Thyroid hormone, there are receptors on every cell, we need our energy to function.
Mitochondria 1,000,s in every cell (except blood cells) many more 1,000s in every cell in high energy requiring organs - Brain, Heart, Eye. Mitochondria produce ATP our energy
Last decade they discovered that mitochondria not only feed on the nutrients we provide (our food) so diet crucial for mitochondrial health. but they now know they feed on light - an amazing breakthrough in understanding. Kind of important for those of us who do not have optimun energy. Thyroid issues, which is why I am posting. Remember everything is connected to everything else, we have one whole body when it comes to function
Feeding/nourishing our own mitochondria with light is also crucial. The sun obviously provides the full spectrum of light, so becareful re sunscreen use/ covering up when you feel you have had enough sun exposure is the best sun screen. Also becareful about over use of sun glasses. Your mitochondria in your eye cells need light too.
The spectrum of red and near infrared light - specific wavelength frequencies can improve numbers of mitochondria and quality of their function, amount of ATP produced. I bought a Redlight combi, combination of Redlight and Near Infrared light to shine on my thyroid daily. I did get an improvement in my TSH blood test which had been steadily climbing over years. Not had my next annual blood tests since
I listened to the Mitochondrial summit, a large number of interviews of mitochondrial experts. I was blown away by the interview of British research expert Nicki Gratrix whose interview was entitled 'the Cell Danger Response' which is a bit like fight or flight but at the cellular level affecting the mitochondria.
Simply, our Vagus Nerve - the nervous system connection from the brain stem to the rest of the organs in the body is likely to have 2 parts within the parasympathetic (rest heal,digest functions). The Dorsal and the Ventral halves.
If the body is attacked by an insult/enemy - eg chemical, viral, bacterial etc the Vagus Nerve is switched to the dorsal side in order to divert resources to protection pathways. The body has a finite number of resources - she quoted similar to London in the Blitz in WW11. Defence mode and rationing. In Dorsal mode - normal healing / repair is suspended until the attack is over so production of ATP is very limited. Which is why for instance when we have flu/illness we have little energy and know we have to rest. The trouble is that even when the original threat/insullt has long been eradicated, the mitochondria can still be stuck in dorsal mode when they need to be inflenced by the Ventral half of the Vagus Nerve messaging. Hence limited energy, healing impact (note this is not fight or flight that is at the physical level , this is cellular impact). So the whole body is going to be affected, including all organ function.
Therefore it is really important to nourish the mitochondria in cells with nutrients and light and switch them back into Ventral side. They may have been stuck there in the dorsal state all your life or for many years. So prevalence of lack of energy conditions eg Fibromyalgia, Autoimmune, Thyroid , Methylation , basically anything as cells are unable to function and heal in an optimum state.
Mitochondria are goint to respond to a source of good nutrients and light environment, so a caring environment where they feel the body is safe, fully resourced and normal activity can resume.. Nicki gratrix did not mention in this interview, the role of redlight/NIR but does have a link on her website for. But many of the other experts spoke of the role of Red/NIR light in the health of mitochondria. Ari Whitten who was interviewed also, has writen a book purely on the effiacacy of Red/NIR light (amazon) you can 'look inside' on Amazon and glean a lot of info
Gives us something to work on re energy production and how our total health is dependant on our mitochondria.
You can buy the interview download on the Health Means website for about 2 dollars if anybody is interested
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I’ve just blown most of this week’s mortgage payment on a larger, stronger infrared lamp to treat my spine. After about 3 hours intermittent use over the past 20 hours, I’m able to sit up comfortably for the first time in two weeks. How would I know if it provides both red light & near infrared as I can’t find this info on the product description.
