477: Get The Right Light
Digest
This episode of Wise Traditions delves into the crucial role of light in human health, featuring Brian Hoyer, a certified geobiologist and expert in EMFs and light. Brian emphasizes the importance of mimicking ancestral lighting, which includes full-spectrum sunlight and firelight, both of which are essential for optimal health. He explains how different wavelengths of light penetrate the skin at varying depths, stimulating different processes like collagen production, elastin, and even hair regrowth. He also highlights the role of light in charging mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells, and how it contributes to overall energy production. Brian discusses the detrimental effects of modern lighting, including LEDs, fluorescent lights, and the blocking of infrared wavelengths by window films. He outlines the health problems associated with poor light exposure, such as circadian rhythm disruption, fatigue, and even eye diseases. Brian provides practical tips for improving light hygiene, such as opening windows, getting outside more, and swapping out unhealthy lights for healthier options. He recommends a minimum of five minutes of sunlight exposure within 30 minutes of waking up to set the circadian rhythm and boost energy levels. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of a light diet, emphasizing that light is an essential input of energy for our bodies.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the Wise Traditions podcast and its host, Hilda Hubrata Gore, who welcomes Brian Hoyer, a certified geobiologist and expert in EMFs and light, as the guest for this episode. The episode focuses on the role of light in human health and how the right light environment can support our health, while the wrong kind can damage it.
The Importance of Light for Human Health
This Chapter delves into the importance of light for human health, discussing how different wavelengths of light affect our bodies. Brian explains that we need the same types of light that our ancestors were exposed to, including full-spectrum sunlight and firelight. He highlights how different wavelengths penetrate the skin at varying depths, stimulating different processes like collagen production, elastin, and even hair regrowth. He also emphasizes the role of light in charging mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells, and how it contributes to overall energy production.
The Negative Impacts of Modern Lighting
This Chapter discusses the detrimental effects of modern lighting, including LEDs, fluorescent lights, and the blocking of infrared wavelengths by window films. Brian explains how these factors can disrupt our circadian rhythm, lead to fatigue, and even contribute to eye diseases. He also highlights the dangers of mercury in fluorescent bulbs and the importance of proper disposal.
Tips for Improving Light Hygiene
This Chapter provides practical tips for improving light hygiene, such as opening windows, getting outside more, and swapping out unhealthy lights for healthier options. Brian recommends a minimum of five minutes of sunlight exposure within 30 minutes of waking up to set the circadian rhythm and boost energy levels. He also emphasizes the importance of a light diet, highlighting that light is an essential input of energy for our bodies.
Keywords
Light
Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. It plays a crucial role in human health, affecting our circadian rhythm, energy production, and overall well-being. Different wavelengths of light have different effects on the body, with some being beneficial and others potentially harmful.
Circadian Rhythm
The circadian rhythm is a natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and other bodily functions over a 24-hour period. It is influenced by light exposure, with sunlight being the primary cue for regulating this rhythm. Disruptions to the circadian rhythm can lead to various health problems, including sleep disorders, fatigue, and mood swings.
Mitochondria
Mitochondria are organelles found in the cells of most living organisms. They are responsible for producing energy through cellular respiration, using oxygen and glucose to generate ATP, the primary energy currency of cells. Light, particularly near-infrared light, plays a significant role in mitochondrial function, contributing to energy production and cellular health.
Brian Hoyer
Brian Hoyer is a certified geobiologist and one of the world's foremost experts in EMFs. He is also an expert in toxic and therapeutic light. He is the CEO of Shielded Healing, a company that provides solutions for mitigating the negative effects of EMFs and optimizing light exposure for health.
Shielded Healing
Shielded Healing is a company founded by Brian Hoyer that specializes in providing solutions for mitigating the negative effects of EMFs and optimizing light exposure for health. They offer a range of products and services, including EMF shielding materials, light optimization guides, and home assessments.
