Red Light Therapy and Thyroid Health

In the pursuit of holistic well-being, emerging wellness modalities like red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), have gained attention for their diverse benefits. In this blog, we ask the question – does red light therapy offer benefits for thyroid conditions? Or should it be avoided?

Red Light Therapy:

Red light therapy operates on the principle of Photobiomodulation, harnessing the power of red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular function. The wavelengths penetrate the tissue, influencing mitochondrial activity and optimising the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) within the cells.

The Thyroid:

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. It is vital in regulating metabolism, energy production and overall well-being.

Thyroid Disorders:

Problems with the thyroid include a variety of disorders that result in the gland producing too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism or under-active thyroid) or too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism or over-active thyroid).

Hypothyroidism:

Symptoms can include tiredness, weight gain, depression, and other issues.  The most common cause is autoimmune: the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland.

Hyperthyroidism:

Hyperthyroidism can lead to Graves’ disease which has many symptoms such as sweating, irregular heartbeat, weight loss, protruding eyes and nervousness.

For more information about thyroid disorders visit: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/disorders-of-the-thyroid

Clinical Studies:

Efficacy of Combined Photobiomodulation Therapy with Supplements versus Supplements alone in Restoring Thyroid Gland Homeostasis in Hashimoto Thyroiditis: A Clinical Feasibility Parallel Trial with 6-Months Follow-Up by Venera Berisha-Muharremi, Bernard Tahirbegolli, Ruth Phypers, Reem Hanna, 2023.

Summary:  Subjects were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 received PBM and supplements, Group 2 received supplements only.  Findings showed significant improvement in Group 1 compared with Group 2.  Read full details: https://www.lasermedicine.co.uk/photobiomodulation-therapy-for-hashimoto/#:~:text=This%20study%20shows%20that%20the,HT%20compared%20with%20supplements%20alone.

Impact of PBM on T3/T4 Ratio and Quality of Life in Hashimoto Thyroiditis by Candas Ercetin, nuri Alper Sahbaz, Sami Acar, First Tutal, Yesim Erbil, 2020.

Summary: Subjects were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 received PBM and supplements, Group 2 received only supplements.  The increase in T3 levels and T3/T4 ratio was markedly superior in Group 1. The decrease in TPA was also significantly different.  These results are encouraging and PBM seems to be very effective in increasing T3/T4 ratio and decreasing TPO Ab levels and weekly dosages of LT4 replacement therapy. Anti-inflammatory properties of PBM are greatly responsible for these changes and PBM causes major improvements in HT-related symptoms of the patient.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32186976/

Conclusion:

There is still a lot to learn about the benefits of PBM, and it becomes increasingly clear that this modality offers promise for those with thyroid issues. From balancing thyroid hormones to reducing inflammation and promoting cellular repair, red light therapy emerges as a promising tool in the holistic care of some thyroid conditions. However, careful consideration of the fact that PBM dose guidelines have yet to be established and research is ongoing. Be aware of the few precautions for using PBM and consultation with healthcare professionals is crucial to ensuring safe and effective utilisation of this modality.

Disclaimer:

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Find out more about how Photobiomodulation can help you by clicking the link below: