In 2017, Dr. Jack Kruse delivered a revolutionary talk at Nourish Vermont, where he unraveled the complex relationship between light, health, and mitochondria. As a neurosurgeon turned quantum biologist, Dr. Kruse emphasized that everything in life, including food and disease, is fundamentally tied to light and its impact on the mitochondria within our cells. This blog post explores key takeaways from his presentation, incorporating medical and scientific evidence to further substantiate his claims.
1. The Role of Light in Health
Dr. Kruse argued that modern medicine's understanding of chronic diseases, like obesity and diabetes, misses a crucial component: light. The mitochondria in our cells, responsible for energy production, are heavily influenced by exposure to sunlight, particularly ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light. Research from The Journal of Biological Chemistry corroborates the importance of light in regulating mitochondrial function, particularly in producing ATP (the body’s main energy source).
Scientific Source: Wallace, D. C. (2015). Mitochondrial DNA variation in human radiation and disease. Cell, 163(6), 1233-1247.
2. Obesity and Light Exposure
Dr. Kruse presented the radical notion that obesity originates in the eye, through the regulation of light exposure and its effect on hormones like leptin and melatonin. He cited studies linking blue light exposure, such as from LED lights and screens, to metabolic dysfunction and weight gain. Melatonin, known as the "hormone of darkness," is produced in the eye in response to morning sunlight (UV-A light), promoting better energy metabolism throughout the day.
Scientific Source: Stevens, R. G., & Zhu, Y. (2015). Electric light, particularly at night, disrupts human circadian rhythmicity and affects cancer risk, metabolic function, and other aspects of health. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 91(2), 303-309.
3. The Importance of Morning Sunlight
Morning sunlight exposure is critical for syncing our circadian rhythms and supporting mitochondrial health. Dr. Kruse emphasized the importance of red and UV-A light, which penetrates deep into the skin and eye, helping to reset the body’s internal clock. He linked this to the production of melatonin in the morning, which begins in the eye, not the pineal gland, as commonly believed.
Scientific Source: Lockley, S. W., & Gooley, J. J. (2013). Circadian photoreception: Spotlight on the brain. Current Biology, 23(17), R795-R803.
4. Mitochondria and Disease
Dr. Kruse highlighted the role of mitochondria not only in energy production but also in determining the development of chronic diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction, often caused by inadequate light exposure and poor circadian rhythm, can lead to conditions such as Alzheimer's, heart disease, and diabetes. He emphasized the findings of Dr. Doug Wallace, a leading mitochondrial researcher, who showed that nearly 85-90% of human diseases have mitochondrial origins.
Scientific Source
: Wallace, D. C. (2018). Mitochondria and cancer. Nature Reviews Cancer, 12(10), 685-698.
5. The Effect of Blue Light
Blue light, especially from artificial sources like screens and LED lighting, disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm and negatively impacts mitochondrial efficiency. Dr. Kruse recommended reducing blue light exposure at night, using red light as a safer alternative. Studies have shown that excess blue light not only strains the eyes but also impairs the body's ability to produce melatonin, disrupting sleep and overall health.
Scientific Source: Chang, A. M., Aeschbach, D., Duffy, J. F., & Czeisler, C. A. (2015). Evening use of light-emitting eReaders negatively affects sleep, circadian timing, and next-morning alertness. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(4), 1232-1237.
6. Practical Solutions
Dr. Kruse advised that to mitigate the negative effects of modern lighting and poor light environments, individuals should focus on morning sun exposure, minimize artificial light at night, and, if possible, integrate infrared light therapy. Additionally, practices like grounding (walking barefoot on the earth) and spending more time in nature can help restore mitochondrial function and overall health.
Final Thoughts:
Dr. Kruse's talk at Nourish Vermont 2017 challenges many conventional health paradigms, particularly in the areas of diet, light exposure, and mitochondrial function. His insights encourage us to rethink how we approach health and wellness, emphasizing the profound impact of natural light on our biology.