#326 - AMA #65: Red light therapy: promising applications, mixed evidence, and impact on health and aging
whatshot 62 snips
Nov 18, 2024
In this insightful discussion, the focus is on red light therapy and its burgeoning popularity. The host unpacks its basic science and unique penetration abilities, shedding light on various health applications. Key topics include its potential benefits for skin health, wound healing, and aging. The biochemical impact on mitochondrial function is analyzed, emphasizing increased ATP production. A comprehensive look at the therapy’s limitations and effectiveness against chronic issues rounds out the conversation, making it a thought-provoking exploration.
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insights INSIGHT
Red Light Therapy Wavelengths
Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light, typically between 620 and 780 nanometers.
Near-infrared light, while invisible, is also used, ranging from 790 to 1400 nanometers.
insights INSIGHT
Penetration Depth of Red Light
Red light's penetration depth is limited, reaching only a few millimeters into the skin with LEDs.
Lasers can penetrate deeper, up to a few centimeters, but even this might not be enough for some claimed effects.
insights INSIGHT
Red Light's Effect on Tissue
Red light affects cellular function by interacting with photosensitive molecules called chromophores.
Cytochrome C oxidase (CCO), part of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, is a key chromophore influenced by red light.
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In this “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) episode, Peter dives into the world of red light therapy in response to frequent questions from listeners. Peter provides a comprehensive exploration, starting with the basics of red light therapy and why it’s getting so much attention. The conversation examines the latest data on various applications, including aging, skin health, acne, wound healing, hair loss, eye health, exercise performance, metabolic health, weight loss, inflammation, injury recovery, and menstrual cramps. Peter analyzes the scientific literature on each use case and concludes with a summary table that provides an easy-to-follow breakdown of the potential benefits of red light therapy across these areas.
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We discuss:
Overview of topics and the motivation behind exploring red light therapy [1:45];
The basic science of red light therapy [3:15];
The unique penetration properties of red light [6:00];
What happens when tissue is exposed to red light [9:30];
Exploring red light therapy’s potential to combat aging [11:00];
Red light therapy for treating acne [13:00];
Red light therapy for aiding in wound healing [18:45];
Red light therapy for hair loss: promising benefits and practical advice [24:15];
Analyzing the evidence of a positive or negative effect of red light therapy on the eyes [28:00];
Red light therapy’s impact on performance and recovery [30:30];
Red light therapy’s impact on metabolic health: analyzing the limited evidence for improved glucose metabolism [32:45];
Red light therapy for weight loss and targeted fat reduction [36:45];
Red light therapy for inflammation, chronic pain, and injury rehabilitation [41:00];
Red light therapy as a treatment for menstrual cramps [43:45];
Summary: promising applications of red light therapy, unsupported claims, and costs to consider [46:45]; and
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