The Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Kidney Function

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming alarmingly common among older Americans. More than 1 in 7 U.S. adults (about 37 million people) has CKD, but the rate in seniors is even higher – roughly 1 in 3 people over age 65 shows signs of CKD. Equally worrying, as many as 9 in 10 adults with CKD don’t even realize they have it. Left unaddressed, poor kidney function can quietly progress until toxic waste builds up in the bloodstream, causing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, or even early death. In fact, kidney diseases are a leading cause of death in the United States cdc.gov . Every day about 360 Americans reach kidney failure and must start dialysis or seek a transplant just to stay alive cdc.gov . Beyond the human toll, the economic burden is huge – in 2019, Medicare spent over $87 billion managing CKD (plus $37 billion more for end-stage kidney failure). [1]

 

These statistics paint a vivid picture of what can happen if CKD goes unchecked. Imagine an older adult having to be hooked up to a dialysis machine for hours each week because their kidneys can no longer clean their blood, a life-changing burden that impacts every aspect of their health. Dialysis, while lifesaving, is invasive and physically taxing, often accelerating frailty in older patients. There is an urgent need for gentler, non-invasive treatments to support kidney health before it reaches such a critical stage. The good news is that emerging therapies are on the horizon. One promising option is red light therapy, a completely non-invasive approach that may help improve kidney function and slow CKD progression without drugs or surgery.

 

Below, we explore how red light therapy could offer older adults a safe way to boost their kidney health and potentially avoid the dire consequences of untreated CKD.

Key Takeaways

Red light therapy (RLT) offers a non-invasive, scientifically supported way to support kidney function, especially in older adults, by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and improving mitochondrial performance in kidney tissue.

Scientific studies have shown that RLT can slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by preserving kidney structure, improving filtration rates, and reducing fibrosis.

The Cura LaserFlex Ultra is a clinically inspired home-use red light device that delivers therapeutic wavelengths with a wraparound design, making it an accessible and user-friendly solution for older adults looking to support their kidney health.

Why Kidney Function Matters

Kidneys might not get as much attention as the heart or lungs, but they are vital organs that quietly keep the body in balance every day. These two bean-shaped organs, located in the lower back, serve as the body’s filtration system. Their primary job is to remove toxins and excess fluids from the blood, which are then expelled as urine. In doing so, the kidneys regulate the body’s fluid levels and maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes (like sodium and potassium). They also produce important hormones that help control blood pressure, support bone health (by activating Vitamin D), and stimulate the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. In short, healthy kidneys are essential for keeping our internal environment stable and clean.

 

For older adults, maintaining kidney health is especially critical. As we age, our kidney function naturally declines a bit, it’s like losing filtering “reserve.” This means seniors have less wiggle room if damage occurs. Even mild chronic damage can tip an older person’s kidneys into dysfunction faster than it would in a younger person. When kidneys don’t work well, wastes and fluid accumulate, leading to fatigue, swelling, and strain on the heart.

 

Poor kidney function is tightly linked to other health problems too: it can trigger or worsen high blood pressure, weak bones, anemia (low red blood cells), and cognitive issues. On the flip side, keeping the kidneys healthy supports overall vitality. It helps control blood pressure, keeps bones strong, and reduces the risk of heart complications. 

 

In essence, preserving kidney function means preserving quality of life, particularly for aging individuals. This is why doctors emphasize kidney-friendly habits (like good hydration, diet, and blood pressure control) as we get older, and it’s why emerging therapies that protect the kidneys are generating so much excitement.

How Red Light Therapy Supports Kidney Function

Red light therapy (RLT), also known as low-level laser or photobiomodulation therapy is a non-invasive treatment that shines specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light onto the body’s tissues. You might have seen red light therapy devices in wellness clinics or even for home use, often touted for skin health, pain relief, or injury recovery. 

 

The therapy works on a simple principle: cells absorb the red/infrared light photons, which stimulates the cells’ energy centers (mitochondria) and triggers biological changes that promote healing. Importantly, this light is low-level and painless, there’s no heat damage caused. 

 

When it comes to kidney health, red light therapy offers several benefits through its effects on a cellular level. Researchers have discovered that the kidneys respond to photobiomodulation in ways that could counteract CKD’s progression. At a high level, shining red or near-infrared light over the kidney area (such as the lower back) can help in the following ways:

Reducing Inflammation: RLT has been shown to calm down inflammatory responses. In chronic kidney disease, inflammation is a key driver of damage. Studies indicate that photobiomodulation can lower levels of inflammatory markers (like TNF-α and MCP-1) in kidney cells kireports.org kireports.org , which may relieve strain on the kidneys. By inhibiting inflammation, RLT helps create a better environment for kidney tissue to recover instead of deteriorating further. [2]

Decreasing Oxidative Stress: Oxidative stress – essentially cellular damage from excessive “free radicals” – plays a major role in kidney aging and CKD. Red light therapy boosts the activity of antioxidants and reduces oxidative molecules. In simpler terms, it helps neutralize the chemical stress that damages kidney cells. Less oxidative stress means less ongoing injury to kidney tissues. [3]

Boosting Mitochondrial Function: Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells, producing the energy (ATP) that cells need to function and repair themselves. Red and near-infrared light directly stimulate mitochondrial enzymes, increasing ATP production. For kidney cells, this energy boost can enhance their natural repair mechanisms and efficiency. Improved mitochondrial function in kidney tissue has been linked to better cell survival and performance, which is crucial in aging organs.

