Transformation Wellness clients reflect the growing interest in red light therapy as part of a self-care routine for managing thyroid health.
Studies show that 15-20% of Americans manage some form of thyroid dysfunction — whether overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). These conditions affect people across all age groups, with thyroid dysfunction more common in females and more likely to increase with age.
Healthy Thyroid Function
The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones, which control the speed at which the body’s chemical functions proceed (metabolic rate). Thyroid hormones influence the metabolic rate in two ways:
By stimulating almost every tissue in the body to produce proteins
By increasing the amount of oxygen that cells use
Thyroid hormones affect many vital body functions, such as the heart rate, the rate at which calories are burned, skin maintenance, growth, heat production, fertility, and digestion.
Red Light Therapy and Thyroid Function
Research shows that red light therapy offers promising potential in supporting thyroid health through several mechanisms:
Improved Cellular Energy Production: Red light therapy stimulates the mitochondria, enhancing ATP production and boosting cellular energy. This can help combat the fatigue, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, and muscle aches and weakness commonly associated with hypothyroidism.
Reduced Inflammation: Red light therapy's anti-inflammatory effects may particularly benefit autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Several studies report that red light therapy can significantly lower thyroid antibodies. For example:
A 2022 trial reported an 850-point reduction in thyroid antibodies after three months of red light therapy combined with iron and vitamin D supplementation, with 29% of participants discontinuing thyroid medication.
Another study in 2023 involving 38 women found that twice-weekly red light therapy for three weeks resulted in an average TSH reduction of over two points, a 433-point drop in thyroid antibodies, and weight loss with a lower BMI.
In a placebo-controlled study, participants undergoing red light therapy for five weeks saw a 600-point drop in thyroid antibodies, with nearly 48% discontinuing thyroid medication. In contrast, the placebo group experienced an increase in antibodies.
Enhanced Blood Flow: Red light therapy improves circulation to the thyroid gland, potentially supporting its hormone production capabilities.
Hormone Regulation: By supporting cellular health and reducing inflammation, red light therapy may aid in normalizing thyroid hormone levels, particularly T3 and T4.
Thyroid Tissue Regeneration: Red light therapy may support the repair and regeneration of thyroid tissue, potentially reversing some damage caused by inflammation.
Immune System Modulation: The therapy might help modulate immune system activity, which could be beneficial in autoimmune thyroid disorder.
Improved Metabolism: By enhancing thyroid function, red light therapy may lead to a more efficient metabolism, potentially aiding in weight management.
“As someone who battled chronic Lyme, I know the importance of a healthy thyroid,” says Dr. Annette Cronauer, founder of Transformation Weight Loss and Wellness, home to Pittsburgh’s only medical-grade red light therapy.
Lyme disease can lead to thyroid problems, particularly hypothyroidism and
autoimmune thyroiditis. The inflammatory response to Lyme disease can directly affect thyroid hormone signaling. This inflammation may reduce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and impair the conversion of inactive thyroid hormone (T4) to its active form (T3). Lyme disease may trigger autoimmune thyroiditis through molecular mimicry between Borrelia burgdorferi (the Lyme-causing bacteria) and thyroid autoantigens.
Clients interested in thyroid function and health choose Transformation Weight Loss and Wellness for its Max Miracle 9600 – Doctor Professional Edition red light therapy beds. The Max Miracle 9600 features 3200 LEDs and delivers over 9600 watts of total power. This bed is considered, by far, to be the highest medical-grade red light therapy device available in Pittsburgh.
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