Ricci Flow Nutrition Podcast

Andrzej Slominski: Light's Unparalleled Influence in Biology

Oct 5, 2024

Dr. Andrzej Slominski, a renowned dermatopathologist and expert in the influence of light on biology, dives into the intricate relationship between light and our health. He debunks myths about sun exposure, balancing its benefits like vitamin D production against risks like skin cancer. Discussions on the POMC pathway reveal how light affects physiological functions. Slominski also highlights the skin microbiome's impact on health and the promising research around UVA light’s influence on the brain. This thought-provoking conversation unveils the complex dance between light and our bodies.

01:10:35

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Episode guests

Andrzej Slominski

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Quick takeaways

Sunlight has a dual role in health, necessitating a balanced approach to maximize benefits like vitamin D production while minimizing risks like skin damage.

The body's ability to cope with UV radiation underscores the importance of understanding neuroendocrine factors influenced by sunlight for a comprehensive view of health.

Deep dives

The Dual Role of Sunlight in Health

Sunlight plays a complex role in human health, having both beneficial and detrimental effects. While it's associated with skin cancer, damage, and aging, it also promotes the production of vitamin D and regulates neuroendocrine signaling, which is critical for maintaining homeostasis. The different types of ultraviolet (UV) light, specifically UVA and UVB, produce varying effects on skin and overall health, necessitating a balanced approach to sun exposure. Just as moderate consumption of red wine can benefit heart health while excessive consumption poses risks, sunlight also requires moderation to maximize its health advantages while minimizing harm.

Intro

2min

The Dual Nature of Sunlight

22min

The Light-Skin Connection: Melatonin and Skin Health

15min

The POMC Pathway and Light Exposure

16min

The Role of UVC Light in Biology

7min

Exploring the Skin Microbiome and Its Impact on Health

4min

Exploring the Biological Impact of UVA Light

5min

Andrzej T. Slominski, MD, PhD, is a dermatopatholigist and world-expert on the influence of light on biology. Over the last 30+ years, he has focused on the regulation of the neuro-endocrine-immune axis by light on the skin and through the eyes. Andrzej has contributed substantially to our understanding of how light signals are transduced in the body and what effects they have on global homeostasis. His recent focus is on neuroendocrinology of the skin, cancer, photobiology, pigment biology, cutaneous steroidogenesis, vitamin D and melatonin.

Andrzej has been working carefully to undo the dogmatic and simplistic ideas about sun exposure that prevail in culture today. His work reintroduces nuance and logic to the discussion of sunlight’s role in disease prevention and health. His work has and continues to be incredibly influential in our understanding how light and life interact.

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