Gut and Photobiomodulation
Your microbiome consists of a collection of bacteria and fungi (flora) that work together to keep your gut health in check.
This delicate balance can shift into dysbiosis or imbalance when internal and external factors, including poor diet, stress, mycotoxin exposure, and overuse of antibiotics, deplete beneficial gut flora and allow imbalanced microorganisms to take over.
Gut dysbiosis often results in leaky gut issues, also called intestinal hyper-permeability. This dysfunction occurs when the GI tract becomes porous and its contents “leak” into the bloodstream resulting in food sensitivities, autoimmunity, migraines, anxiety, and depression.
Recent scientific information indicates that LED Light Therapy — also known as
photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) — can help improve microbiome health and significantly lessen leaky gut symptoms.
What researchers found
In a recent animal study (Liebert et al., 2019), researcher Marie Ann Liebert and her team showed that photobiomodulation, as light applied directly to the abdomen, resulted in the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
While the science shows photobiomodulation works, it is not completely clear why. According to Liebert, a few plausible explanations exist for why the microbiome benefits from light therapy. It could very well be that all the following mechanisms work together to help the microbiome.
The wavelength matters
Many positive microbiome changes were observed using near-infrared (NIR) light rather than just red light. NIR light contributed to an increase in good bacteria in the gut and a decrease in bacteria “associated with a dysregulated microbiome.” (Liebert, 2019)[4]
Reducing inflammation matters
Photobiomodulation has been clinically proven to reduce inflammation.[5] By reducing a body’s inflammatory response,PBM may creates an environment in which beneficial bacteria can thrive.
The abscopal effect matters
Yet another explanation relates to the abscopal effect, or remote tumor-shrinking effect, of PBM. Liebert noted in her study (2019) that when photobiomodulation is applied to one area of the body, it triggers our immune cells, stem cells, and possibly an unidentified third agent which may positively affect the microbiome.
Better Tools for Better Health
Ever since Dr. Gershon, the “father of neurogastroenterology,” coined the term “Second Brain” back in 1996 to refer to the gut, its microbiome, and the enteric nervous system through which it communicates with the brain, functional medicine practitioners and self-care enthusiasts have made gut health a priority in their quest to achieve overall wellness.
Photobiomodulation is yet another effective practice that can supercharge the microbiota. It brings balance to our circadian clocks, reduces inflammation, and helps us get the most out of our synbiotic supplements by stimulating the growth and diversity of our microbiome.
Here is an article that talks about how photobiomodulation may alter our gut microbiome >> click here.
Experience Photobiomodulation like never before!
Want to enjoy the full spectrum of healing light?
Regenus Center offers spot photobiomodulation and whole-body light therapy at East Hanover for professionals and self-care enthusiasts.
If you are seeking a clinically proven, drug-free, and non-invasive method to cultivate a thriving microbiome, stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and more, then you need to book an appointment with us today for red light therapy, also known as Photobiomodulation Light Therapy.
