Understanding and Reducing Oxidative Stress with Red Light Therapy

Do you sometimes feel sluggish, achy, or like you're aging faster than you'd like? You might be experiencing oxidative stress. While this may sound strange, it’s quite simple to understand.

Imagine your body as a bustling city where every cell works to keep things running smoothly. Now, picture tiny, unstable molecules – free radicals – rushing through the streets, creating damage and disrupting the flow. When the balance between these free radicals and antioxidants is lost, it leads to oxidative stress, which can contribute to premature aging and various health issues.

Beyond maintaining a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, there’s an easy, non-invasive way to help reduce oxidative stress: red light therapy.

In this blog, we’ll explore what oxidative stress is and how red light therapy can help reduce its effects.

What is oxidative stress?

In simple terms, oxidative stress is the imbalance between the production of free radicals and the capacity of the antioxidant defense system.

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules with an uneven number of electrons. This makes them easily interact with other molecules in your body. Excessive free radicals can damage cells, resulting in various health problems.

Antioxidants are molecules that can neutralize the free radicals, preventing them from causing damage. They can donate electrons to free radicals without becoming unstable themselves.

When the production of free radicals outpaces the body’s ability to neutralize them, it leads to oxidative stress. This imbalance can damage cells, proteins, and DNA.

Causes of oxidative stress

When there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to neutralize them with antioxidants, oxidative stress occurs. But how does excessive production of free radicals happen? It can be caused by a variety of factors, including lifestyle, environmental, medical, and aging-related factors.

Lifestyle

• A die high in processed foods, unhealthy fats, and sugar.
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol
• Lack of service

Environmental factors

• Air pollution, heavy metals, and other environmental toxins
• Ultraviolet radiation from other sources
• Exposure to chemicals

Medical conditions

• Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune
• Infections
• Certain medications such as chemotherapy drugs

Natural aging process

Negative effects of oxidative stress

Oxidative stress negatively affects various aspects of health and well-being. Free radicals can damage DNA, cause protein oxidation, and lead to lipid peroxidation. Here are some health problems associated with oxidative stress:

• Cancer
• Wrinkles
• Grey hair
• Atherosclerosis
• Hypertension
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Eye health issues
• Chronic fatigue
• Mood disorders
• Bowel diseases
• Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases

Ways for reducing oxidative stress

You can reduce oxidative stress through various lifestyle and dietary strategies, as well as red light therapy. However, it is important to note that while all these methods can contribute to reducing oxidative stress, their effectiveness can vary from person to person.

Dietary approaches

• Increase consumption of antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries (blueberries, strawberries), leafy greens (spinach, kale), nuts and seeds (especially walnuts and flaxseeds), and green tea.
• Reduce intakes of processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats.
• Practice calorie restriction or intermittent fasting.
• Stay hydrated with clean water.

Lifestyle modifications

• Regular exercise (moderate intensity for most days of the week).
• Adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night for adults).
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

Red light therapy

Red light therapy can stimulate cellular processes and reduce oxidative stress.

A research used red light (630 nm) to treat Alzheimer’s disease [1]. It found that red light reduced oxidative stress by activating two enzymes in the brain. This led to a decrease in formaldehyde and an increase in acetylcholine, which are both important for memory.

Another research article discussed the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on oxidative stress and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus [2]. PBMT was shown to reduce oxidative stress and increase BDNF expression in hippocampal cells and tissue. These findings suggest that PBMT may be a potential treatment for various neurological disorders.

How does red light therapy work to reduce oxidative stress?

The effects of red light therapy on oxidative stress are complex and interconnected, with an overall impact of activating protective mechanisms in damaged cells. During red light therapy, red and near-infrared light is absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria, increasing ATP production. Enhanced mitochondrial function leads to more efficient cellular processes.

Red light therapy also stimulates the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 pathway. Nrf2 is a master regulator of the antioxidant response, increasing the production of endogenous antioxidants like SOD (superoxide dismutase) and catalase.

Additionally, red light therapy can decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This reduction in inflammation can indirectly lower oxidative stress, as inflammation and oxidative stress often reinforce each other.

How to use red light therapy effectively?

Now that we know red light therapy is beneficial for reducing oxidative stress, how can we get the most out of it?

First, select the right red light therapy device. LED red light therapy devices are safer and more suitable for home use. Also, ensure adequate power density for effective results, and consider FDA-cleared devices for safety and efficacy.

Then, follow the manufacturer's guidelines for optimal effects. The distance from the device to your body, session duration, and frequency all influence the effectiveness of red light therapy. Generally, start with sessions lasting 10 to 20 minutes, about 3 to 5 times per week.

Lastly, consistency is key. Results are often cumulative and may take weeks or months to become noticeable. Be patient and stick to the treatment plan, even if immediate results aren’t apparent.

Source:

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29869529/

[2] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-46490-4

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease, illness, or health problem.