We don’t give them much thought, but our kidneys are crucial for our overall health. They’re responsible for filtering toxins and waste from our blood, producing hormones, and balancing fluids in the body.
Yet kidney function can deteriorate. The most common culprits are age, disease, and lifestyle factors. And when this happens, you might experience symptoms like fatigue, urinary problems, kidney stones, or trouble sleeping.
What’s the best way to improve kidney health? Diet and exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress are all critical.
However, red light therapy (RLT) is increasingly being used to support kidney health.
For kidney health, red light therapy helps to improve circulation and increase blood flow to the kidneys. This, in turn, may potentially make the detoxification process more efficient. Plus, some research suggests RLT may decrease kidney inflammation and improve energy production, helping to reduce swelling and oxidative stress.
In other words, as a supplemental wellness therapy, photobiomodulation shows promise as a tool for managing kidney health. But does it work? In this in-depth analysis, we take a closer look at the research and mechanisms of red light therapy for kidney support.
Understanding Kidney Function
Our kidneys do a lot. They clean and filter the blood, for example. This is their most important function. However, the kidneys also produce hormones that regulate blood pressure, and they balance electrolytes. Proper kidney function is essential for our health.
The kidneys are a sophisticated filtration system. Each kidney contains millions of tiny filtering units called nephrons. Each minute, about 1 liter of blood passes through the kidneys every minute.
First, it enters the glomeruli, which are components of nephrons. Glomeruli filter waste, excess fluid, and excess electrolytes. Then, this cleansed plasma flows through the nephron’s tubules, where substances like water, glucose, and amino acids are reabsorbed.
When this intricate filtration process gets disrupted, you may experience a wide range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to kidney stones and more life-threatening disorders.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy, a form of photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment that delivers specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to the body’s tissues. Research has shown that red light can stimulate the cells’ mitochondria and enhance various cellular processes.
Photobiomodulation, which encompasses all forms of light therapy including RLT, has been shown to increase cellular energy production. This boost in energy can improve natural healing processes and trigger tissue repair. Plus, researchers have found that RLT can positively influence inflammation and increase circulation.
Ultimately, you can target the kidneys with specialized RLT devices like a red light therapy mat.
Potential Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Kidney Health
Using photobiomodulation on the kidneys triggers several processes. These changes may help to improve kidney function. They include:
1. Improved Blood Circulation
Red light therapy (RLT) is believed to improve blood flow at the capillary level by stimulating the production of nitric oxide [1], a vasodilator that helps widen blood vessels.
Improved circulation enhances the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to the kidneys. The kidneys use oxygen and nutrients like glucose for energy, which serves as fuel for the nephrons. More oxygen and nutrients also help protect against damage and can improve the kidney’s ability to produce hormones.
2. Reduction of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Inflammation and oxidative stress [2] are two major contributors to kidney disease.
Red light therapy has been shown to reduce inflammatory responses [3] and oxidative stress [4] markers. Therefore, RLT may have the potential to regulate inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidneys.
Research here is limited, but several small studies have investigated RLT’s impact on kidney inflammation. For example, a 2012 animal study [5] showed that RLT greatly reduced pro-inflammatory molecules in a chronic kidney disease model. Similarly, a 2020 large-scale review [6] concluded that photobiomodulation helped to reduce inflammatory responses and oxidative stress.
3. Support for Regeneration and Repair
RLT may also facilitate the repair of damaged tissues by stimulating the mitochondria within cells. This has the potential to enhance cellular function and promote healing processes.
This is especially noteworthy in the context of kidney disease, because the restoration of damaged tissue poses a significant challenge.
Research into red light’s ability to improve kidney tissue repair is very limited. However, other general studies have shown that red light therapy may accelerate wound healing [7].
Additional Clinical Studies and Research
Several scientific studies have explored the use of red light therapy for kidney function, with promising initial findings.
One study [8] examined the impact of photobiomodulation (PBM) on ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced renal damage in diabetic rats. Diabetic rats were divided into IR and IR + PBM groups. PBM involved laser treatment immediately after IR and 1 and 2 hours later. PBM significantly reduced renal damage, oxidative stress, and histological injury compared to the IR group.
Another study [9] investigated whether this therapy can mitigate oxidative renal damage in Type I diabetic rats. Rats were induced with diabetes and exposed to 670nm light for 14 weeks.
Results show the therapy increased renal catalase activity and Na K-ATPase, while decreasing serum BUN, creatinine levels, and DNA adduct formation. Additionally, the therapy enhanced cytochrome c oxidase activity and reduced oxidative stress markers.
These findings suggest it may improve renal function and antioxidant defenses in diabetic rats, offering a potential therapeutic approach for diabetes-induced renal complications by restoring antioxidant mechanisms.
Research Is Ongoing
Although early research has been promising, much is still unknown about red light therapy’s effect on kidney function. Therefore, it’s also important to consult with a medical professional when considering this treatment approach.