I’ve read about the link between gut health & the vagus nerve, but not come across this before. You’ve given me a completely new research rabbit hole to disappear in to whilst I’m laid up. 🐇 🕳🤗
Wow. So pleased you are improving. Red Light is produced at certain wave length frequencies and near red infra red light at higher frequencies. My full body combined red and near infra red light which I bought from redlightman.com has both red and nrinfra red LED bulbs. The easiest way to tell when using is when swiched on the red light shines red and the near infra red bulb light are not visible by the human eye so thse LED bulbsdo not look as though lit up - which they are, we just can't see them. Red Light only reaches a short depth into/through the skin , near infra red travels deeper which is better to effect mitochondria in organ cells. If you would like to listen to the speakers on the mitochondrial summit, ther is a replay of the expert interviews today and tomorrow. Just register your email and you will be sent the interview links. There are 37 speakers. I didn't get chance to listen to all. If I was you I would listen to Nicki Gratrix first, Jason Prall too, who explains how fructose from fruit (obviously containing the fruits own mitochondria) with bidirectional signalling between our cell mitochondria/fruit mitochondria and our microbiome organisms mean that the fructose contained does not need to be sent to our liver for conversion to glucose as the signalling means the fructose is converted by the microbiata in the intestine so not impacting liver health /fatty liver. Which I found fascinating. Ari Whitten who has written about mitochondria and the benefit of red/nr infrared light (amazon) Dr Daniel Nuzum and Dr Jay Davidson - all fascinating
How are you getting on with your Near Infra Red Lamp?
I’ve just been watching Ari Whitten’s videos on The Energy Blueprint and started googling Near Infra Red Saunas for mitochondrial health. I then found your post.
Anyone wanting to improve energy levels / fatigue would be good to look up the work of Nicki Gratrix and the Cell Danger Response. The thousands of mitochondria in each cell that produce your energy also have an awareness similar to fight or flight but at the cellular level. They switch from energy producing to diverting to protection to conserve the body's resources which are afterall limited, known as the Cell Danger Response. The problem is that the mitochondria can get stuck in this mode even when any stressor or infection is long gone leading to fatigue syndromes. Vagus nerve is key. Professor Norman Doidge apparently is having great response with vagus nerve stimulation and curing Parkinsons and fatigue coditions. So much so that companies are trying to develop Tongue stimulators ( Vagus Nerve and Tongue connected - see Dr Datis Kharrazian ) x
Thank you - Kharrazian's Brain book is close by ! My vagus nerve is not up to speed so am doing the gargling ... Will follow your suggested folk to research - thanks x
A Beurer 300w, not anything fancy or expensive. It's been very helpful for lower back pain & reducing medication intake, though I've no idea to what extent it's affecting my mytochondria.
Have you noticed any change in your energy levels? That is how you will know.
I've not yet learnt much about NIR therapy. I might read Ari Whitten's book on it but I dont have much patience right now. It looks affordable though. Are you using it on your whole body?
I haven't noticed any improvement in energy, but I'm recovering more rapidly than from previous episodes. It's a basic infrared lamp that I'm using on my spine & areas where osteoarthritis are worsening.
Check out red light man .com website and look at the specific frequencies of his combi lamps , combination of red and near infra red light. Check against the frequency wavelength spec of yours.
According to Dr Nicki Gratrix you need to support mitochondria = red/NIR also nutritents from food, and life style changes - so a foundation of changes. Can't expect to use and feel surge of energy. Although mindset too is key and so I would say I feel more energised following but is that the light and such a quick response, I wouldn't know. I do feel you have to believe it will work and therefore find out as much info as possible to understand and that knowledge will make you believe. However if mitochondria are stuck in the cell danger response then nothing is going to change untill you support mitochondria and get out of it. Mitochondria need to feel the cellular environment is safe to get back out of the dorsal side of the vagus nerve and so thoughts are key, nutrient availability is key and red/NIR light is key x
Did you learn this from the Mitochondrial summit? So how can one move their mitochondria out of the cell danger response? Ari Whitten’s The Energy Blueprint talks about this and although the videos give you some tips you’re encouraged to buy at $497 to get the full programme. He talks about resetting the circadian rhythm and also hermesis and pranayama.
I’m growing my first batch of broccoli sprouts. Fingers crossed I can get some decent sprouts in the next few days, he recommends them.
