The Connection Between Red Light Therapy and Thyroid Health
The thyroid is one of those things you don’t really worry about until it stops working like it should. This small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck plays a critical role in regulating essential bodily functions, including metabolism, hormonal balance, and energy production.
Unfortunately, the thyroid gland can sometimes get out of whack, releasing either too many or too few thyroid hormones.
When there are too many thyroid hormones, it’s considered hyperthyroidism, which can lead to complications, including heat intolerance, fatigue, sleeping problems, anxiety, palpitations, and unwanted weight loss.
Too few thyroid hormones can result in hypothyroidism, which has its own set of problems, including cold intolerance, constipation, unwanted weight gain, poor memory, depression, and low body temperature.
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be treated with medication. However, there is a potential non-invasive alternative that can improve thyroid health–red light therapy.
How Red Light Therapy Impacts the Thyroid
Red light therapy for thyroid health involves targeting the beams of a red light device directly onto the base of the neck, where the thyroid is located. This will stimulate the mitochondria to increase energy levels in your cells, leading to decreased inflammation, increased circulation, and better tissue repair.
When their mitochondria are activated, your thyroid cells are better able to function as they should, meaning they will adjust the amount of thyroid hormones they emit so they are closer to normal levels rather than too high or too low.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Thyroid Function
Red light therapy is a non-invasive alternative treatment for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Here are some of the benefits of red light therapy for thyroid function.
Potential to Reduce Reliance on Medication
It is always advisable to talk to your medical provider before beginning any type of alternative treatment. Red light therapy should be undertaken as a supplement to your existing medical treatment plan.
However, studies have found that continued red light therapy may help people with hypothyroidism take medication. In one study, half of patients who underwent red light therapy for thyroid disease were able to stop taking medication for at least nine months after undergoing intensive red light therapy treatment.
Reduces Inflammation
Red light therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation, which is a hallmark of many autoimmune disorders, including thyroid disorders. So, by lowering inflammation, red light therapy may help improve thyroid function.
Increased Energy
A primary challenge many people suffering from a thyroid disorder face is extreme fatigue. Being fatigued can make it impossible to enjoy your life or even participate in normal daily activities.
By activating your mitochondria, red light therapy can boost your energy naturally. This can help relieve fatigue so you start feeling more like yourself again. For many people with a thyroid disorder, this can be among the most potent benefits of red light therapy, as it allows you to get back to enjoying the things and people you love.
How to Use Red Light Therapy for Thyroid Function
Because it is non-invasive, red light therapy is an appealing supplemental treatment for many people with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Here are some tips to help you get started if you want to try it yourself.
1. Inform your medical provider of your intention
For the most part, red light therapy is safe for most people to use as an accompaniment to their medical treatment. It is always a good idea to let your medical provider know what alternative therapies you are trying.
2. Use eye protection
Red light therapy is easier on the eyes than traditional lasers. However, it’s still a good idea to use eye protection when you are using it, especially as you will need to position the red light therapy near your face so it can impact your thyroid.
3. Keep up with other healthy habits
Red light therapy for thyroid function works best when combined with overall healthy habits, including proper nutrition, adequate exercise, and a good sleep routine. Improving all aspects of your mental and physical health can amplify the impact of red light therapy on your thyroid.
4. Be consistent
Typically, red light therapy treatment is done for 20 minutes at a time over several weeks. You should not expect lasting results after just one session. With an at-home red light therapy device, you can enjoy a session anytime from the comfort of your home – no need to make an extra appointment or trip.
5. Follow all device instructions
When using an at-home red light therapy device, be sure to follow all safety instructions to maximize the effectiveness and safety of red light therapy.
At Home Red Light Therapy for Thyroid Health
Treat yourself to at-home red light therapy to improve your thyroid and overall health. Relax and unwind as your red light therapy device does its job to stimulate your mitochondria, lower inflammation, and improve your overall health.
Try red light therapy at home by ordering your DNA Vibe red light therapy device today.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. It should not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While the benefits of Red Light Therapy are supported by various scientific studies, individual results may vary.
The author and publisher disclaim any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use or application of any information contained in this blog. We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
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References
Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS biophysics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5523874/
Höfling , Danilo B, Chavantes, M. C., & Juliano , A. G. (2010, August). Low-level laser therapy in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis: A pilot study. Lasers in surgery and medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20662037/
Höfling, Danilo Bianchini, Chavantes, M. C., Juliano, A. G., Cerri, G. G., Knobel, M., Yoshimura, E. M., & Chammas, M. C. (2012). Assessment of the effects of low-level laser therapy on the thyroid vascularization of patients with autoimmune hypothyroidism by color Doppler ultrasound. ISRN endocrinology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3534372/