If you are suffering from hypothyroidism, wouldn't you like to try something that can help you optimize your energy levels and bring them back to their proper levels? Why not red light therapy for hypothyroid?
Many people recognize the symptoms of hypothyroidism - for instance, fatigue, a feeling of being cold, joint pain, and dry skin. Unfortunately, modern medicine does not offer ideal treatment. But there are many natural ways to control these symptoms.
Researchers have long known that light therapy can be an effective method for treating multiple health issues. Red light is perhaps the most effective light therapy currently available because it effectively relieves many kinds of pain.
In fact, red light is often used to provide pain relief in patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation. It's also commonly utilized to treat various other ailments, including chronic pain, eye disorders, sleep disorders, hair growth, and skin problems, among others!
This article will focus on the effectiveness of red light therapy for hypothyroid. So, let's get started!
What Is Hypothyroid?
Hypothyroidism is a common medical condition where your thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones. It can lead to many complications and affect physical and mental health, including weight gain, fatigue, low energy, depression, cognitive impairment, etc.
Being overweight is another outcome associated with hypothyroidism, which can come with other health risks like diabetes, heart disease, and heart failure. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), it is common for hypothyroidism to run in families and can be caused by an autoimmune disorder such as Hashimoto's disease even radiation exposure.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Most people who have hypothyroidism opt for drugs like Levothyroxine or Synthroid, and they tend not to work out, or you may need to take it your whole life. But alternatively, you have red light therapy, which is a non-invasive and natural way to treat hypothyroid, which prevents further damage to the thyroid gland.
You've probably heard of red-light therapy or LLLT (Low-Level Laser Therapy) being advertised as an unconventional and cutting-edge way to treat a broad spectrum of health issues. It uses a low wavelength red light to stimulate the cells of any part of the human body.
So, you may be asking yourself, "Is red light therapy for thyroid a viable option?"
Red Light Therapy in the Treatment of Hypothyroidism: How It Works?
According to 2012 research, the near-infrared light treatment improved hypothyroidism, and thyroid antibody (TPOAb) levels were drastically lowered. Amazingly, 47% of patients could entirely quit using their medications!
Red light therapy is effective for the thyroid because it has a higher penetrability under our skin than other types of light. Here is how it works:
#1. It Provides Energy
Because hypothyroidism is caused by a lack of cellular energy in the thyroid, red and near-infrared light may help the cells perform more efficiently by delivering more power to the body.
They contain a photoreceptor called cytochrome c oxidase, which captures light photographs. The photographs of light promote energy generation in the mitochondria in the same way that our food stimulates energy production in the mitochondria (The mitochondria are responsible for our body's cells' energy generation).
#2. It Reduces Stress
Red light also reduces stress by preventing nitrous oxide intoxication. This suggests that, in addition to assisting the mitochondria in supplying more energy, red light also aids the thyroid hormone by reducing the effects of stress-related chemicals.
#3. It Stops the Cycle
Hypothyroidism is a brutal cycle characterized by a lack of energy and decreased thyroid hormone production. Red light can disrupt the hypothyroidism cycle by increasing energy generation in the mitochondria and avoiding nitrous oxide toxicity.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe Over the Thyroid?
Usually, Red light treatment is safe and has no known adverse effects, at least when used for a short period and as advised. But we need to investigate the safety and effectiveness of the red light therapy for thyroid before applying it.
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine evaluated the safety of a 630 nm/850 nm home-use LED neck device on thyroid and parathyroid gland function and morphology and its effectiveness in enhancing neck skin look and biophysical parameters.
The research revealed that the photo modulation device had no significant harmful impacts on the surrounding secretory organs, thyroid, or parathyroid glands.
In a randomized clinical trial, low-level laser treatment (LLLT) was tested for hypothyroidism caused by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT). Low-level laser treatment has been shown to be safe in a long-term follow-up investigation. So, generally, it's safe.
However, experts aren't clear how or why precisely red-light treatment works; there are no hard and fast guidelines on how much light to use. Too much light may harm skin tissue, while too little can be less effective. So, the key is to find the sweet spot. Take professional help if necessary.
The Best Way to Use Red Light Therapy
The best way to take this therapy is by buying a desktop red light, which you can use at your workplace, at your bedside, or anyplace else in your house. While working, reading, or sleeping in bed, you just sit in front of the light.
You may also use the red light at the end of the day to create a calming light that helps maintain melatonin levels regulated for a healthy sleep and wake cycle.
While working on the computer, you may have the light at your desk pointing squarely at your face. The laptop (with tablets, phones, TVs, and other electronic devices) generates blue light, which may harm body cells, decrease melatonin synthesis, and induce eyestrain, headaches, and exhaustion; keeping the light on while you work may counteract these effects.
Conclusion on Red Light Therapy for Hypothyroid
If you've read this far, you now know a little bit more about the effectiveness of Red Light Therapy for Hypothyroid. This therapy can safely enhance the general health of the thyroid gland, showing promise as a viable and safe alternative to standard thyroid treatments like medication and surgery.
However, when employing red or near-infrared light treatment, consistency is crucial. You need to use a device that produces the correct wavelengths while also providing professional-grade power. Avoid products that are underpowered and need long treatment sessions.
Instead, choose something for a more focused face and neck therapy or full-body therapy. You may be amazed at how effective this safe, natural therapy can be in improving the overall health of your thyroid gland—and your whole body!
FAQs
- Where do you get red light therapy?
In most cases, it's done in a doctor's office. Some salons and dentistry clinics, however, do it as well. You may also purchase a red-light treatment gadget on your own. Side effects and injuries are more likely to occur with salon and at-home treatments. If you're considering red light treatment, see your doctor first.
- How can I naturally heal hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism may be treated naturally in these ways:
- You may take Iodine, probiotics, and curcumin supplements to help your thyroid.
- Eliminate all probable food allergens (that you're susceptible to) from your diet.
- Reduce your stress level in your day-to-day life.
- Make sure you get enough rest and sleep.
- Are eggs good for the thyroid?
Iodine and selenium, which are thyroid-supporting minerals, are abundant in eggs, mainly pastured eggs. One egg includes 20% selenium and 15% iodine, which your body needs daily for the thyroid gland to operate appropriately.