Hi, Yes I learned about the cell danger response on the mitochondrial summit, firstly from the interview of British Nicky Gratrix - I believe practitioner as well as a researcher. You don't remember everything said as limited time broadcast for free altho I do I scribble notes. Her talk was actually entitled 'The Cell Danger Response'
I would check out her site for further info, I haven't properly, re time but did check at the time that I could find her site and noticed she gave a link to purchasing a Red/NIR light recommendation. So she definitely must feel Red/NIR light is advantageous, which I was pleased to see even though I feel that myself, it's good to have confirmed whenever can, as good for mindset. I would consider carefully if buying red light as I believe her link is to a US company and although some units appear cheaper than redlightman, it would involve tax, customs duty etc. You really need to do your research as to the best buy if considering as I think companies are popping up all the time now.
Joe, the redlightman replies to emails , I have just emailed him as my daughter in law is pregnant (has Hashimotos) and wondered if would be safe to continue using purely on her thyroid. He replied, obviously can't commit as basically there is no research or studies re pregnancy but said his wife used the light (presume the full body) directly on her belly throughout pregnancy and they have a healthy 2 month old baby
Basically Nicki Gratrix is linking with the work on the cell danger response of Dr Naviaux. also referenced the successful work of US neurologist Professor Norman Doidge. Now I had listened to an interview of Prof Doidge a few months before and so all tied in nicely to me. Also then I listened to Ari Whitten's interview which was entitled 'the new model of fatigue and human energy' He was mainly speaking of Adrenal Fatigue but did speak at some length of the Cell Danger Response . He always believed and practised, with adrenal issues as being key. However after looking at every research study over 12 months to provide the evidence to mainstream he could no longer support Adrenal Fatigue as a condition. Came up with absolutely no evidence. That basically everything traced back to mitochondrial health and numbers.
Both of them outlined as foundational : diet , lifestyle, circadian rhythms, routine and sleep as key
Nicki talked of a comparison with the country being at war / blitz how all resources are rationed. That mitochondria are not just ATP/energy producing as thought but sensitively aware and will divert into defence mode at the cellular level. Naviaux and Doidge have shown the Vagus Nerve has 2 parts the Ventral and the Dorsal. The Dorsal is the defence mode and if mitochondria get such signals they will remain in a Dorsal state, sometimes getting stuck for ever, even tho the threat has long gone.
Key is to get back in the Ventral influence of the vagus nerve. Which is where Vagus Nerve stimulation comes in and Doidge's work on tongue stimulation. The tongue has been linked with the vagus nerve for a long time (Dr Kharrazian's work on gargling, tongue /throat stress, stimulating the vagus nerve in particular constipation) Doidge is reported to have great success with fatigue, P, using tongue stimulators but still at the research scientists stage.
So basically - get the foundation above right. Ensure nutrients provided (nutrients are what provide the mitochondria with the source to make ATP) Mitochondria and Microbiome organisms communicate : so ensure healthy, balanced microbiome.
Red /NIR known in science now to also provide what mitochondria need to produce ATP, be healthy and reproduce (the more we have the better)
Move , good exercise, but not exhausting the system (as you will do with hours of jogging and running)
Our thoughts are key: Mitrochondria need to sense they are safe! body not in starvation mode, so nutrients ready available (nutrients not available from crap food) But they also need to receive the info that all is well. Negative thoughts are signalled as reality.
Also it was dwelt on that mitochondria need to be renewed - killed off and new ones made (don't forget we are talking at cellular level - thousands in one heart cell) So it is important to challenge so the duff , poorer performing ones recognise to commit apoptosis for newer , stonger ones to be created. Challenging can be fasting (intermittent, short term) Hot and cold therapy (hot shower, sauna etc then cold temps, short balst of cold shower. I did hear that the thymus (high chest) is a good place to point the cold shower and frontal lobe (forhead). Nutrient dense food choices but vary.
