81. Sunlight as Medicine with ICU Physician Roger Seheult, MD
Oct 10, 2024
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Dr. Roger Seheult, a prominent ICU physician and founder of the Medcram YouTube channel, dives into the astonishing health benefits of sunlight. He reveals how light influences circadian rhythms, mitochondrial health, and even mortality rates. The discussion critiques artificial lighting and its health risks, while advocating for heliotherapy's role in treating ailments, including COVID-19. Seheult also sheds light on the connection between vitamin D levels and better health outcomes, emphasizing the need for education on sunlight's healing powers.
Understanding circadian rhythms is essential for optimal health, as they regulate numerous biological processes influenced by light exposure and meal timing.
Maximizing morning sunlight exposure can enhance well-being by regulating circadian rhythms and aiding in metabolic health through natural light wavelengths.
Engaging with a supportive community can empower individuals making lifestyle changes, fostering collaboration and enhancing motivation through shared experiences and knowledge.
The historical use of light therapy in medicine underscores the importance of reintegrating light as a therapeutic tool to improve patient outcomes.
Deep dives
The Importance of Sourcing Ethical Meat
Many consumers may not realize the implications of purchasing meat from supermarkets, which often lacks transparency regarding the treatment of animals and the quality of feed. Issues such as ethical treatment of animals, potential exposure to industrial herbicides, and chemical treatments before processing are significant concerns. Buying meat directly from farmers, like Walkie Farms, ensures that consumers can avoid these problems, supporting regenerative farming practices that emphasize animal welfare and environmental stewardship. This approach provides both health benefits and peace of mind regarding food sourcing.
The Role of a Supportive Community in Health Improvement
Joining a supportive community can be invaluable for individuals making lifestyle changes, such as adopting ancestral dietary practices. A space where like-minded people share experiences and offer encouragement can foster collaboration and connection. Engaging with a community not only provides motivation but also allows individuals to ask questions and seek advice from knowledgeable peers. This interaction can help individuals feel less isolated and more empowered to implement and sustain beneficial changes.
Understanding Circadian Rhythms and Their Impact
Circadian rhythms govern numerous biological processes, driving our daily cycles of activity and rest. Understanding how these rhythms operate, including their relationship with factors like light exposure and meal timing, is crucial for ensuring optimal health. Disruptions to natural light patterns can confuse these rhythms, leading to health issues and metabolic problems. By aligning daily activities, such as eating and sleeping, with natural light cycles, individuals can significantly improve their overall health.
The Importance of Sunlight for Health
Research reveals that exposure to sunlight is vital for several health outcomes, with specific wavelengths of light playing critical roles in various bodily functions. Sunlight helps regulate circadian rhythms, supports metabolic health, and facilitates the production of important compounds like melatonin. However, modern lifestyles often result in reduced sunlight exposure, creating a deficiency that can have detrimental effects on health. Maximizing sunlight exposure, particularly in the morning, can enhance well-being and mitigate risks associated with sunlight deprivation.
The Impact of Artificial Light on Circadian Systems
Artificial light, particularly at night, poses significant challenges to the circadian system by disrupting the natural programming of our biological clocks. The intensity and spectrum of artificial light differ markedly from natural sunlight, potentially leading to adverse effects such as sleep disruption and metabolic imbalance. The presence of blue light from screens further complicates this issue by inhibiting melatonin production, which is essential for quality sleep. Reducing exposure to artificial light in the evening can facilitate a healthier sleep cycle and overall better health.
Harnessing Near-Infrared Light for Health Benefits
Near-infrared light has emerged as an important area of interest for its positive health effects, particularly regarding mitochondrial function and ATP production. Scientific studies suggest that exposure to near-infrared light can enhance recovery from various health conditions by improving metabolic processes. Implementing practices that encourage exposure to this wavelength, such as seeking natural sunlight or using specific light therapies, can provide significant health advantages. This growing body of research calls for increased attention to the role of light in therapeutic settings.
The Historical Context of Light Therapy
Light therapy has a long history of use, with notable applications dating back to the treatment of tuberculosis and other conditions in the early 20th century. Pioneers in heliotherapy observed significant positive outcomes from sun exposure on patient health, leading to its use as an accepted medical intervention. Despite advancements in modern medicine, this valuable knowledge has been overlooked, highlighting the need for a resurgence of light therapy in clinical practice today. By updating medical practices to include light as a therapeutic tool, healthcare can improve patient outcomes and expand holistic health approaches.
Dr. Roger Seheult is a world leading medical educator and practicing Intensive Care physician from California, USA also board-certified in respiratory, sleep and internal medicine. He is the founder of the Medcram YouTube channel and has recently been the use of heliotherapy for patients with acute viral respiratory infections.
We discuss the importance of circadian rhyhtms, how infrared light is interacting with life, mitochondria and disease, problems of artificial light at nigth and the indoor environment, how to educate people on light as medicine and much much more.
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TIMESTAMPS 01:32 Exploring Circadian Rhythms 10:59 The Role of Light in Circadian Systems 18:20 Melanopsin and Light Sensitivity 22:23 The Impact of Artificial Light 28:43 The Importance of Near Infrared Light 36:45 Mitochondrial Function and Light Interaction 55:55 Exploring Mitochondrial Function and Health 01:01:12 The Impact of Sunlight on Health and Disease 01:06:19 Health Disparities and Sunlight Exposure 01:10:03 The Role of Sunlight in Disease Prevention 01:21:05 Reevaluating Sunlight's Role in Cancer Treatment 01:36:30 Integrating Light Therapy into Modern Medicine
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DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is purely for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast or YouTube channel. Do not make medication changes without first consulting your treating clinician.