LED Lights
LED lights are a type of light-emitting diode that are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. However, some LED lights can emit blue light, which can disrupt the circadian rhythm and have negative effects on sleep. It is important to choose LED lights that are specifically designed to be human-optimized, with a balanced spectrum and low flicker.
Fluorescent Lights
Fluorescent lights are a type of electric light that uses a gas discharge to produce light. They are often used in commercial and industrial settings due to their energy efficiency. However, fluorescent lights can emit flickering light, which can cause eye strain, headaches, and other health problems. They also contain mercury, which is a toxic substance that can be harmful to human health.
Infrared Light
Infrared light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to the human eye. It has a longer wavelength than visible light and is often used for therapeutic purposes. Infrared light can penetrate deep into the body, stimulating blood flow, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. It also plays a crucial role in mitochondrial function and energy production.
Sunlight
Sunlight is the natural light emitted by the sun. It is a full-spectrum light source, containing all the wavelengths of visible light, as well as ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Sunlight is essential for human health, providing vitamin D, regulating the circadian rhythm, and boosting mood. However, excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation can be harmful, leading to sunburn and skin cancer.
Firelight
Firelight is the light produced by a fire. It is a warm, reddish light that is rich in infrared wavelengths. Firelight was the primary source of light for our ancestors at night, and it is believed to have a calming and relaxing effect on the body. It can also help to promote sleep and reduce stress.
Q&A
What are the different types of light that are beneficial for human health?
The two main types of light that are beneficial for human health are full-spectrum sunlight and firelight. Sunlight provides a full spectrum of wavelengths, including visible light, ultraviolet radiation, and infrared radiation. Firelight, on the other hand, is a warm, reddish light that is rich in infrared wavelengths. Both types of light have been essential for human health throughout our evolutionary history.
How does light affect our mitochondria?
Light, particularly near-infrared light, plays a crucial role in mitochondrial function. It contributes to energy production by stimulating the mitochondria to generate ATP, the primary energy currency of cells. It also creates an antioxidant inside the mitochondria, providing an antioxidant cooling system for the cell.
What are some of the negative impacts of modern lighting on our health?
Modern lighting, including LEDs, fluorescent lights, and the blocking of infrared wavelengths by window films, can have several negative impacts on our health. These include disrupting our circadian rhythm, leading to fatigue, causing eye strain and headaches, and even contributing to eye diseases. Additionally, fluorescent lights contain mercury, which is a toxic substance that can be harmful to human health.
What are some practical tips for improving light hygiene in our homes?
To improve light hygiene, you can open windows to let in natural light, get outside more, and swap out unhealthy lights for healthier options. It is recommended to get at least five minutes of sunlight exposure within 30 minutes of waking up to set your circadian rhythm and boost energy levels. You can also use a combination of halogen and incandescent lights with healthy flicker-free LED lights to create a more balanced light environment.
Why is it important to have a good light diet?
Light is an essential input of energy for our bodies, contributing to two-thirds of our overall energy production. Just as we need a healthy food diet, we also need a healthy light diet to ensure optimal health and well-being. This means getting enough exposure to natural sunlight and avoiding excessive exposure to artificial light sources that can disrupt our circadian rhythm and have negative effects on our bodies.
Show Notes
LED lightbulbs. Flickering fluorescent bulbs. Laptops, iPads, smartphones. What is artificial light doing to our health? And can we mimic ancestral, healing light (like the light of fire or the sun) in our homes to mitigate the damage and/or boost our mood and wellbeing?
Brian Hoyer of Shielded Healing is an expert on EMFs and the effect of light on our health. Today he gets specific about the damage our modern light can do to our health: from causing eye issues, to weight gain, to headache to lowering energy and melatonin production (needed for better sleep and improved digestion). He also goes over what we can do to improve our "light hygiene" at home to foster better health, improved energy levels and a more positive mood.
Check out Brian's website: shieldedhealing.com
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