Obesity, Circadian Rhythms & Bluelight Toxicity with Matt Maruca
Sep 25, 2023
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Dr. Stephanie and Matt Maruca delve into the effects of blue light toxicity on health, from obesity to hormonal imbalance. They discuss the importance of natural light, challenges of sunscreen, and the impact of light exposure on skin aging and hormone levels. The conversation explores the role of sunlight and moonlight on circadian rhythms, menstrual cycles, and overall well-being.
Cells communicate with ultraviolet light, emphasizing the importance of understanding this cell-light interaction.
Blue light toxicity from indoor lighting can lead to hormonal imbalances, obesity, and impaired detoxification.
The debate on sunscreen versus sunlight challenges traditional beliefs, highlighting the health benefits of moderate sunlight exposure.
Deep dives
Cells Communicate with Ultraviolet Light
Our cells communicate with ultraviolet light, and our DNA emits and absorbs ultraviolet light. Despite concerns about ultraviolet light being toxic, research suggests that our cells interact with this type of light. Dermatologists may not be fully aware of this phenomenon, emphasizing the importance of understanding this communication between cells and ultraviolet light.
Impact of Blue Light Toxicity on Health
Exposure to blue light toxicity, especially from indoor artificial lighting, can lead to hormonal imbalances, drive obesity, and impact detoxification abilities. Matt Maruka, the CEO of Raw Optics, discussed the negative effects of blue light exposure, including hormonal derangements and obesity in adults and children. The conversation highlighted the importance of balancing exposure to different types of light for overall health.
Sunscreen Use and Sunlight Exposure
The debate around sunscreen use versus sunlight exposure questions the traditional beliefs about the dangers of ultraviolet light. While sunscreen is commonly used for protection, it has been criticized for containing toxic chemicals and potentially disrupting natural processes in the body. Research suggests that moderate sunlight exposure can have health benefits, such as promoting natural melatonin production and overall well-being.
Skin Cancer and Sunlight Relationship
The discussion on skin cancer and sunlight exposure challenges conventional beliefs about the harmful effects of sun exposure. The podcast explores the link between avoiding sunlight and the prevalence of skin cancer. Studies reveal that outdoor workers have lower rates of skin cancer, raising questions about the true causes of skin cancer and the impact of sunlight on overall health.
Optimizing Health Through Light Exposure
The importance of light exposure on our health, particularly in regulating hormones and circadian rhythms, is highlighted. It is emphasized that morning sunlight and sun exposure at various times of the day are crucial for setting our circadian rhythm and producing essential chemicals like vitamin D and nitric oxide. Additionally, avoiding the detrimental effects of artificial blue light is discussed, with insights on protecting eyes and overall well-being from excessive blue light exposure.
Moonlight and Menstrual Cycles
The connection between moonlight exposure and women's menstrual cycles is explored. The podcast delves into how spending time outdoors aligns women's menstrual cycles with lunar phases over time. This alignment is linked to the gravitational force and rhythm of the moon impacting biological processes. The discussion extends to the significance of different types of light, specifically moonlight, in influencing circadian rhythms and potential health implications.
Join Dr. Stephanie on a dazzling journey through the world of light in this illuminating podcast episode. Together with Matt Maruca, the CEO of Ra Optics, they dive into everything from the secrets of moonlight to the battle between sunscreen and sunlight. Discover how blue light toxicity from indoor living affects your hormones, drives obesity, and impairs detoxification, all while exploring the unexpected links between light, skin aging, appetite suppression, and even menstrual cycles. Tune in for a radiant conversation that shines a light on circadian misalignment and how to make things right.
Matt Maruca is the founder and CEO of Ra Optics, a company that teaches about the essential role that light plays in health, and develops advanced light therapy-based products. He founded Ra Optics after a decade-long personal health journey that ultimately led him to light. The discovery that we are ultimately beings of light has led him to a profound interest in the nature of consciousness and existence itself.
Episode Overview: 0:00:01 Cells communicate with ultraviolet light and its paradoxical nature 0:03:15 Opening dialogue with guest on circadian and infradian misalignment 0:06:59 Understanding the concept of full spectrum light and its importance 0:10:10 The Power of Light in Evolution and Life 0:13:30 Understanding the Role of Blue Light and UV Light 0:19:17 The Disruption of Indoor Living and Lack of Blue Light 0:22:28 The Misconceptions and Dangers of Sunscreen 0:28:28 Sunscreen: Is it Really Necessary? 0:32:53 The Role of Melanocytes Stimulating Hormone (MSH) in Sun Protection 0:37:10 Harmful Chemicals and Seed Oils: A Cancer Connection 0:44:52 Sunning the Perineum: A Hormone Augmentation Technique? 0:46:05 The Fall of Clothing and the Nudist Perspective 0:54:02 Leptin Resistance and Disruption of Circadian Rhythm 1:00:06 Impact of Contact Lenses and Corrective Surgery on Vision 1:03:12 Epigenetic modification: Understanding the impact of genes on vision 1:06:29 Moonlight and its potential influence on menstrual cycles 1:11:30 The Influence of Outdoor Time on Menstrual Cycle Alignment 1:14:30 The Benefits of Blue Light Blocking Glasses 1:20:07 Using Red Lenses for Nighttime Protection
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