Benefits Of Red Light Therapy For Gut Health - Review Of Scientific Studies

Did you know that nearly two-thirds of Americans are burdened by gastrointestinal issue such as heartburn, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and more? Gut-related disorders are increasingly common as we age, and poor gut health can have far-reaching effects, contributing to issues like fatigue, brain fog, and even mental health disorders. In fact, studies show that disruptions in gut health are linked to serious illnesses like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. With so many people suffering from gut issues, the search for effective, non-invasive treatments is more important than ever. That’s why in this article, we are taking a deeper look at the scientific research on the benefits of red light therapy for gut health.

Key Takeaways

Gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, can contribute to chronic conditions like IBS, leaky gut, and autoimmune diseases.

Red light therapy (PBMT) can reduce inflammation in the gut, rebalance the gut microbiome, and promote healing in the digestive system.

PBMT has been shown to increase beneficial bacteria and reduce harmful strains, improving overall gut health.

Scientific evidence supports PBMT’s potential to help manage chronic gut issues and even support neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

Why Is Gut Health Important?

Gut health plays a fundamental role in our overall well-being. The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that help digest food, regulate the immune system, and produce essential vitamins. A healthy gut maintains the balance of these microorganisms, ensuring proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. When the gut is out of balance, it can lead to various health issues, both physical and mental, making gut health a critical foundation for a healthy life.

How the Gut Impacts Our Overall Well-Being

The health of our gut microbiome—a collection of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms in the digestive tract—affects more than just digestion. The composition of our gut flora can influence metabolic processes, body weight, cardiovascular health, and even brain function. Research has linked poor gut health to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

 

This is because the gut plays a critical role beyond digestion, acting as a "second brain" by communicating with the central nervous system through the gut-brain axis, impacting mental health, immune function, and overall physical well-being. A healthy gut supports nutrient absorption, regulates immune responses, and produces essential compounds like short-chain fatty acids that maintain gut integrity and reduce inflammation. Maintaining gut health is vital for overall bodily functions, including proper digestion and immune defense. It can support everything from stable blood sugar levels to improved mood and mental clarity.

What is Dysbiosis?

Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, where harmful bacteria outnumber beneficial bacteria. This imbalance can be triggered by factors such as stress, antibiotic use, poor diet, and chronic illnesses. Dysbiosis can result in digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, and constipation, but it also has far-reaching effects on the immune system and mental health. Research has linked dysbiosis to “a range of pathological conditions including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colitis, colorectal cancer, liver disease, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders, asthma, and metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes” [1].

How Red Light Therapy Can Improve Gut Health

Red light therapy, or photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the body and stimulate healing processes at a cellular level. For gut health, PBMT works by reducing inflammation in the gut, promoting tissue repair, and helping to balance the gut microbiome. It has the potential to restore microbial balance by increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful strains, which makes it a promising adjunct treatment for gut dysbiosis and related disorders.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Gut Health

PBMT has several benefits for the gut microbiome and overall digestive health:

Restores Microbial Balance: PBMT increases beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, and Roseburia, while decreasing harmful strains. This balance helps improve gut health and prevent dysbiosis.

Reduces Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a major factor in gut-related disorders like IBD and leaky gut. PBMT helps reduce this inflammation, promoting better gut function.

Fights Oxidative Stress: PBMT reduces oxidative stress in the body, which can otherwise damage cells and lead to chronic gut issues.

Boosts Vitamin D Levels: Red light therapy has been found to increase Vitamin D levels, which plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut.

Supports Gut-Brain Health: Since gut health is closely linked to brain function, PBMT can also have positive effects on neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s by promoting gut balance.

Scientific Evidence for Red Light Therapy For Gut Health

Several studies support the potential of red light therapy to improve gut health. Research shows that PBMT can modulate the gut microbiome, increase beneficial bacteria, and reduce gut inflammation. The therapy has proven to have the ability to manage symptoms of chronic gut conditions like IBD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

 

Research into the gut-brain axis has also shown that PBMT can positively affect both gut and neurological health, making it a promising treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.

Study

Link

Findings

Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis Related Diseases

Considering PBMT can impact the composition of gut microbiota and has shown beneficial effects in treating diseases related to the gut microbiota, it can be suggested as a non-invasive supportive therapy for various clinical conditions.

Can Photobiomodulation Alter The Microbiome?

Recent work by our research group has demonstrated that PBM (red and NIR light) delivered to the abdomen in mice, can alter the gut microbiome in a potentially beneficial way. This has also now been demonstrated in human subjects.

Photobiomodulation for metabolic and inflammatory gut diseases

We have demonstrated for the first time that PBM can alter microbiome diversity in healthy mice and increase numbers of Allobaculum, a bacterium associated with a healthy microbiome.

Modifying the Microbiome

The results suggested the possibility that PBM may alter the microbiome and thus it represents a therapeutic avenue for chronic diseases with otherwise limited treatment options.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Photobiomodulation, through an integrated effect on the neuroimmune and microbiome-gut-brain axis, has the potential to be effective in managing the fatigue, pain, and depressive symptoms of people with inflammatory bowel disease.

Dysbiosis related diseases

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), which is the use of red (630-700 nm), and near-infrared light (700 and 1200 nm), can stimulate healing, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation, and affect the circadian rhythm and gut microbiome beneficially.