Improving Blood Circulation: RLT can stimulate the release of nitric oxide, a natural compound that widens blood vessels. When applied over the kidneys, this vasodilation effect may increase blood flow to the renal tissues. Better micro-circulation means more oxygen and nutrients reach the kidneys to support their function. Enhanced blood flow also assists in carrying away toxins that the kidneys are trying to excrete, effectively making the filtration process more efficient.

Preventing Fibrosis and Scarring: In CKD, damaged kidneys often develop fibrosis, a buildup of scar tissue that further reduces function. The combined anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of red light therapy can slow down this scarring process. Research in animal models shows that photobiomodulation reduced fibrotic markers and collagen buildup in kidneys. In other words, RLT may help preserve healthy tissue architecture by tamping down the pathways that lead to scarring. [4]

By addressing these core problems, red light therapy essentially gives the kidneys a better environment to heal or stay stable. It’s important to note that RLT is not a cure for severe kidney disease, but as a supportive therapy it shows great promise. Especially for older adults who may not tolerate additional medications well, a safe light-based therapy could be a welcome tool to slow CKD’s progression.

Scientific Evidence for Red Light Therapy For Kidney Function

Below is a summary of key scientific studies that directly support the use of red light (photobiomodulation) for improving kidney function:

Study

Link

Findings

Therapeutic Potential of Photobiomodulation for Chronic Kidney Disease

Based on the findings, PBM may represent a novel, non-invasive and non-pharmacological therapy for CKD

Therapeutic Potential of Photobiomodulation for Chronic Kidney Disease

In conclusion, the mechanisms of action of PBM include modulating mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis, all of which are involved in the onset and progression of CKD. Therefore, PBM has the potential to have a positive effect in mitigating CKD by targeting these mechanisms.

The role of Photobiomodulation on chronic kidney disease

The present study suggests that PBM directly reduced inflammation and fibrosis in kidney tubular cells, when used at the appropriate dose.

Laser Therapy in Metabolic Syndrome-Related Kidney Injury

This initial proof-of-concept study suggests that LLLT may modulate chronic kidney disease progression, providing a painless, non-invasive, therapeutic strategy

Photobiomodulation in Kidney Function in Rats with Diabetic Kidney Disease

The results confirmed that photobiomodulation attenuates the reduction in renal function induced by diabetic kidney disease.

Overall, the scientific evidence, from cellular studies to animal models, consistently points to real physiological benefits of red/near-infrared light for kidneys. Red light therapy has been observed to reduce kidney inflammation, improve blood filtration rates (GFR), decrease tissue scarring, and normalize some of the molecular pathways that go awry in CKD.

Recommended Treatment Protocol

To receive the maximum benefits of red light therapy for thyroid 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, the light source should be as close to the skin as possible for deep tissue penetration of the kidney. A wrap/ belt product provides significant advantages over panels.

Low-Level Lasers: To effectively reach organs, you need a device with low-level lasers. LEDs can not reach deep enough through layers of fat and muscle to reach organs.

Use On Your Back: For kidney function, it is recommended to use the device daily on your back, just below the rib cage where the kidneys are located.

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. 3 weeks is a reasonable expectation to see improvements, but remember that progress is not linear.

Conclusion

In summary, red light therapy offers a promising, non-invasive way to support kidney function, especially for older adults. By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress and by energizing cells, RLT targets the very processes that make chronic kidney disease so damaging. The result, as studies suggest, is a slowing of CKD progression, potentially helping seniors avoid complications or delay the need for dialysis. Unlike conventional treatments that might involve new medications (often with side effects) or invasive procedures, red light therapy is gentle and pain-free. It can be used as a complementary therapy alongside a doctor’s care plan to give an extra boost to the kidneys’ health. For an aging population looking to maintain independence and well-being, the ability to improve kidney function at home with light is an empowering prospect. 

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References

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/kidney-disease/php/data-research/index.html

 

[2] https://www.kireports.org/article/S2468-0249(22)00382-5/fulltext

 

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35887386/

 

[4] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235381706_Laser_Therapy_in_Metabolic_Syndrome-Related_Kidney_Injury