Shedding Light on Metabolic Health: The Surprising Benefits of Red Light LED Therapy
- Dr. S. Rallis DC, ND
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
When I first toured The DRIPBaR Jacksonville, one of the first things that caught my eye was this enormous, four-panel LED platinum red light unit that I had just inherited. I was intrigued, but also a little skeptical. I was certainly aware of the hyperbole surrounding red light therapy in the wellness space, but were the purported benefits real? And what exactly were these benefits? It made sense to take a deeper dive into the technology.
Red Light Therapy: More Than Skin Deep
Initially gaining popularity in aesthetics, red light therapy is now recognized as a far deeper-reaching modality.
How deep?
Consider this, at the cellular level, red light stimulates the mitochondria—the tiny power plants inside our cells—helping them produce energy more efficiently. The scientific name for this process is photobiomodulation (PBM), and essentially, different wavelengths of light affect the mitochondria differently. Longer wavelengths, such as those found in the red light spectrum (660-900 nm) increase mitochondrial membrane potentials, while shorter wavelengths, such as those found in blue light (420 nm) decrease mitochondrial activity. The application of this is really quite profound, and if you’ve read my book, you’ll understand my fascination with mitochondrial health. Mitochondrial health is foundational to our overall wellness, influencing nearly every aspect of bodily function and disease!
These tiny cellular structures produce energy crucial for cell survival, growth, and repair. When mitochondria function optimally, cells thrive, supporting robust metabolic health, immune function, brain clarity, and physical endurance. Conversely, mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to numerous health issues, including metabolic disorders like diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, chronic fatigue, the aging process, and yes, cancer. In fact, many of the top researchers in metabolism would strongly argue that cancer is a disease of ‘the metabolism,’ and the mitochondria are central to this process. I spend considerable time in the book elucidating this process. Needless to say, enhancing mitochondrial health holds vast potential for improving quality of life, both in the management and prevention of disease.
But central to mitochondrial health is metabolism, how the body converts food into fuel. This is where the story gets even more interesting.
Metabolic Regulation: Linking POMC, Insulin, and Melatonin
Red light therapy influences metabolism by initiating a cascade of cellular events beginning at the level of Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), a critical protein precursor in the brain involved in appetite control, energy balance, and melanocortin production. Activation of POMC neurons can profoundly impact insulin sensitivity, aiding in blood sugar management and enhancing the body's ability to regulate metabolism effectively.
Think of insulin as a key that unlocks cells to allow sugar entry, providing fuel for cellular function. Insulin resistance, common in metabolic disorders like diabetes, is akin to having rusty locks. Red light therapy, through its activation of the POMC pathway, helps 'remove the rust,' improving insulin sensitivity and aiding in metabolic stability.
Furthermore, POMC serves as a precursor for melanins, protective pigments critical for defending the body against oxidative stress and inflammation. This connection extends further to the pineal gland's production of melatonin, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory hormone whose production is stimulated by red light exposure. Enhanced melatonin production not only boosts circadian rhythms but directly supports deeper, restorative sleep.
Indeed, improved sleep is a frequently reported benefit in patients using red light therapy, observable through metrics tracked by wearable health devices like WHOOP bands and Oura rings. Enhanced sleep quality stemming from optimal melatonin production and metabolic regulation provides significant benefits for overall recovery and well-being.
Making Red Light Therapy Accessible
In my practice, patients appreciate how accessible and safe red light therapy is. Whether you’re receiving a high-dose IV vitamin C treatment for supportive cancer or an NAD treatment for brain optimization, red-light therapy can easily be integrated into your home routine or clinic visits, requiring just a few minutes daily to reap benefits.
Nature Cure
From insulin regulation to sleep enhancement, red light therapy shifts mitochondrial metabolism in very profound ways. Like grounding, my best suggestion is not a red light panel or a grounding mat, it’s to walk along the ocean at sunrise or sunset with your feet in the water. While that would be an amazing daily ritual, it’s just not that realistic for most. In the meantime, next time you’re receiving an IV infusion at our Jacksonville location, ask about receiving it in ou our red light therapy room.
As always, it's important to approach new therapies with guidance from healthcare professionals familiar with your personal health profile. Feel free to discuss with your healthcare provider whether incorporating red light therapy could support your health journey.
References:
Powner MB, Jeffery G. Systemic glucose levels are modulated by specific wavelengths in the solar light spectrum that shift mitochondrial metabolism. PLoS One. 2022 Nov 3;17(11):e0276937. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276937. PMID: 36327250; PMCID: PMC9632789.
Powner MB, Jeffery G. Light stimulation of mitochondria reduces blood glucose levels. J Biophotonics. 2024 May;17(5):e202300521. doi: 10.1002/jbio.202300521. Epub 2024 Feb 20. PMID: 38378043.
Chotikasemsri P. G Protein-coupled Receptors and Proopiomelanocortin Expression After Light Emitting Diode Irradiation in Diabetic Wound Healin. Wounds. 2017 Nov;29(11):311-316. Epub 2017 Aug 31. PMID: 28862975.
Couturaud V, Le Fur M, Pelletier M, Granotier F. Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation. Skin Res Technol. 2023 Jul;29(7):e13391. doi: 10.1111/srt.13391. PMID: 37522497; PMCID: PMC10311288.
Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Liu P, Xue X, Zhang C, Peng L, Shen W, Yang S, Wang F. The Role of Photobiomodulation to Modulate Ion Channels in the Nervous System: A Systematic Review. Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2024 Nov 23;44(1):79. doi: 10.1007/s10571-024-01513-1. PMID: 39579175; PMCID: PMC11585518.
Dr. Steve Rallis DC, ND, is a practicing integrative physician (DC, ND), author, medical instructor, and passionate advocate for expanding the use of integrative therapies in primary care.
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