A new study has shown that red light therapy improves connectivity in the brain & enhances memory, within 20 minutes.
(🧵1/7)
Results were published last month in the journal of NeuroImage.
There are tons of studied benefits of red / near infrared / infrared light on the brain,
but researchers were interested in finding out if these benefits extended into connectivity (2/7).
Participants received 12 minutes of either infrared light therapy (1064 nm) applied to the scalp,
or non "sham" (fake) infrared light therapy as a placebo.
They immediately thereafter were imaged for metabolic changes in the brain,
along with a memory performance test (3/7).
Within 20 minutes, the infrared light therapy was shown to improve accuracy of memory recall.
They also had reduced reaction times.
(4/7).
Infrared light therapy measurably improved brain functionality.
☆ Higher global efficiency ➜ greater communication between all brain regions
☆ Higher local efficiency ➜ greater communication between nearby brain regions
These metrics decline in aging + depression. (5/7)
Infrared light also improved functional connectivity in the brain.
This represents how synchronized remote brain regions are metabolically.
This was especially apparent in the frontoparietal network (FPN) - involved in:
➞ Attention
➞ Complex problem-solving
➞ Working memory
(6/7)
How does near infrared light therapy work?
The body contains molecules designed to absorb light.
Some major ones:
➤ Cytochrome c oxidase - an energy-producing enzyme inside mitochondria
➤ Water
➤ TRPV channels
When light hits cytochrome c oxidase, it boosts the efficiency of mitochondrial energy production.
Virtually every cognitive or mental disorder involves impaired mitochondrial function.
Energy production powers:
◇ Brain cell growth, survival, and regeneration
◇ Neurotransmitter synthesis
◇ Immune and inflammatory regulation in the brain
◇ Defense against oxidative stress
◇ Stem cell activity and health
◇ Intracellular signaling
◇ Gene expression
Basically: everything.
And water? When it absorbs certain wavelengths of light, it transforms - becoming a more structured, crystalline form.
This “structured water” is vital for healthy cell function. Without it, nothing works quite right.
It’s the biological difference between a glass of water and a gummy bear.
Finally, TRPV channels can allow calcium into cells or into mitochondria, which activates certain transcription cascades that regulate various genes in brain cells.
(7/7)
See the full study here: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40482941/
Light is just one of many tools to use to improve your overall health + metabolism.
If YOU want PERSONALIZED, IN DEPTH help from us with any of your health goals, schedule a free call here: go.prism.miami/consultation
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