Infrared Light Deficiency Fuels Chronic Disease and Aging

Deep Dive

Light, rather than being solely for vision, is presented as a vital nutrient essential for human health. This nutrient, particularly infrared light, has profound effects on cellular function, including boosting mitochondrial energy production. The discussion emphasizes that modern lifestyles have led to a widespread deficiency in natural sunlight, contributing to various health issues such as cognitive decline, obesity, and chronic diseases. Dr. Roger Seheult, a physician specializing in internal medicine, pulmonary diseases, critical care, and sleep medicine, explains that light exists on a spectrum, with ultraviolet and infrared being key components beyond visible light.

Ultraviolet light is recognized for its role in vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Infrared light, however, is highlighted for its ability to penetrate deeply into the body due to its lower frequency and longer wavelength compared to visible light. Research, including a study by Glenn Jeffrey from University College London, has demonstrated that infrared light from the sun can pass through the body, influencing cellular changes. This deep penetration is crucial because infrared light appears to upregulate mitochondria, the "batteries" of our cells. Randomized controlled trials indicate that exposure to infrared light can increase metabolism, enhance CO2 levels, and reduce glucose utilization.

The implications of improved mitochondrial function are far-reaching, as mitochondrial dysfunction is identified as a central factor in numerous chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia, inflammation, and long COVID. By potentially reversing mitochondrial dysfunction, there is a prospect of mitigating the effects of aging and chronic illness. The absence of regular infrared light exposure, conversely, is suggested to contribute to these health problems.

The connection between light and cognitive decline is explored, with visible light alone supporting circadian rhythms, which in turn improve cognitive function and mood. When infrared light is added, its benefits to brain mitochondria are realized. The text explains that infrared light can penetrate the skull and cerebrospinal fluid to reach gray matter in the brain, where mitochondria are concentrated, acting like a "solar array" to collect and utilize this light energy.

Dr. Seheult recounts his "aha moment" regarding light therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Observing that patients with higher vitamin D levels seemed to fare better, he notes that initial studies were associative, not causal. Further investigation into European COVID-19 surges revealed a correlation with latitude, suggesting a link to sunlight exposure rather than temperature or humidity. A study examining ultraviolet A (UVA) in the US and England found that increased UVA exposure correlated with reduced COVID-19 mortality, indicating a benefit independent of vitamin D production (which relies on ultraviolet B). This led to the hypothesis that sunlight offers more than just vitamin D, prompting further investigation into infrared light's role.

A study by Scott Zimmerman and Russell Reiter in 2019 demonstrated that infrared light from the sun increases melatonin production in mitochondria, protecting them from oxidative stress and enhancing energy output. This understanding shifted the focus from vitamin D supplementation to prioritizing sunlight exposure. Dr. Seheult shares an anecdote about a critically ill COVID-19 patient who significantly improved after just 30 minutes of daily sun exposure over three days, leading to discharge in five days, a faster recovery than typically observed. This experience was reinforced by a Brazilian study showing reduced hospital stays for COVID-19 patients treated with infrared light.

Further research into the mechanisms behind light's healing effects includes in vitro studies on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a gatekeeper for inflammatory pathways. Emitting infrared light on TLR4 significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha and IL-6. The text posits that infrared light may regulate proteins involved in electron transfer, thereby enhancing metabolism. This process is termed "photometabolism," suggesting that light helps the body function more efficiently rather than synthesizing new substances, as plants do through photosynthesis.

The discussion then shifts to the obesity epidemic, suggesting a potential link to reduced sunlight exposure. Over the past century, technological advancements like air conditioning and heating have led to more time spent indoors, away from extreme temperatures that trigger beneficial heat shock proteins. Furthermore, modern building designs and energy efficiency regulations, particularly the use of low-E glass, block infrared light. The widespread adoption of LED bulbs, which emit light primarily in the visible spectrum and exclude infrared, further contributes to an indoor environment devoid of this essential light. A study by Glenn Jeffrey involving incandescent bulbs (which emit broad spectrum light, including infrared) in an LED-lit office demonstrated a 20-25% improvement in color discrimination, a function powered by mitochondria, compared to those without the incandescent bulbs.

The importance of sunlight exposure is further underscored by the concept of "sun hormesis," where controlled stress from sunlight elicits beneficial responses. The text highlights that over the last 100 years, reduced exposure to extreme temperatures and infrared light indoors has led to proteins not being corrected as often and a lack of mitochondrial nourishment.

Recommendations for increasing healthy light exposure are provided. Dr. Seheult suggests spending an additional 15 minutes outdoors daily, deliberately seeking sunlight without direct sun gazing. Even brief exposure, around 15 minutes, can initiate beneficial changes. For those unable to get morning sunlight, a 10,000 lux lamp used for 15 minutes in the morning can help entrain circadian rhythms and prevent seasonal affective disorder. While artificial light lacks infrared, it still influences circadian rhythm, mood, and cognition. Spending lunchtime outdoors, even in the shade, can provide beneficial infrared light, as plants reflect it.

The text addresses the seasonal pattern of increased mortality from various diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses, which peaks one to three weeks after the winter solstice (shortest day) and reaches its lowest point one to three weeks after the summer solstice (longest day). This pattern suggests a strong correlation between sunlight availability and lower death rates. Contrasting this, Australia experiences its flu season during its winter (June-July) when sunlight is less available, while remaining flu-free during its summer when sunlight is abundant. Singapore, near the equator with consistent sunlight, shows no distinct flu season.

The 2009 H1N1 pandemic, which began in April and continued through summer, provided an opportunity to decouple influenza from cold seasons, demonstrating that sunlight strongly protects against the flu, as concluded by Harvard researchers analyzing solar radiation data. The Spanish Flu of 1918-1919 is also discussed, noting that patients placed outdoors experienced better recovery, and that sunlight and fresh air were considered beneficial modalities. Dr. Wells Ruble, who ran sanitariums in the northeastern United States, advocated for encouraging fever through sunlight, hydrotherapy, and avoiding aspirin, which was thought to exacerbate symptoms by reducing fever. His sanitariums reported significantly lower pneumonia development and mortality compared to army hospitals that administered aspirin.

The "Eight Laws of Health" are outlined: good nutrition, exercise, sunlight, temperance (avoiding harmful substances), fresh air, rest, water, and spiritual connection. Violating these laws is presented as the primary cause of most chronic diseases, not genetics or accidents. The importance of an "and" mentality, rather than "or," is stressed, advocating for integrating sunlight exposure and other health practices alongside, not as replacements for, medical treatment.

The discussion highlights that many people underestimate their light deficiency. Mitochondria, crucial for all bodily cells, thrive on regular