Oh Dr Jay Davidson - important factor is Flow. getting lymph moving but crucially bowels. 2 bowel movements a day if have 2 meals min . He is happy with his patients if have more like 3 or 4 (as he is trying to get them well)
TUDCA a bile acid, Dr Davidson states if there was only one supplement he had recourse to it would be TUDCA. Known to get the bowel flow going/eradicate constipation. But essentially also stabilises mitochondria
That's all I can recall
But you can go to the website 'Health Means' and because the mitochondrial summit was broadcast through Health Means ,you can purchase an online download of the speakers interviews for $1.99 for any one
I would purchase Nicki Gratrix , Ari Whitten's, Jay Davidson's, Jason Pralls interviews. So for less than £8 you can listen to them
also, I am going to listen to Sam Shay's interview which was called 'Functional Testing for Mitochondria' He was recommending the ION panel on Genova labs. I don't even know if we can get that here in the UK but his info was about a general overview of how the mitochondria are doing when looking at the blood/urine markers. I would think we could focus on how we feel and what's going wrong with us/and not functioning well , to know how they are doing. But interesting lab results to look at and explanations.
Oh also one doc said, that within minutes of a stressor (thoughts, actual, infection etc) that mitochondrial DNA is found in our blood stream. Mitochondrial DNA should be in the mitochondria. This shows that within seconds of stress, our mitochondria are being killed off. Sorry if have mentioned that before
Broccoli sprouts, that reminds me to grow some - have the seeds in. Make sure you buy organic broccoli seeds online. All functional doctors recommend broccoli sprouts , did he say why in particular - just detox? or to do with mitochondria?
Hermesis not sure but think that is when ramp the mitochondria up as with challenging? No idea what the pranayama is x
Obviously its one of those watch a video and purchase a programme. However the videos themselves are really good and you can learn a lot about Circadian Rhythm management etc.
In terms of sulforaphane from broccolli sprouts, this is from Video 3 about helping heal the blood brain barrier.
He mentions lots of other things like Vitamin D, Berberine, Shilajit. I had organic brocolli seeds so I thought I'd grow them, they're coming along nicely.
In Video 2 he talks about Intermittent Hypoxic Training to train the mitochondria to use oxygen more efficiently. One example is Kapalabhati Pranayama which is basically when you take a deep breath and then do a series of rapid fire breaths. He recommends a 30-50 and then hold for as long as you can. Then you let the breath go rapidly.
You can also download some useful PDF documents which contain everything he talks about.
Thanks so much Serendipitious. I will check out the links now. How are you growing your sprouts? A few years ago I bought a sprouting seed jar but didn't get on with it and put in the back of the cupboard And then saw I a video, I think Dr Mercola, saying just grow in soil in a plant pot on your window sill, far easier to cut the sprouts, like you'd cut mustard and cress. So I intended to, but never did. (I think my doubts was to do with not eating the seed, which is basically impossible not to, if grow in a sprouting jar. The reason for not eating the seed was that the seed is the plant's baby and therefore all the defence chemicals the plant produces are in the seed to protect it and not conducive to our health) Wishing your sprouts well Thanks for spurring me on, I am going to look out a shallow, wide plant pot for the window sill.
Thanks for the info too. My vit D, I keep highish approx 130mmol That is really key to feeling well and taking everyday unless get hot sun on a good percentage of skin on that day. Dr Hollis (researcher of vit D for 30yrs) I will post link to his talk. If you watch take note of the diagram - not many mins in. He shows the form of vit d that is used by the immune system and organs is not bound in the liver (which it is for teeth and bones) but this form is diffused directly into cells. This form has only a half life in the body of 24 hrs which is why you need to supplement or get the hot sun everyday.
I have read about berberine, haven't taken yet. I take a lot of food based supplements and so all gets expensive, but I will listen to what he is saying and can change stuff about. Mind you my brain has difficulty remembering to take.
I always take Serrapeptase first thing on an empty stomach (for my RA and getting my fibrinogen levels down) but the others take their chances with my memory.
