Red Light Therapy for Thyroid Health

Red Light Therapy for Thyroid Health
The thyroid gland is a small endocrine gland in the neck with a heavy workload: secreting hormones responsible for metabolism and protein synthesis. Unfortunately, an estimated 5% to 8% of Americans (the population) have some form of thyroid disease.
Emerging research on red light therapy and thyroid function. Clinical studies are in their early stages, but initial results are promising, particularly for light therapy and hypothyroidism—helping people produce more natural thyroid hormones.
A team of researchers in Brazil conducted a three-year, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 43 patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and hypothyroidism who had a history of levothyroxine treatment. This type of thyroiditis is the most common cause of acquired hypothyroidism, so the trial provides an excellent window into the larger population of patients with thyroid disease.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo’s School of Medicine published a series of journal articles outlining their findings, which included a nine-month follow-up of all patients. After LED light therapy, patients’ need for conventional thyroid medication decreased, and in some cases disappeared entirely. The average dose required by the standard group was nearly three times that of the standard group. Most encouragingly, 47% of participants in the light therapy group no longer needed levothyroxine throughout the nine-month follow-up.
The researchers concluded that light therapy is effective in improving thyroid function in patients with CAT hypothyroidism. While more and larger light therapy trials are needed to evaluate the effects of light therapy on thyroid regulation, this is an encouraging starting point for Brazil, where several trials have been conducted over the past decade.
How does red light therapy work?
High-quality red light therapy devices use medical-grade LEDs to emit natural wavelengths of light onto your skin and cells, without dangerous UV rays, excess heat, or artificial blue light. All you need to do is sit or stand near the device for 10 to 15 minutes daily to “recharge” your body. Continued use can lead to even more systemic benefits. Red light therapy works by supercharging the cells’ mitochondria, producing more ATP (adenosine triphosphate) energy through cellular respiration.
Conclusion: Red light therapy shows promise in enhancing thyroid function and overall hormone health. Early research on red light therapy and hypothyroidism is very positive.