Red Light Therapy Applications for Kidney Health
Beyond research settings, red light therapy is being explored for clinical applications in managing and treating specific kidney-related ailments:
1. Managing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Red light therapy has shown promising potential in the realm of chronic kidney disease management.
By using specific wavelengths of light, this therapy aims to alleviate symptoms and potentially delay the condition’s progression. Its gentle approach can complement traditional treatments.
2. Preventing Kidney Complications
For high-risk populations, like patients with diabetes or hypertension, red light therapy could potentially serve as a preventive strategy to minimize the risk of developing kidney complications.
By harnessing the benefits of RLT, individuals in these groups may experience improved vascular function and reduced inflammation. This could contribute to better overall kidney health and potentially prevent complications from these conditions.
3. Improving Overall Kidney Function
RLT has shown promising potential for supporting overall kidney function. By stimulating healthier cell activity, RLT may help to positively influence renal function.
Safety Considerations and Precautions
Like any therapeutic intervention, red light therapy comes with potential risks and safety considerations, especially when the kidneys are involved:
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While red light therapy is generally considered safe, it’s important to note that side effects can occur, such as mild burns or skin irritation. Individuals with photosensitivity or a history of skin cancer should approach RLT with caution.
Precautions When Using RLT for Kidney Related Issues
Patients with acute kidney injury or instability of kidney function should consult their healthcare provider before considering red light therapy. The focus should always be on using RLT as a component of a comprehensive care plan, not a standalone treatment.
Integrating Red Light Therapy into Kidney Health Care
For those interested in exploring RLT as part of their kidney health regimen, a thoughtful, integrated approach is key. The two big considerations are:
Complementary Care
RLT can be part of a holistic health approach involving proper diet, exercise, and medical management. Including RLT may provide a gentle, supportive modality to enhance overall kidney wellness.
Choosing a Red Light Devices
For RLT to be effective, you need the right wavelengths of light, the right intensity, and the right distance from the body. See this overview from Dr. Mitch Ghen:
Conclusion
Red light therapy shows promise in supporting kidney health. As a non-invasive treatment, it can naturally complement traditional kidney care programs.
However, research is ongoing. Many of the mechanisms are still be investigated, and therefore, you should always consult with a healthcare provider before trying red light therapy.
Looking for red light therapy devices for kidney health? Hue Light USA’s Abdomen PBM Irradiator is a red light therapy pad that’s designed to provide PBM light therapy to the stomach and kidneys.
References and Sources:
1. Keszler A, Lindemer B, Broeckel G, Weihrauch D, Gao Y, Lohr NL. In Vivo Characterization of a Red Light-Activated Vasodilation: A Photobiomodulation Study. Front Physiol. 2022 May 2;13:880158.
2. Rapa SF, Di Iorio BR, Campiglia P, Heidland A, Marzocco S. Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Chronic Kidney Disease-Potential Therapeutic Role of Minerals, Vitamins and Plant-Derived Metabolites. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Dec 30;21(1):263.
3. Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophys. 2017;4(3):337-361.
4. Solange Almeida dos Santos, Andrey Jorge Serra, Tatiane Garcia Stancker, Maíra Cecília Brandão Simões, Marcia Ataíze dos Santos Vieira, Ernesto Cesar Leal-Junior, Marko Prokic, Andrea Vasconsuelo, Simone Silva Santos, Paulo de Tarso Camillo de Carvalho, Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Oxidative Stress in Muscle Injury Animal Models: A Systematic Review, Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, vol. 2017, Article ID 5273403, 8 pages, 2017.
5. Oliveira FA, Moraes AC, Paiva AP, Schinzel V, Correa-Costa M, Semedo P, Castoldi A, Cenedeze MA, Oliveira RS, Bastos MG, Câmara NO, Sanders-Pinheiro H. Low-level laser therapy decreases renal interstitial fibrosis. Photomed Laser Surg. 2012 Dec;30(12):705-13.
6. Ahrabi B, Bahrami M, Moghadasali R, Zamanian-Azodi M, Khoramgah MS, Tabatabaei Mirakabad FS, Darabi S, Abbaszadeh HA. The Effect of Low-Power Laser Therapy on the TGF/β Signaling Pathway in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Review. J Lasers Med Sci. 2020 Spring;11(2):220-225.
7. Trelles MA, Allones I. Red light-emitting diode (LED) therapy accelerates wound healing post-blepharoplasty and periocular laser ablative resurfacing. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2006 Apr;8(1):39-42.
8. Asghari A, Takhtfooladi MA, Hoseinzadeh HA. Effect of photobiomodulation on ischemia/reperfusion-induced renal damage in diabetic rats. Lasers Med Sci. 2016 Dec;31(9):1943-1948.
9. Lim J, Sanders RA, Snyder AC, Eells JT, Henshel DS, Watkins JB 3rd. Effects of low-level light therapy on streptozotocin-induced diabetic kidney. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2010 May 3;99(2):105-10.