Pain regulation by gut microbiota

Gut microbiota regulates pain in the peripheral and central nervous system, and targeting gut microbiota by diet and pharmabiotic intervention may represent a new therapeutic strategy for the management of chronic pain.

Recommended Treatment Protocol

To receive the maximum benefits of red light therapy for gut health, it is recommended to follow these treatment protocols:

Follow a consistent treatment schedule: Red light therapy works best when used consistently over a period of time. Aim for daily treatments or as advised by your healthcare provider.

Positioning: To be effective for pain management, the light source should be as close to the skin as possible for deep tissue penetration to the gut. A wrap/ belt product provides significant advantages over panels.

Use On Your Abdomen: For gut health, it is recommended to use the device daily on your gut.

Be patient and persistent: Red light therapy takes time to show its effects, so it's important to be patient and persistent with your treatments. Results may vary depending on individual factors and overall health condition. 2-3 weeks is a reasonable expectation to see results, but remember that progress is not linear.

Side Effects & Risks

Red light therapy is considered safe to use, especially for older adults. It has virtually no risks or serious side effects.

 

Some people with light or skin sensitivities may experience mild side effects like skin irritation. These side effects are typically mild and temporary and should subside within a few hours of treatment.

 

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of red light therapy, it is crucial to choose FDA-approved devices. FDA approval indicates that the device has undergone rigorous testing and meets certain standards for safety and performance.

Conclusion

Gut health is essential to our overall well-being, influencing everything from metabolism to mental clarity. With red light therapy, individuals can take a proactive approach to healing gut dysbiosis, reducing inflammation, and promoting a balanced microbiome. Whether you’re dealing with chronic digestive issues or simply want to improve your gut health, red light therapy offers a promising, non-invasive solution to support long-term wellnessd.

Targeted Treatment For Specific Areas

While red light therapy proves to be highly effective, not all red light therapy devices are created equal. Pads are designed to target specific areas of the body, while panels emit light over a much broader area.

 

Red light therapy for this condition requires deep penetration, which is why a red light therapy belt is far more effective than a red light therapy panel. You can put a red light therapy belt closer to your skin, and don’t have to stand bare naked in front of a panel for 20 minutes.

 

By focusing the therapy on specific areas, you maximize its benefits outlined above and reduce pain more effectively.

 

Consistency is one of the most important variables to the effectiveness of red light therapy when it comes to pain relief, so ease of use should be a major criteria for consideration. Red light therapy belts are convenient and easy to incorporate into your daily routine. They are portable, which means you can wear them while pursuing other activities, or even take them on your next trip.

Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy Device

Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a red light therapy device to relieve chronic pain:

FDA Approval: Look for devices that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety and effectiveness.

Wavelength of Light: Consider devices that emit a combination of red and near-infrared light, as these wavelengths have been shown to be most effective in reducing pain and inflammation.

Ease of Use: Look for devices that are user-friendly, easy to operate, and come with clear instructions for use.

Treatment Protocols and Frequency: Consider devices that offer recommended treatment protocols and frequency guidelines based on scientific research and clinical studies.

Cost: Compare the cost of different red light therapy devices and consider your budget. Keep in mind that medical-grade devices may be more expensive but can offer better results.

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References

Jahani-Sherafat S, Taghavi H, Asri N, Rezaei Tavirani M, Razzaghi Z, Rostami-Nejad M. The effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy in modulation the gut microbiome dysbiosis related diseases. Gastroenterol Hepatol Bed Bench. 2023;16(4):386-393. doi: 10.22037/ghfbb.v16i4.2687. PMID: 38313351; PMCID: PMC10835098.

 

Liebert A, Bicknell B, Johnstone DM, Gordon LC, Kiat H, Hamblin MR. "Photobiomics": Can Light, Including Photobiomodulation, Alter the Microbiome? Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2019 Nov;37(11):681-693. doi: 10.1089/photob.2019.4628. Epub 2019 Oct 9. PMID: 31596658; PMCID: PMC6859693.

 

Bicknell B, Liebert A, Johnstone D, Kiat H. Photobiomodulation of the microbiome: implications for metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Lasers Med Sci. 2019 Mar;34(2):317-327. doi: 10.1007/s10103-018-2594-6. Epub 2018 Aug 3. PMID: 30074108.

 

Bicknell B, Laakso EL, Liebert A, Kiat H. Modifying the Microbiome as a Potential Mechanism of Photobiomodulation: A Case Report. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2022 Feb;40(2):88-97. doi: 10.1089/photob.2021.0057. Epub 2021 Dec 28. PMID: 34962422.

 

Laakso EL, Ewais T. A Holistic Perspective on How Photobiomodulation May Influence Fatigue, Pain, and Depression in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Beyond Molecular Mechanisms. Biomedicines. 2023 May 22;11(5):1497. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines11051497. PMID: 37239169; PMCID: PMC10216148.

 

Jahani-Sherafat S, Taghavi H, Asri N, Rezaei Tavirani M, Razzaghi Z, Rostami-Nejad M. The effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy in modulation the gut microbiome dysbiosis related diseases. Gastroenterol Hepatol Bed Bench. 2023;16(4):386-393. doi: 10.22037/ghfbb.v16i4.2687. PMID: 38313351; PMCID: PMC10835098.