Can LED Light Therapy Improve Mitochondrial Health?

IN THIS ARTICLE:

01 What is Mitochondrial Health?
02 What is Red Light Therapy ?
03 How Does Red Light Therapy Boost Mitochondrial Health?
04 What are the Health Benefits of Improving Mitochondrial Health with Red Light Therapy?
05 How to Use Red Light Therapy to Boost Mitochondrial Health
06 Can I Use Infrared Light to Boost Mitochondrial Health?
07 Red Light and Mitochondrial Health for Women
08 The Takeaway: Can LED Light Therapy Improve Mitochondrial Health?

5-minute read

Mitochondria are organelles that generate most of the chemical energy within each cell. Every human cell has between 1000 and 2500 mitochondria so it is hugely important to ensure mitochondria are functioning properly for overall health. Light therapy, and in particular red light therapy has been shown to help regulate mitochondrial function and improve energy output. Specific red light wavelengths (c 633nm) are absorbed by the mitochondria and trigger a host of beneficial biochemical responses.

What is Mitochondrial Health?

Mitochondrial health, quite simply, refers to the condition and functionality of mitochondria. Mitochondria are structures within the cell that generate the energy our bodies need to function. Mitochondria produce energy through the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Supporting mitochondrial health helps us to produce energy more efficiently and support cellular repair. As red light therapy has been shown to increase ATP (adenosine triphosphate) it can be linked to improved mitochondrial health.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy is a therapeutic technique that uses low-level red light wavelengths to trigger changes within the cell structure. These changes include increased energy, collagen production, enhanced cellular repair, improved blood flow, and reduced oxidative stress. These changes have many health and aesthetic benefits such as reduced inflammation, an overall improvement in cell function, improved skin elasticity, a reduction in premature aging, and an improvement in skin texture.

How Does Red Light Therapy Boost Mitochondrial Health?

Red light wavelengths specifically in the 630-670nm range trigger increased ATP production, allowing more energy to enter the cell. This improves overall cell function allowing the cell to perform as a younger cell would. A study published in the Journal of Biophotonics demonstrated that exposure to 670 nm red light significantly reduced blood glucose levels and improved mitochondrial function in healthy individuals. This suggests that red light therapy can enhance cellular energy production and potentially improve overall health.

What are the Health Benefits of Improving Mitochondrial Health with Red Light Therapy?

Tissue Repair: Cells are better able to perform their repair functions. Damaged tissue caused by injury or natural aging is restored

Inflammation: Inflammation is a biomarker of most diseases as it is the body; 's first line of defense. Red light therapy significantly reduces inflammation in the body leading to a reduced risk of many diseases including chronic conditions

Improved Immune Function: When mitochondria are functioning optimally, our immune responses are better regulated leading to a reduced risk of infection and an improvement in overall health.

Slowing of the Aging Process: Improved mitochondrial health can delay what is known as ‘cellular senescence’ where cells stop dividing and stop functioning properly. This can lead to inflammation, tissue damage, and accelerated aging.

Hormone Production: Improved mitochondrial health ensures efficient hormone production and reduces stress on hormonal systems.

How to Use Red Light Therapy to Boost Mitochondrial Health

Choose the Right Device: If your primary concern is anti-aging, a red light facemask is a great option. To extend the treatment beyond the face, try a red light facemask with a neck attachment. With the LumaLux Face+, the neck attachment can be used on up to 10 body parts including the neck, head, torso, and legs. An additional body attachment is a great option to harness the full health and aesthetic benefits of red light therapy.

A full-body LED light therapy panel is an excellent choice for those seeking a more holistic treatment. It provides comprehensive coverage, making it ideal for overall wellness. This option is particularly beneficial for active individuals, as it supports muscle recovery and performance while also offering all the aesthetic benefits of a red light facemask

Consistency is Key: Consistency of treatment is hugely important when it comes to red light therapy. In order to realize the full benefit of red light for mitochondrial health a minimum of 3-4 treatments per week. Red light therapy at-home devices can be used safely every day.

Support Overall Mitochondrial Health: Remember red light therapy is just one part of the puzzle. To maintain overall mitochondrial health and well-being, prioritize a healthy diet, stay active, get adequate sleep, reduce exposure to toxins, and manage stress.

Can I Use Infrared Light to Boost Mitochondrial Health?

Similar to red light, infrared light is a therapeutic therapy designed to improve cell function. Infrared light wavelengths are longer than those of red light and are likely even more effective at boosting mitochondrial health due to their depth of penetration. A device that emits both red and infrared light significantly enhances health and optimizes cellular performance.

Red Light and Mitochondrial Health for Women

Red light therapy is a particularly powerful treatment for women who experience a 30-day hormone cycle. Red light therapy has been shown to be beneficial for reproductive and hormonal health by helping the body regulate hormones such as cortisol and testosterone. Red light and mitochondrial health for men are also linked due to its impact on testosterone, essential for men’s energy, muscle mass, libido, and mood.

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The Takeaway: Can LED Light Therapy Improve Mitochondrial Health?

While red light therapy promises to improve skin’s appearance by targeting visible signs of aging, redness, acne, and more - it’s benefits go beyond the surface to improve cell function at a more profound level. Beyond the surface, light therapy unlocks remarkable health and wellness benefits including tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and hormone regulation all based on their ability to do one thing: improve mitochondrial function.

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written by Sophie Flair