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7 Life-Changing Infrared Light Benefits for Health: A Deep Dive with Dr. Roger Seheult
In the modern era of health and wellness, few names carry as much weight in medical education as Dr. Roger Seheult. As the co-founder of MedCram and a quadruple board-certified specialist in internal medicine, pulmonary disease, critical care, and sleep medicine, Dr. Seheult has revolutionized how we understand the human body. While many know him for his clear explanations of complex pathologies, his recent focus on infrared light benefits has sparked a global conversation about how the sun—and specific wavelengths of light—dictate our cellular health.
In a wide-ranging discussion, Dr. Seheult peels back the layers of conventional medical wisdom to reveal how light, diet, and environmental factors influence everything from COVID-19 recovery to the aging of our skin. This article explores the core pillars of his philosophy, centered on the profound infrared light benefits that most of us are missing in our indoor-centric lives.
1. Understanding the Specialist: Quadruple Board Certification
To appreciate the depth of the infrared light benefits discussed here, one must first understand the expertise of Dr. Roger Seheult. Being quadruple board-certified is no small feat. It requires a rigorous journey through internal medicine, followed by specialized training in pulmonary and critical care, and finally, a sub-specialty in sleep medicine.
As a “lung doctor” (pulmonologist) and an ICU specialist (critical care), Dr. Seheult spends his days—and often nights—at the intersection of life and death. His transition into the world of light therapy and photobiomodulation wasn’t born out of a trend, but out of a clinical necessity to find better outcomes for patients suffering from inflammatory conditions and respiratory distress.
2. The MedCram Mission: Flipping the Classroom
MedCram began as a solution to a problem in medical education: the “PowerPoint fatigue” of modern medical schools. Dr. Seheult and his co-founder, Kyle Allred, realized that students learn best at the “speed of understanding.” By using a “chalk talk” style—drawing out physiological processes in real-time—they helped millions understand the “why” behind the “what.”
When the global pandemic hit in 2020, MedCram’s subscriber base exploded. It wasn’t just doctors watching; it was the general public seeking clarity. It was during this time that Dr. Seheult began highlighting the infrared light benefits as a potential factor in immune resilience, leading many to realize that health isn’t just about what we put in our mouths, but what we expose our skin to.
3. The Science of Light: Infrared vs. Ultraviolet
One of the most significant misconceptions in modern health is that all sunlight is dangerous. We have been taught to fear the sun because of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause DNA damage and skin cancer. However, Dr. Seheult emphasizes that the solar spectrum is diverse.
While UV light is on the high-energy, short-wavelength end of the spectrum, near-infrared (NIR) light is on the opposite side. One of the primary infrared light benefits is that it does not cause the “burn” associated with UV rays. Instead, it penetrates deep into the tissue. While UV light is mostly absorbed by the surface of the skin, near-infrared light can penetrate several centimeters—even reaching the brain through the skull.
4. Photobiomodulation: How Infrared Light Powers the Mitochondria
The term “photobiomodulation” refers to the use of light to modulate biological processes. At the heart of this are the infrared light benefits for our mitochondria—the powerhouses of our cells.
Dr. Seheult explains that when near-infrared light hits our cells, it interacts with an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase. This interaction helps the mitochondria produce Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) more efficiently. ATP is the energy currency of life. Furthermore, infrared light benefits the body by stimulating the production of “subcellular melatonin.”
Most people think of melatonin as a sleep hormone produced by the pineal gland. However, research suggests that 95% of the body’s melatonin is produced inside the mitochondria in response to near-infrared light. This melatonin acts as a powerful antioxidant, cleaning up the oxidative stress generated during energy production. Without enough exposure to infrared light, our cells may essentially “rust” from the inside out.
5. The Brain on Light: Protecting Gray Matter
Perhaps the most “mind-blowing” aspect of infrared light benefits is the impact on neurology. As Dr. Seheult notes, near-infrared light can penetrate the scalp and the skull. Once it reaches the cerebral spinal fluid, it diffuses, effectively “shining a light” on the brain’s gray matter.
The gray matter is where the cell bodies and mitochondria are concentrated. Evolutionarily, it seems the human body is designed to “collect” this light. Studies have shown a correlation between sun exposure and whole-brain volume. By harnessing infrared light benefits, we may be supporting our cognitive health and protecting against neurodegenerative decline. This is why the lack of sun exposure in northern latitudes is often linked to higher rates of multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions.
6. COVID-19 Lessons: Latitude, Light, and Mortality
During the COVID-19 crisis, Dr. Seheult observed a startling trend: mortality rates were highly correlated with latitude. In Europe and the United States, the further north a population lived, the higher the death rate—even when accounting for Vitamin D levels.
This suggests that infrared light benefits go beyond the synthesis of Vitamin D. If the body cannot produce enough mitochondrial melatonin due to a lack of near-infrared exposure, the “cytokine storm” associated with severe infections becomes harder to manage. Dr. Seheult highlights that the sun’s morning and evening rays are rich in infrared light, providing a natural “priming” of the immune system.
7. The Swiss Cheese Model of Health
Dr. Seheult advocates for the “Swiss Cheese Model.” No single intervention—be it a vaccine, a mask, or a supplement—is 100% effective. Each has “holes” like a slice of Swiss cheese. However, when you stack multiple slices, the holes don’t align, and the system becomes impenetrable.
One of the essential slices in this model is metabolic health, which is heavily influenced by infrared light benefits. By optimizing our light exposure, we strengthen our biological “slice,” making us more resilient to pathogens.
