Nick Norwitz reviews research on red and infrared light lowering LDL cholesterol. In lab cells, infrared light reduced PCSK9 protein and boosted LDL receptors. A rabbit study showed 57% LDL drops after six weeks of daily red-light therapy. Norwitz's own month-long trial cut his LDL by 12%, though he notes the limits of self-testing.
Decreased LDL cholesterol by a stunning 57%. Billion-dollar medications, the PCSK9 inhibitors. Heart health is not just about cholesterol. What if lowering your cholesterol were as easy as literally flipping on a light bulb? Well, it actually could be. Research is showing how certain types of light, including red light and infrared light, can lower cholesterol. This video will be concise, shine light on fascinating mechanistic data, and reveal what happened when I tested this idea on myself. Now, the first study I want to illuminate for you shows that infrared light can increase the expression of LDL receptors, proteins on the liver that grab LDL particles containing cholesterol out of the bloodstream. In this in vitro study, the infrared light was shown on human liver cells for 30 minutes, and this was compared to control cells that didn't get any light. Amazingly, the light significantly reduced levels of a protein called PCSK9. A protein that itself reduces LDL receptors, and the very same protein targeted by the billion-dollar medications, the PCSK9 inhibitors. PCSK9 itself again decreases levels of LDL receptors, thus decreasing the inhibitor, the PCSK9, should lead to an increase in LDL receptors. You following? Indeed, the researchers found that along with a decrease in PCSK9, there were an increase in LDL receptors and increased cholesterol uptake. They also found the mechanism operated on the activation of a channel called TRPV4, a calcium channel. So in summary, the infrared light activated these calcium channels, leading to a decrease in PCSK9, an increase in LDL receptors, and an increase in LDL cholesterol uptake. Uptake. Now, the next obvious question is, well, is there an effect in living organisms in vivo? And the truth of the matter is, being candid with you, this is a question that has not been thoroughly investigated. There are data showing light therapy can lower cholesterol. However, the data are rendered a bit confusing given the great variations in types of light therapy and different protocols. But as a proof of principle, This study here on rabbits fed a diet designed to increase their cholesterol revealed that treatment with 20 minutes of polarized light therapy, including the red light spectrum, for 6 weeks decreased LDL cholesterol by a stunning 57%. And unlike the control medication, it did not cause an increase in liver damage markers, ALT and AST. But, as I hope you know, heart health is not just about cholesterol. Nor am I placing a value judgment on high or low cholesterol levels in this video per se, I'm just sharing data. Red light therapy can also reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, increase nitric oxide production to improve blood flow, and help improve blood sugar control, which is good for the lining of blood vessels, the endothelium. And now getting to my n=1 experiment, after using my Inferno red light device, and you can see the link below to get your own if you want, discount code NICK20, yes, I did just plug a promotion. Anyway, after using it for an average of 30 minutes per day for 1 month, I found my LDL cholesterol levels actually dropped by 12%. That's pretty freaking interesting. Although I'll be the first to admit, it's an n=1 experiment. And I'm trying not to sensationalize this and intentionally didn't lead the video with this number for two reasons. First, I'll totally admit my diet and exercise patterns were not carefully controlled during this month, and I generally have a lot of variability in my cholesterol. Second, my physiology as a lean mass hyper-responder, you can check out the video notes if you don't know the definition on that, anyway, my physiology might not generalize to you. So take this with a grain of salt, although I still think it's interesting. And I also didn't opt to get a liver biopsy to measure my PCSK9 levels. I like n=1 science, but maybe not that much. Anyway, stay curious. Let me know what other questions you have about light therapy or anything metabolism, diet, cold. Really love this channel. I just want to say I appreciate you all. This is so much fun for me. I love science. I love staying curious. I love staying nuanced. Alright, I'm shutting up now. Have a good day.
