The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy (2) - Flipbook - Page 4
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The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy
1.1 How RLT Works
Research suggests that RLT works by targeting tiny parts inside
our
cells
called
mitochondria.
1,2
These
mitochondria
act
like
power plants for our cells, and they contain special molecules
called chromophores that absorb light like tiny antennas.
Reactive oxygen species
(ROS)
While these molecules can
be harmful in excess, in small
Nitric oxide (NO)
amounts they can act as
This molecule helps improve
messengers within the cell,
blood flow.
helping to jumpstart healing.
In the case of RLT, the key chromophore
is an enzyme named cytochrome
c oxidase.
1,2
This enzyme, like many
others, is a protein that speeds up
important jobs inside the cell. When
it absorbs red light, it gets activated
and starts a chain reaction. This chain
reaction creates a number of important
molecules for the cell, including:
1,2
ATP (Adenosine
triphosphate)
This is the energy currency
used by cells throughout the
body. Having more ATP means
the cell has more energy
to repair itself and function
properly.
Calcium ions
These minerals are crucial
for many cellular processes,
including signaling and
communication.
