Red Light Therapy is trending in the wellness industry for a reason. And that reason largely has to do with your mitochondria.
Quick flashback to science class, for those who don’t remember: mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells, they make adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell’s form of energy. Mitochondria take in nutrients from the cell, break it down, and turn it into energy. This energy is then in turn used by the cell to carry out various functions. Thus, mitochondria power every one of our activities and bodily processes, living in every cell of our body, they are essential for human life, and involved in almost every disease.
When we are unwell, stressed, or injured, the ability of cellular mitochondria to function at full capacity becomes impaired. Mitochondria are tied to our other organelles, affect our neurons, and compromise 1/3rd of the mass of our heart cells! When we’re stressed or ill, mitochondria begin to produce excess nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is problematic because it interferes the consumption of oxygen within the cell, leading to oxidative stress, and ultimately, ceasing the production of ATP - the cell’s source of fuel. Red and near infrared light in the optimal wavelengths and energy levels protects cells from the damage and destructive aspects that nitric oxide can cause. By absorbing red light photons, our cells can once again effectively utilize oxygen and create ATP.
When red light therapy revives mitochondrial activity within our cells, our ATP production increases and signals are sent to our brain to release endorphins, anti-inflammatories, serotonin, and more.
Traditionally we could improve the health of our mitochondria by making sure to eat plenty of protein (meat, fish, nuts, seeds, beans/lentils and eggs to support amino acids like glutathione protect our mitochondria) - but red light therapy directly impacts and modulates mitochondria in a big way - permeating past the skin and all the way into cell, immediately.
Light therapy in the correct “dose” (power level and wavelength) can vastly improve our bodies own healing power and vital energy. Red light therapy stimulates healing and regeneration, improves appearance, performance, and overall well-being simply by effectively enhancing our mitochondrial activity. What’s better is when it comes to pain, fat-loss, and cognitive enhancement, results start taking place and can be felt immediately.
