The quest for a better quality of life is a varied process - dependent on factors like diet, physical and mental health, our social lives, professional lives and more. On the ends of physical treatment and wellness routines, intersections of science and sport are constantly pushing boundaries to achieve this goal. Industry intersections and the research conducted along the way are some of the key markers of the modern century - and ‘biohacking’, as a newfound buzzword that has come to exist in popular culture, has emerged in recent years amid further blends of nutrition, physical treatment and their underlying science.
From the term itself, biohacking can be described as a “do-it-yourself” biology, involving making incremental lifestyle or diet changes to improve overall well-being. To gain a better understanding of this, our team at ROJO Light Therapy UK will be exploring biohacking and its relation to red light therapy benefits in this blog.
Biohacking explores forms of human enhancement or augmentation, in which individuals attempt to change aspects of their biology to improve their health, wellbeing, or performance. It encompasses a wide range of practices from lifestyle and dietary changes to advanced technological and scientific interventions. Some examples include cold water therapy, intermittent fasting, and modified caffeine.
The concept of biohacking started around the mid-2000s, when genetic analysis tools became widely available and accessible. Many scientists, eager to make their mark, spurred on this idea as part of educational projects designed to broaden the horizons of biotechnology. Today, it has evolved to incorporate modern technology to create everyday items such as Fitbits and smartwatches that provide a wealth of information on how to regulate health and performance.
On one side of the discussion, there are doubts and hesitations on the effectiveness of this concept. While there is a large community of people sharing their personal biohacking results online, only a few formally report their findings. Also, given the limited regulation that there currently is with this concept, there is no way to determine the accuracy of many biohacking experiments.
On the other side though, there is progressive research that has found different kinds of biohacking to have great potential. Take the popular biohack bulletproof coffee, for instance. This drink combines organic coffee, butter, and MCT oil and claims to provide a range of benefits including preventing hunger and maintaining energy levels. Research has proven that these claims have promise - but given that the product is relatively new, more studies are recommended to fully understand its effects.
For those interested in trying biohacking, we recommend doing due research on any product or treatment and to consult with health professionals. While many biohacking modalities are safe in moderation, it’s still important to assess if they’re safe and suitable for your specific needs or goals.
Red light therapy is among the more prominent in modern biohacking discourse. Since its emergence in the 1960s, it has amassed an ample collection of clinical studies based purely on science highlighting its wide range of benefits. Among these are treating inflammation, accelerating the healing of wounds, penetrating deep muscle tissue, and treating neurological illnesses.
Red light therapy benefits are often rooted in its positive effects to mitochondrial health - of which plays a vital role in creating energy to drive cellular function, and our key biological processes. Maintaining this is crucial in battling the effects of oxidative stress which is the imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Left unbalanced for too long, an overabundance of oxidative stress can accelerate the ageing process and contribute to the development of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
Red light therapy activates protective mechanisms in damaged cells under oxidative stress while inducing the mitochondria to produce more energy. This process boosts the production of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that reduce oxidative stress and accelerates healing. Through these same mechanisms, you can also harness biohacking benefits through red light therapy in other areas of life including pain management, stress management, muscle recovery, and sleep.
With these health benefits, biohacking through red light therapy offers tremendous possibilities not only for the wellness community but also for the healthcare sector. And with an increasing body of scientific literature defining parameters of this treatment for various purposes, we are heading closer to the development of an accessible, alternative treatment that can aid many in achieving a better quality of life.
Red light therapy benefits demonstrate the potential for this biohacking method to enhance your overall wellness in life. However, it’s best to always consult with healthcare professionals before starting treatment. They will be able to provide you with key information such as best practices and further advice for you to be able to maximise the effects of the treatment.
Additionally, with a wide variety of red light therapy products on the market, we suggest you do ample research before purchasing. Not all of these products are made the same and it’s crucial you find one that suits your therapeutic goals.
For high-quality red light therapy panels for home use, check out our catalogue at ROJO Light Therapy. Our products are tested and certified, ensuring that you get the most out of your red light therapy home treatments. For more inquiries, don’t hesitate to contact us or send us an email at sales@rojolighttherapy.uk.