
08:59 – Light and the Endocrine System: Fish and Chinchilla Experiments
27:02 – Chloroplasts and Light Filters: Plant and Animal Responses
47:35 – Animal Response to Light: Breeding and Behavior Studies
52:26 – Biological Effects of Tinted Lenses: UV Light and Health
01:01:07 – Sunglasses and UV Light: Impacts on Iris and Systemic Health
01:04:15 – Conclusion: Importance of Full-Spectrum Sunlight
-
Books referenced in this episode:
Health and Light - the Effects of Natural and Artificial Light on Man and Other Living Things
Other John Ott Books:
Light, Radiation, and You How to Stay Healthy
Health and Light: The extraordinary Study that Shows How light Affects Your Health and emotional well being
-
Unparalleled Mitochondrial Support:
BioBlue Fountain of Youth
Save 15% on your order of the Fountain of Youth
Code: FOY15
OR
Save 25% when you purchase the Fountain of Youth via the
BioBundle and choose the subscription option!
No code necessary -- 25% discount automatically applied!
Shop Fountain of Youth by
clicking here.
Shop BioBundle by
clicking here.
-
Dr. Mike's #1 recommendations:
-
Stay up-to-date on social media:
Dr. Mike Belkowski:
Instagram
LinkedIn
BioLight:
Website
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
The Red Light Report 