Using Red Light to Improve Metabolism & the Harmful Effects of LEDs | Dr. Glen Jeffery

What It Covers

Dr. Glen Jeffery explains how red and near-infrared light (650-900 nanometers) improves mitochondrial function by affecting water viscosity, enhances vision by 20% in people over 40, reduces blood glucose spikes by 20%, and how LED lighting may damage cellular health.

Key Questions Answered

• •Long wavelength light penetration: Red and near-infrared light passes completely through the human body, including bone and skull, scattering internally to reach mitochondria in all organs. A small four-by-six inch patch of light on the back creates systemic effects throughout the body within one to two hours.
• •Vision improvement protocol: Exposing eyes to 670+ nanometer light for three minutes in the morning (before 11 AM) improves color vision by 20% in people over 40. Effects last exactly five days across all species tested. Low energy levels (one milliwatt per centimeter squared) prove effective, making dim red light sufficient.
• •Blood glucose regulation: Shining long wavelength light on a small area of the back before consuming glucose reduces blood sugar spikes by over 20%. The effect occurs because stimulated mitochondria consume more glucose systemically, not just locally. Morning exposure produces strongest results due to circadian mitochondrial activity patterns.
• •LED lighting damage: Standard LED bulbs contain high levels of short wavelength light (420-440 nanometers) without balancing long wavelengths. Mice under LED lighting develop fatty livers, smaller organs, abnormal sperm morphology, and impaired glucose metabolism. Researchers compare this public health risk to asbestos exposure based on population-level lifespan data showing flattening after 2010.
• •Incandescent light restoration: Replacing LED lighting with 40-watt incandescent desk lamps for two weeks improved color perception significantly, with effects lasting over one month after removal. Incandescent and halogen bulbs provide smooth spectrum light similar to sunlight and firelight, which humans evolved under for millions of years.