I recently started taking a hawthorn tincture (fushi.co.uk) just a dropper in a little water, coconut water - supposed to be excellent to strengthen heart. Heard about in an interview and with RA there is high risk of heart issues re inflammation. So I could interchange with berberine - will look into
One thing I learned on the mitochondrial summit was from Dr Jay Davidsons enthusiastic recommendation of TUDCA (a bile acid)which I had never heard of. I have bought some. He takes and puts all his patients on first thing above all else. He mentioned it being heart /stroke protective if is used at the time of an attack and has been seen to prevent far less cells being killed off. But stresses should be taken as a preventative. He also stated that TUDCA satabilises mitochondria. His emphasis was basically to retain /regain health that we need flow - to ensure bowels are continually moving . 2 meals , 2 bowel movements min. His patients he prefers 3 or 4 I took one capsule the first day and then alternate days . I was certainly going easily and often. I only took 3 in all and haven't taken for a week and feel I ought to take another to today with food to keep up with 2 or more a day. So if constipation is a problem ever it is brilliant. TUDCA also helps with brain cleansing / blood brain barrier and so seems a must have in supplement
I'm currently using a mason jar without the lid from IKEA. It's quite awkward as I have it covered with a muslin cloth and elastic band on top but I've a got a decent crop of sprouts despite losing plenty of seeds down the kitchen sink. I've had to use a tea strainer to take the water out each time after rinsing which isn't easy. I've ordered two sprouting jars by A. Vogel so those should help. The sieve like lid will make it a lot easier.
As for supplements, Ari had a dozen or so on his slides. I don't think anybody could possibly take all those. I don't think that was his point anyway. The programme has now closed so it's not possible to view the video until the next in take in the next few months.
Hi, I bought the mini combi red/near infrared light from redlightman.com a uk company. Or maybe a UK one man band. His lights are just like the US Joov company lights. I watched the interviews online - Dave Asprey interviewing the Joov company scientists, talking of the benefits. I know that Swiss health clinics provide photobiomodulation treatments (which is the use of the red/near infrared lights) redlightman has lots of info on his website inc thyroid. Which is what made me buy a hand held red/nr infra red combi light about 1 yr ago approx. Size of a hair dryer £96. I realised that I would have been better off really investing in a full body combi lamp - £720. So I gave my hand held to my daughter inlaw specfically to shine on her thyroid which I had been doing and very convenient, if just wanting to use on Thyroid for 5 mins , 1x, 2x per day. However I have autoimmune RA and after all the researching I did - realised that I would be better off with a full body combi. There is absolutely no difference between the effectiveness of the lamps but the hand held is great for targetting but awkward if wanting to use on back and v time consuming if shining on lots of different areas . Whereas you cover the whole body in 10 mins. 5mins front and 5 mins back of body.
I am not on thyroid med but had noticed my TSH climbing year on year - I believe in prevention, so wanting to support my thyroid. I had been using the hand held r/nr infra red light on thyroid and when had annual blood test, TSH had fallen for first time ever from 3.8 to 2.8. I was really pleased. Others may not feel significant but I did from all I have learned from functional medical doctors. I have not had my annual test again yet.
I was in great pain in my lower back immediately following sitting down when I got home following a 9 mile walk on rough terrain (not used to walking so far but we got lost) Felt so bad I went to bed, couldn't rest the pain so intrusive and bad . At 1.30 am I remembered my red light and went to stand with my back facing for 5 mins. As I walked back to bed the pain had subsided and by the time I laid back down it had reduced to a nague and I fell asleep. The next morning I was fine, I could feel a niggle that showed me I had hurt/stressed my back but that's all. Over the next few days as I used as normal, my back was cleared of any issue. That for me was benefit enough
I am now going to buy a hand held for when I go away as I never want to be without.
I have heard the science where mitochondria have been found to not only convert the nutrients we provide by the food we eat but also feed on light (the specific wavelenths)
As mitochondria are the key to health and function of our bodies it makes sense to support them , increase reproduction of (numbers) and health of. Thousands in every cell in all high energy consuming organs especially heart , brain, liver, eye. Only a few less in all other cells. Only blood cells don't contain. We need to support our mitochondria and by age 60 we have lost approx 75% of our original number. This is not the case with everyone if are determined to support.
