# Can Red Light Therapy Support Thyroid Function? What the Evidence Shows

By Dr. Benedicte Lerche · Thyroid Health · Published 2022-07-01

> According to Dr. Ray Peat, the red and orange rays included in sunlight are essential for healthy thyroid function and hormonal balance. Learn about the benefits of sunlight and light therapy lamps for thyroid health.

According to [Dr. Ray Peat](/blog/who-is-dr-ray-peat), the red and orange rays included in sunlight are essential for healthy thyroid function and hormonal balance — if you want to explore how to support your thyroid more broadly, my [Thyroid Optimization™](/courses/thyroid-optimization) course covers the full picture. In this blog post, you will learn about the benefits of sunlight and what types of light therapy lamps can be helpful if you live in a climate without enough sun.

## Why is sunlight so Beneficial?

Sunlight includes orange and red light with 600-700 nm wavelengths.

The benefits of red and orange light have been well established. This type of light supports cellular energy production and mitochondrial function.

According to Dr. Ray Peat, getting plenty of sunlight is beneficial to your whole health. Especially the function of the endocrine system, meaning the hormone-producing glands including the thyroid gland.

## Is UV light dangerous?

Sunlight also contains potentially damaging blue and UV light. It is very important to avoid sunburn and it can be advisable to avoid the strong sun at midday and instead enjoy the sun in the afternoon.

The UV part of sunlight does contribute to vitamin D synthesis in the skin. However, the older we get the less effective vitamin D synthesis becomes, and I therefore always recommend using a vitamin D supplement. You can learn much more about the importance of vitamin D in my blog post on vitamin D.

## Why Darkness creates sickness?

Exposure to long periods of darkness can lead to many symptoms including fatigue, depression, stress symptoms, premenstrual syndrome, thyroid issues, and other hormonal imbalances.

Darkness increases the stress hormone cortisol, damages mitochondria, and decreases the synthesis of the body's natural protective hormones including progesterone and pregnenolone. These hormones are part of the body's natural anti-aging and anti-stress system.

Living in a cloudy and dark environment is, therefore, harmful to good health and getting enough sunlight every day is important.

In the winter or in northern cloudy weather, where sunlight is inadequate, using the right type of light therapy lamps is an advantage.

## Benefits Of Light Therapy

There are many light therapy lamps on the market, some are more useful than others.

According to Dr. Ray Peat, a good light therapy lamp provides light in the red and orange spectrum — these wavelengths are from 600-700 nm. Shorter wavelengths, such as blue light, are harmful to cellular energy production, and the longer infrared wavelengths are without much benefit.

For more information on the benefits of the right type of light therapy and specific lamp recommendations, explore [Metabolic Living™](/courses/metabolic-living) and [Hormone Restore™](/courses/hormone-restore).

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can red light therapy help with hypothyroidism?

Sunlight includes orange and red light with 600-700 nm wavelengths.

The benefits of red and orange light have been well established. This type of light supports cellular energy production and mitochondrial function.

### What kind of light therapy lamp should I use for thyroid support?

According to Dr. Ray Peat, a good light therapy lamp provides light in the red and orange spectrum, these wavelengths are from 600-700 nm. Shorter wavelengths, such as blue light is harmful to cellular energy production, and the longer infrared wavelengths are according without much benefit.

### Why does darkness affect hormonal health?

Darkness increases the stress hormone cortisol, damages mitochondria, and decreases the synthesis of the body’s natural protective hormones including [progesterone and pregnenolone.](/courses/hormone-restore) These hormones are part of the body’s natural anti-aging and anti-stress system.

### Is UV light from the sun dangerous?

The UV part of sunlight does contributes to [vitamin D](/courses/bioenergetic-supplements) synthesis in the skin. However, the older we get the less effective our vitamin D synthesis becomes, and we therefore always recommend using a [vitamin D supplement](/supplement-dosage-guide). You can learn much more about the importance of vitamin D in this blog post.

## Related articles

-   [Who Is Dr. Ray Peat?](/blog/who-is-dr-ray-peat)
-   [What Is Progest-E? Dr. Ray Peat's Natural Progesterone Oil Explained](/blog/ray-peat-progesterone)

**Tags:** red light therapy, thyroid health, hypothyroidism, light therapy, pro-metabolic, hormonal balance, mitochondria, vitamin D

Source: https://biochemnordic.com/blog/red-light-hypothyroidism