Sun & Light Series: How Light Dictates The Way Our Bodies Function

No Bullshit Health Podcast

Part I - How Light Dictates The Way Our Bodies Function
https://qualitarian.io/lifestyle-general/how-light-dictates-the-way-our-bodies-function
Source: Excerpts from "Sun & Light Series: Part I - How Light Dictates The Way Our Bodies Function" by Qualitarian.io

Main Theme: This article explores the profound impact of light on human biology, emphasizing the distinctions between beneficial and harmful wavelengths found in both natural and artificial light sources.

Key Ideas & Facts:

1. Light as a Biological Regulator: Human evolution under the sun has deeply intertwined light with crucial physiological functions. Light influences:

• Sleep-Wake Cycle: Morning sunlight triggers cortisol release, promoting wakefulness. Darkness prompts melatonin production, inducing sleepiness.
• Hormonal Balance: Light affects various hormonal processes beyond sleep.
• Metabolism: Light plays a role in how our body converts food to energy.
• Skin & Eye Health: Different light wavelengths impact skin aging, eye health, and more.
• Mood & Mental Well-being: Light significantly influences mood and mental health.

1. The Light Spectrum: Understanding the light spectrum is fundamental to understanding light's effects. Different colors represent different wavelengths, each impacting the body uniquely.

• Longer wavelengths (red and infrared): Penetrate deeper into tissues, muscles, and bones.
• Shorter wavelengths (UV and blue): Primarily affect the upper layers of the skin.

1. Photoreceptors: The Body's Light Sensors: Specialized photoreceptors in our skin and eyes detect specific wavelengths, converting them into signals for the brain, triggering various physiological responses.

• Examples: UV-B stimulates vitamin D production, while blue light increases alertness and suppresses melatonin.

1. Stressor vs. Regenerative Wavelengths:

• Stressor Wavelengths (UV to blue): Offer benefits but can be detrimental in excess, causing sunburns, skin aging, eye damage, sleep disruption, and metabolic issues.
• Regenerative Wavelengths (Red and Infrared): Promote healing, rejuvenation, and cellular energy production. Red light benefits skin health, while infrared aids tissue repair and reduces inflammation.

1. Quote: "This study is the first population-level study that confirms the results of laboratory research and cohort studies in which ALAN was found to be a contributing factor to excessive body mass in humans." (Regarding the negative impacts of Artificial Light at Night - ALAN)
2. Natural vs. Artificial Light:

• Natural Sunlight: Offers a balanced spectrum with both stressor and regenerative wavelengths. Sunrise and sunset periods are particularly rich in regenerative wavelengths, ideal for skin repair.
• Artificial Light: Often imbalanced, particularly LED and fluorescent lights, with high blue light content and minimal regenerative wavelengths, posing risks to our health.

1. The Case of Bill McElligott: The truck driver's case illustrates the dangers of prolonged exposure to altered light through glass. The glass filtered out beneficial wavelengths while allowing harmful ones to pass through, leading to significant damage on one side of his face.
2. Quote: "Sideways, he looks like two different people.” (Dr. Jennifer R.S. Gordon, commenting on Bill McElligott's asymmetrical sun damage)
3. Solutions for Healthier Light Exposure:

• Minimize exposure to sunlight through glass.
• Spend time outd