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Red Light Therapy for Stroke
Ischemic stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease in which the blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Annually, close to 800 000 people have strokes in the US, with an economic cost of close to 57 billion dollars. Although some people recover fully from a stroke, it can cause permanent disability and death. The risk of stroke increases with age, but it can occur across all age groups. One little-known lifestyle factor that influences our cardiovascular system health is sunlight. In contrast to our ancestors, who spent approximately half the day exposed to sunlight, our modern lifestyles have us spending close to 90% of our lives indoors. This reduction in sun exposure is increasingly being recognized as a “real public health health problem”. Exposure to the primary wavelengths of light that are found in the sun – which are red and near infrared light – can be supplemented using red light therapy. Red light therapy is the application of artificially generated light in the red and /or near infrared spectral bands. The term “red light therapy” usually describes the use of both red and near infrared light, although only the red light produced by the device is visible to the naked eye. Infrared light can still be perceived by the body as heat when it contacts skin. The red light used in light therapy usually ranges from 600 to 700 nanometres (nm), with the unit nm referring to distance the light wave travels in one cycle. The near infrared used in light therapy usually ranges from 800 to 1100nm. Red light therapy has shown small, but promising, effects in studies with stroke patients. Using near infrared laser light technology, it was found that treatment improved outcomes when used within 24 hours after a stroke. A larger follow up study showed smaller effects, but there was still a positive trend towards better outcomes. Studies in animal models have shown many benefits when light therapy is used shortly after a stroke occurs. These include increasing the production of new neurons (neurogenesis), decreased inflammation, and improved mitochondrial function. The effects of light on mitochondria is very important in improving stroke outcomes, since mitochondria are responsible for protecting and maintain neurons. Light therapy may work synergistically with other non-invasive treatments for stroke, such as Coenzyme Q10. When using red light therapy to support stroke recovery and the cardiovascular system of the brain, the Fringe red light therapy head wrap is the best option. With wavelengths of red (650nm), near infrared (810nm), and deep penetrating near infrared light (1050nm), it delivers light to the front, back, and sides of the head. Unlike most devices on the market, the Fringe red light therapy head wrap is wireless and flexible, making it both comfortable and portable. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
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How Does Red Light Therapy Help the Cardiovascular System?
All lifestyle interventions that support cardiovascular health work act to strengthen and support the heart and blood vessels. The cardiovascular system consists of vessels and organs that rely on the efficient contraction of smooth muscle and flow of blood that carries vital nutrients. It requires a lot of energy to support the functions of the cardiovascular system, which is generated by mitochondria in cells that produce ATP. Red light supports cardiovascular health in the following ways: Increases Energy Production - Light is absorbed in cells by molecules called chromophores, many of which are found inside the mitochondria. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, which make the energy currency of the cell known as ATP. Through its effects on mitochondria, light therapy can increase cellular energy production. In the cardiovascular system, problems with energy metabolism manifest early in many diseases, and energy disturbances play an important role in disease pathology. Supporting energy production would yield benefits throughout the cardiovascular system. Decreases Oxidative Stress - Mitochondria are also involved in regulating the production of molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play a role in normal cellular function but can be harmful in high amounts. This is known as oxidative stress. In the cardiovascular system, oxidative stress is recognized as a “major trigger” for cardiovascular disease and decreasing oxidative stress would be broadly beneficial. Reduces Inflammation - As described by Dr. Michael Hamblin, former Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, “one of the most reproducible effects of is an overall reduction of inflammation”. Studies have found that light therapy affects levels of many molecules involved in inflammation, including reactive nitrogen species and prostaglandins. Like oxidative stress, inflammation is recognized as being a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and decreasing inflammation would reduce disease risk. Increases Vasodilation – Vasodilation is widening or relaxation of the blood vessels. As already described, increased vasodilation reduces blood pressure. Vasodilation also increases the flow of blood throughout the body, which delivers nutrients and oxygen to cells. When red and near infrared light are absorbed by molecules in mitochondria, the process by which ATP production increases also has the effect of increasing levels of nitric oxide. Increasing vasodilation would have a wide range of cardiovascular benefits. Increasing Angiogenesis – Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels. Angiogenesis is an important part of recovery from cardiovascular injuries that involve blockage of blood flow, such as heart attacks and stroke. Red light therapy has been found to increase angiogenesis after a heart attack in animal models, and might prove to be a useful tool to support cardiovascular tissue healing in humans. These effects may help in both the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease, and although more research is needed to clarify the role of red light therapy in supporting cardiovascular health, preliminary evidence suggests that it could have many positive benefits. Because red light therapy has an amazing safety profile, and since benefits are expected to be across multiple body systems, there really is no downside to incorporating it into a regular wellness regimen. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
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Transcranial Photobiomodulation for The Management of Depression
Authors: P. Askalsky, D.V. Iosifescu Background: Depression is a major public health problem that affects 322 million people worldwide with a lifetime prevalence of 20%. Depression is widely treated with antidepressants, but some patients have a poor response and many experience side effects. A novel non-pharmaceutical approach to treating depression is the use of light therapy, called photobiomodulation. This is a type of “neuromodulation” in which the skull (cranium) is exposed to light at specific wavelengths. A 2019 article provided a comprehensive review of the research in this area, which is summarized here. Research Highlights: Studies have shown that near-infrared light penetrates the skull better than red light, although penetration with both is impeded by bone. Longer wavelengths (measured in nm) penetrate better and pulsed emission is better than continuous. Lasers penetrate more deeply than LED lights. 2. Mitochondrial function, which is responsible for energy production, is reduced in patients with depression, and improvement in function with light therapy is thought to be the primary mechanism of benefit. 3. Transcranial light therapy may also help by increasing blood flow to the brain, possibly via effects on nitric oxide, and by increasing brain antioxidant levels. 4. Research using animal models has shown that light therapy reduces anxiety and depression-like behavior, as well as cortisol and glucose levels. Most animal research used laser light. 5. Research in humans has shown that light therapy can improve mood and reduce depression. Benefits are seen immediately following treatment although longer treatments may be more effective. Some studies used LED lights while some used lasers. 6. Transcranial light therapy is safe and well-tolerated. Fringe Commentary: Although research in humans is still limited, evidence suggests that transcranial light therapy may be effective in the treatment of depression. Most high-quality home light therapy devices have both red and infrared settings, offering the near infrared light that is recommended for this treatment. Home light therapy devices also use LED lights, which although not as penetrating as laser lights have still shown therapeutic benefit. Light therapy appears to be an effective non-pharmacological treatment for depression, which can be used safely by most patients. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31819453/
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