Oxidative stress is a pervasive issue, characterized by an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them. Made increasingly prominent by the rise of lifestyle influences and environmental concerns in broader society, the phenomenon has been linked to a multitude of health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, respiratory diseases, and kidney disease. These findings underscore a growing cultural awareness of oxidative stress, and a call for effective solutions to combat its associated ailments.
Rojo Light Therapy understands its profound impact on overall well-being - it’s why individuals are increasingly turning to innovative therapies to alleviate their burden, the likes of red light therapy.
In this article, we will explore red light therapy benefits, and its potential in combatting its effects on the body.
Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the free radicals and antioxidants in your body - the results of which have shown some evidence of damage to organs and tissues, with the development of varying diseases in extreme cases.
Free radicals are unpaired electrons that are highly reactive with other molecules, leading to chain chemical reactions within the body known as oxidation, in which electrons are siphoned from other molecules - often resulting in their cellular death. The outcomes of these reactions can vary, with free radicals exhibiting the potential to be harmful; excessive production of free radicals can lead to oxidative stress, damaging cells, proteins, and DNA, contributing to various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions.
This is why antioxidants are important. Antioxidants are molecules capable of stabilising free radicals by donating an electron without becoming unstable themselves. This process helps neutralise free radicals and reduce their reactivity, thereby protecting cells from oxidative damage.
A variety of noteworthy sources shedding light behind the effectiveness of red light therapy benefits exist, in specific relation to their management of oxidative damage.
A 2018 study suggests that red light-emitting diode (LED) therapy can be an effective approach for addressing oxidative stress and inflammation in the skin:
Oxidative stress and inflammation are major contributors to various skin disorders. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to cellular damage and inflammation.
The study found that exposure to 625 nanometers of red LED light (a specific wavelength of red light) can help counteract these harmful effects. Red LED light was shown to have "ROS scavenging activity" - meaning it can neutralise and remove excess free radicals.
One of the most important mechanisms behind this beneficial effect of red LED light was in its impact on a molecule called SPHK1 (sphingosine kinase 1). When SPHK1 was suppressed, the ROS-reducing and anti-inflammatory effects of the red LED light were significantly reduced.
This suggests that SPHK1 is a key player in mediating the positive impacts of red LED light therapy on oxidative stress and inflammation. Targeting the molecule could be a promising approach for developing more effective light-based treatments for skin conditions.
Another study was conducted on female Wistar rats that were divided into three groups:
a control group, a group receiving low-intensity laser therapy (LLLT), and a group subjected to a high-intensity resistive exercise session. The rats underwent LLLT irradiation on their hind legs before the exercise session, and markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in the muscle were measured.
It indicates that red light therapy can decrease markers of oxidative stress, and reduce muscle damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress-related soreness in athletes post-exercise. The therapy's effectiveness in managing oxidative stress is influenced by factors like light intensity, with low to moderate intensity being more beneficial than high intensity.
The therapy's ability to stimulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production can have positive effects on tissue regeneration, but excessive ROS production can lead to oxidative stress. Therefore, using red light therapy safely involves controlling factors like light intensity, treatment duration, and session frequency to avoid overproduction of ROS and oxidative stress.
Experience the potential benefits of red light therapy with Rojo Light. For more information on how red light therapy with Rojo Light can benefit you, feel free to reach out to us today.