Brian Hoyer, an expert on EMFs and the effects of light on health from Shielded Healing, dives into the impact of artificial lighting. He discusses how modern light sources can lead to a variety of health issues, from sleep disruption to weight gain. Hoyer emphasizes the benefits of mimicking natural light in our homes, advocating for practices that enhance mood and well-being. He also shares practical tips for improving 'light hygiene' to foster overall health, urging listeners to embrace more sunlight and optimize their lighting environments.
Artificial light, particularly from LEDs and fluorescents, can disrupt health by impacting sleep, energy, and digestion.
Recreating ancestral lighting conditions through natural light exposure is vital for boosting mood, improving cellular health, and enhancing overall well-being.
Deep dives
The Role of Light in Health
Light significantly impacts various aspects of health, including circadian rhythms, brain function, and cellular health. Natural light from the sun provides a spectrum of wavelengths that penetrate the skin and stimulate important bodily processes, such as collagen production and mitochondrial function. For optimal health, it’s essential to recreate ancestral lighting conditions in our living environments, moving away from harsh artificial lights like LEDs and fluorescents. Incorporating more natural light into our lives can not only improve physical health but also enhance emotional well-being.
Mitochondrial Energy Production
Mitochondria are pivotal in energy production, with approximately two-thirds of their energy derived from light exposure rather than food. Near-infrared light penetrates deeper into cells, assisting in energy generation and maintaining overall cellular health. This understanding highlights the importance of exposure to adequate light throughout the day to support mitochondrial function and prevent fatigue. A lifestyle that includes adequate sunlight can lead to improved energy levels and reduce dependency on caloric intake for energy.
Barriers to Natural Light Absorption
Modern living has created numerous barriers that prevent effective sunlight absorption, such as synthetic clothing and energy-efficient building materials. Traditional clothing fabric allows light to penetrate better than modern synthetic options, while reflective window films block beneficial infrared wavelengths. Many people spend extended periods indoors or in vehicles, limiting their exposure to natural light. To counteract these issues, it is essential to maximize outdoor time and consider both clothing choices and home design to enhance light absorption.
Optimizing Light Exposure
To improve light hygiene, individuals should adopt simple practices such as opening windows to allow natural light indoors and taking regular breaks outside to soak up sunlight. Incorporating specific lighting solutions like halogen and incandescent bulbs can help recreate a more natural lighting environment that supports health. Reducing reliance on fluorescent lighting, which can cause fatigue and headaches due to flickering, is also crucial. Establishing morning routines that involve sunlight exposure can effectively align circadian rhythms and improve overall well-being.
LED lightbulbs. Flickering fluorescent bulbs. Laptops, iPads, smartphones. What is artificial light doing to our health? And can we mimic ancestral, healing light (like the light of fire or the sun) in our homes to mitigate the damage and/or boost our mood and wellbeing?
Brian Hoyer of Shielded Healing is an expert on EMFs and the effect of light on our health. Today he gets specific about the damage our modern light can do to our health: from causing eye issues, to weight gain, to headache to lowering energy and melatonin production (needed for better sleep and improved digestion). He also goes over what we can do to improve our "light hygiene" at home to foster better health, improved energy levels and a more positive mood.