I listened to the mitochondrial summit organised by functional detox clinician Dr Jay Davidson. People to research are British Dr Nicki Gratrix work on the Cell Danger Response, Ari Whitten who wrote a book (amazon) a few years ago and Jason Prall who talked of the microbiome and mitochondria communication. For me all mind blowing info.
Serendipitious , you don't need a nera infra red sauna. Just the red/ near infrared light to stand in front of naked so penetrates the skin. It is not about heating the body and sweating. I have my light propped in a corner of a spare room. Can be hung on a door as well. Hope this helps x
Thank you for your reply. Somehow I ended up with a PDF copy of Ari Whitten’s book on Infrared therapy which I downloaded some time ago. I’ve not read it yet but I will. Just flicked to the back and he makes recommendations on his favourite types and brands of lamps. Maybe I got the link when I signed up for the Mitochondrial summit but wasn’t able to listen to it. I’ll have to sign up and listen to it again. There have been so many summits since Broken Brain its hard to keep up but this sounds like a really good one.
I just need to know a few things. I’ve been stuck in a state of chronic fatigue and stress for the last six years since I injured myself during exercise and got divorced at the same time. Since listening to Ari and his the energy blueprint videos for the last two days I’ve realised I may have mitochondrial dysfunction rather than “adrenal fatigue” which he believes doesn’t exist.
Now I’ve found a infrared sauna at Triyoga which I’d like to try. Normal saunas wipe me out even after 10 minutes. Do you think this will also help? I’ve heard this is a carbon far infra red sauna. I’d rather try something elsewhere before investing in one at home.
Is it necessary to use it without clothing? The girl on the phone was saying that it is mixed so people need to be clothes in say a tshirt and shorts.
You want a combination of Red and Near infra red light - as with redlightman.com
Far infra red is a different wavelength and heats the body up
Yes saunas that heat the body up, like the ones pool side in gym's are great for sweating and detoxing but that is not the red/Near infra red light frequency we are talking of. My opinion is buy a Red/ Near Infra red combination light for home use. Takes no room up and improves mitochondrial health
Saunas are good and beneficial- but you can go have a sauna at a gym
The red/Near infra red light needs to be shone on naked skin as it then penetrates the skin. You will be at home so no problem with removing clothing.
The sauna company the girl works for is a sauna that heats the body up and so don't need to be naked therefore , people in Saunas at pools , gyms etc usually wear their swimming stuff, gym clothes or wrap themselves in a bath towel to soak up the sweat.
It's not the same
You do not heat up with near infra red light - the point is it penetrates the skin to blood stream and organs .. A Combi with red and near infra red will feel slightly comfortably warm so not freezing to death with no clothes on because of the red light. Clothes, hair will block the light frequency from entering your body x
Thankyou for sharing all this information. I've taken notes and need time to process.
The info re vagus nerve pathways and how it influences mitochondria makes sense to me in light of being diagnosed with CFS/ME many years ago following the trifecta of pneumonia, divorce and living in constant fear and anxiety.
We've had an unusual Summer here in South Australia, the last few weeks being cool and overcast - which led me to looking for suppliers of IR lights in preparation for Winter. Hadn't known about near IR therapy before reading all this, so i'm now on a mission.
Seems as if redlightman.com is one of the few legit sellers as far as i can see. Just hoping the postal services won't play football with the parcel once i order it.
You're welcome Kimmie. It's lovely to learn stuff and then feel more in control. Ari Whitten's book on Red light Therapy is for sale on amazon.co.uk with the' look inside' feature. So you can read quite a bit of info just by using the 'look inside' on amazon(remember you want a combination of red and near infrared to get the specific wavelengths)
Considering your fatigue issues, I would definitely download the links to Nicki Gratrix website and importantly Ari Whitten's energy blueprint videos that Serendiptious has posted above. Good look with the redlight postage to your home
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A thyroid hormone controls insulin production
Low TSH and FT 4
