Can Red Light Therapy Improve Gut Health?

In recent years, red light therapy has become popular for its health benefits. It may help reduce inflammation, improve skin health, and affect the gut microbiome. A healthy gut is important for digestion, immune function, and overall wellness. New research shows that photobiomodulation (PBM) may improve gut health.

In this blog, we will look at how red light therapy can help your gut. We will also discuss its benefits for your microbiome and overall health.

What is the Gut Microbiome, and Why Does It Matter?

The gut microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms living in your intestines. These microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, have a direct impact on many aspects of human health. An unbalanced or unhealthy microbiome can cause problems like inflammation, obesity, and metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. (Hamblin & Demidova, 2006).

The gut-brain axis is the communication network between the gut and the brain. It is also linked to the health of the microbiome. Changes in the gut's microbes can affect brain function and mood. They can also influence mental health issues like anxiety and depression. (Hamblin & Demidova, 2006).

How Red Light Therapy Impacts Gut Health

Researchers have studied photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as red light therapy, for its effects on inflammation and metabolic disorders. One interesting area of research is its impact on the gut microbiome.

A study in Lasers in Medical Science showed that PBM can change the microbiome. It increases beneficial bacteria like Allobaculum. This bacteria helps improve gut health and immune function. (Jackson et al., 2013).

Red and infrared light exposure can help reduce body fat and regulate metabolic processes. Both of these are important for gut microbiome health. This suggests that red light therapy could be a valuable tool for improving digestion and reducing gut-related inflammation. (Jackson et al., 2013).

The Science Behind Red Light Therapy and Gut Bacteria

In a clinical study, researchers looked at how PBM might affect gut microbiota. They used red light (660 nm) and infrared light (808 nm) to treat mice for two weeks.

The study found that mice exposed to infrared light had a significant increase in microbial diversity. This included a notable rise in Allobaculum, a bacterium connected to a healthy gut. This bacterium helps improve mucosal integrity and supports a stronger intestinal barrier. This can reduce gut permeability and inflammation.

A separate paper from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) shows that red light therapy can lower inflammation. It can also help heal tissues that light exposes. This reduction in inflammation can improve gut health. It does this by lowering harmful markers, like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). (Hamblin & Demidova, 2006).

Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Gut Health

1. Reduces Gut Inflammation: One main benefit of red light therapy is that it helps lower inflammation. This is important for many digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease.
2. Supports a Healthy Microbiome: Red light therapy may help grow good bacteria like Allobaculum. This can lead to a more balanced microbiome, which improves digestion and nutrient absorption.
3. Enhances Gut-Brain Communication: The gut-brain axis is vital in mood regulation and cognitive function. Red light therapy may improve gut health, help balance neurotransmitter production, and reduce stress and anxiety symptoms.
4. Non-Invasive and Safe: Red light therapy is non-invasive and has few side effects, making it a safe choice for people who want to improve their gut health naturally.

How to Incorporate Red Light Therapy into Your Routine

If you’re considering using red light therapy to support gut health, consistency is key. Begin with 3-4 sessions per week, each lasting around 20-30 minutes. Position the light at the recommended distance to allow for optimal skin penetration. Over time, as your gut health improves, you may reduce the frequency of sessions for maintenance.

To support your journey to better gut health, consider incorporating red light therapy into your routine with our Red Light Full Body Mat or the convenient Red Light Therapy Belt, both designed to deliver optimal red and infrared light therapy benefits.

When picking a red light therapy device, choose one that provides both red and infrared wavelengths (600-1000 nm). This will help you get the most benefits. Devices like the Red Light Blinking Full Body Mat cover the whole body. They are great for targeting the abdomen and helping gut health.

A Promising Future for Red Light Therapy

Researchers still explore the potential of red light therapy to improve gut health, and early research shows promise. PBM helps gut health by influencing the microbiome and reducing inflammation. It provides a noninvasive way to address issues related to the gut-brain axis.

If you have digestive issues or inflammation or want to boost your wellness, red light therapy may help.

For more information on photobiomodulation and gut health, check out the full studies. You can find them in Lasers in Medical Science and NCBI. Here are the links: here and here.

References:

1. Jackson, R.F., Roche, G.C., & Shanks, S.C. (2013). A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial evaluating the ability of low-level laser therapy to improve the appearance of cellulite. Lasers in Medical Science, 45, 141–147. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22119

2. Hamblin, M.R., & Demidova, T.N. (2006). Mechanisms of low level light therapy. Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10835098/