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March 18, 2020

The Benefits of Red Light Therapy for the Thyroid

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Red light therapy, also known as low level light therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a wonderful tool to support the body and can be especially helpful for the thyroid.

The Benefits of Red Light Therapy for the Thyroid (aka Photobiomodulation or LLLT)

What is Red Light Therapy?

LLLT is a low intensity light therapy that triggers biochemical changes within cells and can be compared to the process of photosynthesis in plants, where the photons are absorbed by cellular photoreceptors and trigger chemical changes.

The light used for LLLT is a wavelength in the red to near infrared spectrum (600 – 1000nm) and has the ability to penetrate the skin and soft/hard tissues, and can help with pain, inflammation and tissue repair. It has also been shown to help accelerate the body’s ability to heal itself.

Studies have shown that the skin responds well to red and near-infrared wavelengths and can be helpful for issues such as acne scars, wound healing, vitiligo, psoriasis, wrinkles, pain and stiffness, blood circulation, musculoskeletal pain, psychiatric disorders, and fatigue from rheumatoid arthritis.

How Can Red Light Therapy Help Your Thyroid?

Exciting research has shown that red light therapy (aka LLLT) can be helpful for the thyroid. 

This placebo-controlled clinical trial showed how LLLT was effective at improving thyroid function (increased production of T4) and helped reduce autoimmunity by lowering thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOab).  

Another study concluded as well that “the preliminary results indicate that LLLT promotes the improvement of thyroid function, as patients experienced a decreased need for LT4, a reduction in TPOAb levels, and an increase in parenchymal echogenicity.”

This study shows how LLLT improves the function of the thyroid tissues.

A long-term follow-up study concluded that LLLT has been deemed safe for the treatment of hypothyroidism that is caused by autoimmune thyroiditis.

Additionally, this study showed how LLLT can create a “significant increase in serum TGF-β1 levels 30 days post-intervention in the PBM group, thus confirming the anti-inflammatory effect.”

Not only can it improve the health of the thyroid, but science has shown near-infrared light therapy to be one of the most effective approaches to aid the body in healing itself from the type of mitochondrial dysfunction caused by EMF.

To sum things up, red light therapy can help increase T4 production, reduce TPO antibodies, reduce inflammation, improve thyroid function, and heal from mitochondrial dysfunction from EMFs. How amazing is that?!

The Red Light I Recommend and How To Use It:

I’ve been using the SaunaSpace near-infrared sauna for many years and have found it incredibly helpful. Last fall I purchased their red photon light and have been using it at my desk for the last few months and I highly recommend it!

Their handcrafted incandescent bulb delivers 2-4x more red and near-infrared radiance than any bulb currently on the market.  While many red light therapy products emit harmful radiation, SaunaSpace has crafted their photon light to ensure there are ZERO magnetic fields and ZERO electric fields that could put stress on your body.

Every photo light that they make is tested with the Geovitals EM filed probe. You can read more about this here.

I also like that the SaunaSpace red photon light is an affordable alternative to a sauna and portable.

To use the red photon light specifically for the thyroid, I recommend sitting in front of the light so that it shines on your face and neck for about 20-30 minutes a day. You can use it for longer than 20-30 minutes a day if you prefer.

The Benefits of Red Light Therapy for the Thyroid (aka Photobiomodulation or LLLT)

One of the easiest options is a desktop red light that you can use at your desk, on your nightstand, or anywhere else in your home. You simply sit in front of the light while doing work, reading, or lying in bed. You can also turn on the red light at the end of the day to help provide a comfortable light that has soothing effects on the nervous system and helps keep melatonin levels balanced for a healthy sleep and wake cycle. 

I have the photon light at my desk pointed directly at my face while I work on the computer. The computer (as well as tablets, phones, TVs, etc.) emits blue light which can damage the cells of the body, suppress melatonin production and its flickering effects can cause eyestrain, headaches and fatigue, so having the light on when I work helps counter these effects.

Before using the red light at my desk, I felt very drained after working just a couple of hours on the computer. However, I’m happy to say the photon light helps me feel energized instead of tired.

