39. Scott Zimmerman: Amazing Effects of Infrared Light on the Human Body
Oct 8, 2023
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Scott Zimmerman, an optics engineer and light researcher, shares groundbreaking discoveries about the effects of infrared light on the human body. Topics include the production of melatonin, the importance of near infrared light, the harm of artificial lighting, and the impact of light environment on mental health. Fascinating insights into the role of light in our biology.
Near infrared light plays a significant role in various biological processes and can enhance blood flow and oxygenation in the body.
Melatonin is not only produced by the pineal gland during sleep, but also by mitochondria in every cell, indicating its widespread presence and importance in maintaining cellular health and oxidative balance.
Relying solely on sunscreens to protect against skin cancer may increase exposure to harmful visible and blue-violet light, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to sun protection.
Artificial lighting, especially energy-efficient LED lights, has significantly reduced the natural light spectrum, leading to higher oxidative stress levels and potential impacts on overall well-being.
Deep dives
Importance of Circadian Health and Light
Maintaining circadian health and understanding how light affects our bodies is crucial. The circadian health course provides concise and relatable explanations on the impact of light on our health, including the importance of changing your light environment to improve sleep and regulate hormonal systems. Blue light blocking glasses from Midwest Red Light Therapy are recommended for protecting melatonin production at night. Spending most of our time indoors without exposure to natural sunlight and near infrared light can have harmful effects on our overall well-being.
Optics and Light Interactions in the Human Body
Optical engineer Scott DeZimamun discusses his research on how light interacts with the human body. He explains that sunlight contains a broad spectrum of wavelengths, only a small portion of which is visible light. Near infrared light, which penetrates deep into the body, plays a significant role in various processes, including the propagation of photons, tissue localization, and the enhancement of blood flow and oxygenation. The body has developed optical mechanisms to collect and utilize sunlight, which can be seen in its effects on hormone levels, eye development, and overall cellular function.
Understanding Melatonin as an Antioxidant
Melatonin is known for its role in regulating sleep, but it is also a powerful antioxidant. It has the ability to neutralize free radicals and cascade into other antioxidants, providing systemic and cellular protection. Research suggests that melatonin is generated not only by the pineal gland during sleep, but also by mitochondria in every cell. Melatonin levels can transiently increase during activities such as exercise and sex, indicating its widespread presence and importance in maintaining cellular health and oxidative balance.
Reevaluating Sunscreen Use and Sunlight Exposure
The use of sunscreens and blocking out sunlight can have unintended consequences on our health. Optics play a significant role in how sunlight interacts with the body, and relying solely on sunscreens to protect against skin cancer may increase exposure to harmful visible and blue-violet light. The body's ability to utilize sunlight, including near infrared light, for various processes is often overlooked. Balancing outdoor time and using appropriate protective measures like clothing and shade are essential for maintaining a healthy light environment.
Melatonin levels increase during exercise
During exercise, melatonin levels in the blood increase significantly, which was previously unknown. This contradicts the common belief that melatonin is only involved in sleep. The debate surrounding how exercise triggers melatonin production is ongoing, with some researchers suggesting it occurs in the mitochondria. These findings highlight the changing understanding of melatonin and its broader role in the body beyond sleep regulation.
The importance of the circadian rhythm
The podcast discusses the crucial role of the circadian rhythm in melatonin production. When exposed to blue light, the brain inhibits melatonin production from the pineal gland. Therefore, exposure to blue light at night can negatively impact sleep quality and disrupt the circadian rhythm. The research highlights the need to consider the effects of artificial lighting and blue light exposure on melatonin production and overall health.
Unintended consequences of artificial lighting
The podcast highlights the unintended consequences of modern artificial lighting. The shift towards energy-efficient LED lights has significantly reduced the near-infrared and ultraviolet light spectrum, which are important for optimal health. This reduction in natural light exposure can lead to higher oxidative stress levels and potentially impact overall well-being. The episode emphasizes the importance of creating a balanced light environment that incorporates natural sunlight and includes tools like specialized light bulbs to restore the missing components.
Scott Zimmerman is an optics engineer and light researcher who has been studying the effect of non-visible light on the human body. He has made some fascinating and unexpected discoveries about the ways our bodies use infrared light from the sun and how melatonin, the so-called hormone of darkness, is actually being produced constantly in our mitochondria during the day. Truly groundbreaking stuff. It frames the harm of an indoor, artificially-lit existence in even poorer light excuse the pun ;)
This is a sometimes complex but highly informative interview, and is a great complement to my Jack Kruse Series. Enjoy!
TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Infrared Light's Impact on Human Body 00:12:37 The Biological Effects of Different Wavelengths 00:21:44 The Importance of Near Infrared Light 00:42:26 Melanin, Sunscreens, and Energy Absorption 00:58:44 The Roles and Functions of Melatonin 00:1:16:12 Importance of Sunlight and Visible Light 01:29:29 Impact of Artificial Lighting on Health 01:39:10 Lighting's Impact on Health and Well-Being 01:51:02 Open Conversations and Peer Review Importance
LINKS Melatonin and the Optics of the Human Body by Scott Zimmeramn & Russel Reiter https://melatonin-research.net/index.php/MR/article/view/19
Melatonin: Both a Messenger of Darkness and a Participant in the Cellular Actions of Non-Visible Solar Radiation of Near Infrared Light https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9855654/
Melatonin research Journal https://melatonin-research.net/index.php/MR/index
NIRA: Near infrared light bulbs (Scott's company) https://niralighting.com/
Follow SCOTT Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-zimmerman-29b7b59?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name
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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.
