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  • Unlocking the Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Optimal Health

Unlocking the Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Optimal Health

The benefits to your skin, sleep and mood are just the beginning.

If this is new to you, it was new to me too

Red light therapy (RLT) is gaining traction as a non-invasive, science-backed approach to improving overall health and well-being. I had seen Gary Brecka and Dana White and some others touting the benefits but I thought it was just a gimmicky high tech health device that may or may not actually do anything. After all - doesn’t the sun provide all the light therapy we need? I do think that is true but I also know most of us aren’t in an ideal spot for optimal sun exposure each day. So to get some benefits from the power of light - there are cheat codes like RLT that can give us some pretty amazing benefits. I picked up one that goes in my sauna so I can do two beneficial things at once.

What is it?

This therapy involves exposing the body to low wavelengths of red and near-infrared light, which penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular function. Research supports its benefits in several areas of health, making it a valuable addition to a well-rounded wellness routine.

Key Benefits of Red Light Therapy

Enhanced Skin Health

• Red light stimulates collagen production, which helps improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines and wrinkles[^1].

• Studies show it can accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation associated with skin conditions such as acne and eczema[^2].

Improved Muscle Recovery and Performance

• RLT has been shown to reduce muscle soreness and fatigue after exercise by enhancing mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress[^3].

• It aids in improving strength, endurance, and overall muscle performance by supporting cellular repair[^4].

Pain Relief and Inflammation Reduction

• Clinical trials indicate that red light therapy can significantly reduce chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and lower back pain[^5].

• The anti-inflammatory effects help alleviate joint stiffness and improve mobility without the need for medication[^6].

Better Sleep Quality

• Exposure to red light in the evening may help regulate circadian rhythms and increase melatonin production, leading to improved sleep quality[^7].

• Regular use has been linked to deeper, more restorative sleep cycles, which can enhance overall energy levels and cognitive function.

Cognitive and Mental Health Support

• Research suggests that red light therapy can improve cognitive function, memory, and focus by enhancing blood flow to the brain[^8].

• It may also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by supporting neurotransmitter balance[^9].

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - 

Martin Luther King Jr. 

Is it worth it?

Despite its proven benefits, integrating red light therapy into daily life may present some challenges. Here are common concerns and solutions:

“It’s too expensive.”

• While high-end devices can be costly, there are affordable home-use options that deliver clinically validated wavelengths without breaking the bank. Consider starting with a smaller device to target specific areas or find a place that offers this to try it out to see how you feel.

“I don’t have time for another health routine.”

• RLT sessions can be incorporated seamlessly into daily activities, such as using the device while reading, meditating, or unwinding in the evening. Or in my case putting one in your sauna to be able to accomplish two things at once. Sessions typically last 10-20 minutes, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.

“I’m skeptical about its effectiveness.”

• The growing body of scientific research supports its benefits across multiple health domains. Consulting with healthcare providers or wellness professionals can provide additional reassurance about its efficacy.

How to Get Started

Choose the Right Device: Look for FDA-cleared products that emit wavelengths between 600-1000 nm for optimal results.

Consistency is Key: Use the therapy 3-5 times per week for best results.

Pair with Other Healthy Habits: Incorporate RLT alongside proper nutrition, hydration, and regular exercise to maximize benefits.

Red light therapy offers a convenient, non-invasive way to support health and vitality. With the right approach, it can become an integral part of a comprehensive wellness strategy.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. 👋

I write this newsletter each week because I feel my best when my body, mind and soul are all healthy. I want the same for you. If you feel like you’ve seen something valuable here, please do me a favor and forward this newsletter to a friend or let me know what you think by replying or texting me - (310) 879-8441

I think the world is in desperate need of healthy, happy men who love the strong women in their lives with a self-sacrificing type of love.

I have found the following four books to be the 4 books every man should read and every woman should want their man to read.

Here are a few other links to things that have changed my life:

Whoop - Track your HRV and REM Sleep

Function Health - Optimize Your Health via 100+ BioMarkers

Here are a few topics I think you’ll love if you haven’t checked them out before:

-Jared

P.S. - This newsletter does not provide medical advice. The content, such as graphics, images, text, and all other materials, is provided for reference and educational purposes only. The content is not meant to be complete or exhaustive or to be applicable to any specific individual's medical condition.

References

[^1]: Avci, P., Gupta, A., et al. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 32(1), 41-52.

[^2]: Kim, W. S., & Calderhead, R. G. (2011). Is light-emitting diode phototherapy (LED-LLLT) really effective? Laser Therapy, 20(3), 207-215.

[^3]: Ferraresi, C., et al. (2015). Photobiomodulation in human muscle tissue: an advantage in sports performance? Journal of Biophotonics, 8(11-12), 998-1005.

[^4]: Leal-Junior, E. C. P., et al. (2019). Low-level light therapy improves muscle performance and accelerates recovery. Sports Medicine, 49(10), 1539-1552.

[^5]: Tumilty, S., et al. (2010). Low level laser treatment of tendinopathy: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 28(1), 3-16.

[^6]: Bjordal, J. M., et al. (2003). A systematic review of low level laser therapy with location-specific doses for pain relief. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 4(1), 1-10.

[^7]: Zhao, J., et al. (2012). Effects of light therapy on circadian rhythm and sleep disorders. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 16(5), 445-454.

[^8]: Salehpour, F., et al. (2018). Transcranial photobiomodulation improves cognition in humans. NeuroImage, 174, 322-331.

[^9]: Cassano, P., et al. (2016). Transcranial photobiomodulation for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 205, 77-86.