If you’re looking to add an easy therapy to your daily routine, red light therapy is definitely a great option!

I contacted SaunaSpace and asked them if they could offer a coupon code for you and they agreed!
Use the code ORGANIC10 to save 10% off of a photon light or any of their saunas.

Posts may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Filed Under: Thyroid Disease, Thyroid Disease | 27 Comments

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27 Comments

  1. Patricia

    March 28, 2020 at 8:26 am

    Thanks for posting this. What I find confusing are the various terms related to red light therapy—far infrared, near infrared etc.. The gym I belong to has an “infrared sauna “. Is that sufficient or does it have to be a specific kind of infrared? Is it not effective if it’s the wrong kind of infrared? Looking forward to learning more about this. Thanks!
    to Patricia" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Patricia'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      March 31, 2020 at 11:04 am

      Here's some more info for you:https://deliciouslyorganic.net/5-health-benefits-of-near-infrared-sauna-therapy-plus-a-saunaspace-giveaway/
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
      • Sherryl van den Heuvel

        April 23, 2020 at 5:44 pm

        I have hashimotos & I just ordered two to help with my thyroid & my foot issue of Morton’s neuroma so I can sun bask both areas @ the same time! Hopi g it helps with my T4 cells too..... fingers crossed 🤞 Thanks for the discount code!
        to Sherryl van den Heuvel" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Sherryl van den Heuvel'>Reply to this comment
        • Cj Winter

          August 20, 2020 at 3:45 pm

          Who gave you a discount code?
          to Cj Winter" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Cj Winter'>Reply to this comment
          • Deliciously Organic

            August 24, 2020 at 11:38 am

            The discount code is ORGANIC10 to save 10%.
            to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  2. Csilla

    June 3, 2020 at 7:58 am

    Thank you for the discount code and for talking about this. I just recently purchased this light, put it on my night stand and cannot wait to eventually, feel some results. I have Hashi and feel so drained most of the time. Just the fact that the light calms me before bed is already a huge plus!
    to Csilla" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Csilla'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      June 4, 2020 at 11:44 am

      I'm so glad you're already seeing some benefits! :)
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  3. Ishil Hassan

    June 9, 2020 at 2:29 am

    Hello Carrie, Would the light therapy be good for overactive thyroid as well ? Best wishes Ishil (uk)
    to Ishil Hassan" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Ishil Hassan'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      June 15, 2020 at 10:41 am

      I think it would be ok since the light helps shift the body into the parasympathetic state, but it would be a good idea to reach out to Sauna Space before purchasing just to make sure.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
    • Harrison Murphy

      December 15, 2020 at 5:20 pm

      Hi Ishil, did you ever find an answer to this question? Thanks, H
      to Harrison Murphy" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Harrison Murphy'>Reply to this comment
  4. Rahul

    June 21, 2020 at 11:11 pm

    Hypothyroidism can permanently cure with infrared light therapy. Please tell me I am suffering from hypothyroidism near 13 year.
    to Rahul" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Rahul'>Reply to this comment
  5. Beth Fore

    June 24, 2020 at 12:01 pm

    Thank you for this info! I've seen studies that show LLLT reduces TPO antibodies, but I'm curious if you've ever seen any studies that show LLLT reduces TG antibodies. Thanks in advance!
    to Beth Fore" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Beth Fore'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      June 24, 2020 at 1:03 pm

      I haven't seen any, but if it helps the immune system enough to reduce TPOab, I don't see why it also wouldn't help reduce TgAB. Of course, that's just my opinion! :)
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  6. Yun E Tu

    July 5, 2020 at 1:41 pm

    Can I use the red light to treat a suspicious thyroid nodule? Yune
    to Yun E Tu" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Yun E Tu'>Reply to this comment
  7. Sonja Knight

    July 29, 2020 at 2:00 pm

    Did you know if the red photon light would eliminate eye floaters?
    to Sonja Knight" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Sonja Knight'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      July 30, 2020 at 12:53 pm

      Eye floaters are often rooted in Vitamin A (aka retinol) deficiency. Vitamin A is found in animal foods such as: pastured meats, eggs, raw or cultured dairy, seafood, etc.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  8. Cindy

    September 2, 2020 at 3:38 pm

    Thank you for this information! I have been using the sauna for a month now and my acne has completely disappeared! Hoping the scars fade quickly as well. Interestingly enough the hip pain I had been dealing with for a year and a half is gone as well! ❤️
    to Cindy" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Cindy'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      September 3, 2020 at 2:53 pm

      Wow! That's amazing!
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
    • Kavita

      October 24, 2020 at 9:54 am

      Is red light the same as LLLT. The studies refer to it as low level laser therapy but do not mention red light. Thank you!
      to Kavita" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Kavita'>Reply to this comment
      • Deliciously Organic

        October 24, 2020 at 11:57 am

        Here's the first sentence of the article that might clear things up for you: "Red light therapy, also known as low level light therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a wonderful tool to support the body and can be especially helpful for the thyroid."
        to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  9. Levi Armstrong

    September 14, 2020 at 5:59 am

    It's good to know that photobiomodulation or red light therapy is an effective way to improve the thyroid and help the body heal itself from dysfunction caused by harmful EMF levels. My dad would benefit from this treatment since he has hypothyroidism. I'll call my parents later to inform them about photobiomodulation light bed therapy, so I can send money for Dad to try it out. Thanks!
    to Levi Armstrong" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Levi Armstrong'>Reply to this comment
  10. Matthew

    December 1, 2020 at 12:06 am

    I have used LLLT now for over a year. I have autoimmune. This caused Hashimotos in me, hypothyroidism. I was taking 125mg/day of porcine thyroid. After a year now I am in a weird space. I now take 2.5mg/day, off and on, as the LLLT has all but near eliminated the need for it. Essentially it has cured it, but, I still seem to need it I think. I really wish there was some form of documentation on protocol of treatment. Since now I am in a situation where my T3&T4 are “normal”, but my TSH is always high. (Range 7-20, target normal is 2.5). Technically TSH shouldn’t matter as long as T3&T4 are normal. But I still have hypo symptoms that are also effecting my heart. I do 20 mins on my neck daily. But I’ve been stuck now in this cured/not-cured zone for awhile now and not sure what to do. Did you cure your thyroid with LLLT? If so, how did you conclude? Do you eventually stop the LLLT? Do you need to keep doing it every day to maintain? Did you experience any backlash? Do you know anywhere I can find more detailed information on protocol and follow up with peoples direct experience? Not having a source for this information has caused me so much anxiety as my heart is now a problem. Advice?
    to Matthew" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Matthew'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      December 2, 2020 at 12:01 pm

      I'm glad the light has helped you so much! TSH is very important and tells you if the HPA-axis is out of balance. Oftentimes, one can have either high or low TSH, but still have normal fT4 and fT3 levels. This article might help: https://deliciouslyorganic.net/how-to-reduce-tsh-naturally-hypothyroid/
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  11. Jason Klinger

    January 6, 2021 at 6:07 pm

    Hi i wanted to find out how often and how much light should be applied to the thyroid to help with hypothyroidism. my TSH is elevated but i also am deficient in Vit D3 and iodine - so thinking of getting D3 injections and increasing iodine along with phototherapy and will retest in a month or so. thanks
    to Jason Klinger" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Jason Klinger'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      January 8, 2021 at 10:42 am

      Once a day for 15 minutes or so is a good place to start.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  12. Liz

    January 15, 2021 at 8:48 pm

    Thanks so much for this article. I am considering buying it, but just wondering, do you use eye protection googles while using it? SaunaSpace doesn't seem to mention the need to wear googles on their website, but other sites do. Thank you!
    to Liz" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Liz'>Reply to this comment

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  1. How to Use Red Light Therapy: 10 Applications – Infrared for Health says:
    November 29, 2020 at 9:09 pm
    […] to use red light therapy for thyroid is actually quite […]
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Hi, I’m Carrie Vitt, NTP
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