8. Hydrotherapy and Interferon: Natural Defenses
Another overlooked aspect of critical care that Dr. Seheult discusses is the use of heat and water. Historically, “hydrotherapy” was used to treat the 1918 flu. By increasing the body’s temperature through hot baths or infrared saunas, we can stimulate the production of interferon—a protein that “interferes” with viral replication.
The infrared light benefits of a sauna or direct sunlight include this mild hyperthermia, which mimics a fever and jumpstarts the immune system. In a world where we often reach for Tylenol at the first sign of a fever, Dr. Seheult reminds us that the fever is often the body’s way of healing itself.
9. The Blue Zone Secrets: Diet and Longevity
Dr. Seheult lives in Loma Linda, California—the only “Blue Zone” in the United States. This community is famous for its high concentration of centenarians. While the infrared light benefits of the California sun play a role, the Adventist Health Study provides deeper insights into their longevity.
The diet in Loma Linda is primarily plant-based. Dr. Seheult explains that while different subsets of the population eat differently (some are vegan, some are pesco-vegetarian), the common thread is the avoidance of processed foods and a high intake of fiber.
10. The Red Meat Dilemma: Neu5Gc and Inflammation
One of the most provocative parts of the discussion centers on red meat. Dr. Seheult explains a molecular difference between humans and other mammals involving sialic acids. Humans produce a sugar molecule called Neu5Ac, while most other mammals produce Neu5Gc.
When we consume red meat (beef, pork, lamb), our bodies incorporate the animal’s Neu5Gc into our own cells. Because Neu5Gc is “foreign,” our immune system produces antibodies against it, leading to chronic, low-grade inflammation. This inflammatory state can counteract the infrared light benefits we receive from the environment, leading to cardiovascular disease and cancer over time.
11. The Microbiome Connection: Fiber and Fermented Foods
A healthy gut is essential for a healthy body. Dr. Seheult emphasizes that fiber is the fuel for our “good” bacteria. When we starve our microbiome of fiber, the bacteria begin to eat the protective mucus lining of our gut, leading to “leaky gut” and systemic inflammation.
Just as infrared light benefits the mitochondria, fiber and fermented foods benefit the gut. Diversity of plant foods is the key. Dr. Seheult notes that even if eating fiber causes initial discomfort (much like how brushing sensitive gums can cause bleeding), it is a sign that the system needs more care, not less.
12. Sleep Hygiene: Blue Light vs. Red Light
As a board-certified sleep specialist, Dr. Seheult is an expert on the circadian rhythm. He warns against the “blue light” emitted by smartphones and LED TVs at night. Blue light signals to the brain that it is daytime, shutting down the pineal gland’s production of melatonin.
To counter this, we can look to infrared light benefits in the evening. The warm, red glow of a sunset or an incandescent bulb (which emits NIR) does not disrupt our sleep. Dr. Seheult’s advice is simple: the best “night mode” for your phone is the power button.
13. Modern Agriculture Risks: H5N1 and Antibiotic Resistance
Dr. Seheult also touches on the “perfect storm” of modern animal husbandry. By crowding animals into unsanitary conditions, we create breeding grounds for viruses like H5N1 (Avian Flu). Furthermore, the prophylactic use of antibiotics in livestock leads to antibiotic resistance in humans.
This highlights the importance of choosing “wild” or naturally raised food sources where possible. A sedentary cow in a dark pen lacks the infrared light benefits and exercise that make its meat (and the consumer’s body) healthy.
14. Skin Health: Collagen and Red Light Therapy
For those interested in aesthetics, the infrared light benefits for skin are undeniable. Near-infrared light stimulates collagen production in the deeper layers of the dermis. This is why “red light masks” have become a celebrity favorite.
However, Dr. Seheult points out that you don’t necessarily need an expensive device. By spending time outside in the early morning or late afternoon, you can receive these infrared light benefits for free, without the high UV index of midday sun.
15. The Role of the Environment: Reflections and Shade
Interestingly, trees and green vegetation are highly reflective of near-infrared light. This means that even if you are standing in the shade of a large oak tree, you are still receiving significant infrared light benefits. The leaves reflect the NIR rays while the canopy blocks the damaging UV rays. This “forest bathing” is a scientifically backed way to boost mitochondrial health.
16. Why Are We Only Now Hearing About This?
You might wonder why infrared light benefits aren’t a standard part of every doctor’s visit. Dr. Seheult suggests that the science has finally caught up with ancient wisdom. While we used to have a “mechanistic” view of the body, we are now realizing that we are “photo-biological” beings. We are designed to interact with our environment, not stay insulated from it in climate-controlled, windowless rooms.
17. Practical Tips for Increasing Your Light Exposure
To harness the maximum infrared light benefits, Dr. Seheult suggests a few lifestyle shifts:
- Morning Sunlight: Get 10–20 minutes of sun in the morning to set your circadian rhythm.
- Evening Sunsets: Watch the sunset to prime your body for nighttime melatonin production.
- Avoid Blue Light: Use blue-blocking glasses or turn off screens 2 hours before bed.
- Consider NIR Devices: If you live in a northern climate, a high-quality red light therapy panel can provide supplemental infrared light benefits during winter months.
18. The Importance of Case-by-Case Medicine
In his discussion on vaccines and anticoagulants, Dr. Seheult emphasizes that medicine should not be one-size-fits-all. Every intervention has a risk-benefit ratio. For some, the infrared light benefits of the sun are enough; for others, medical interventions are life-saving. The key is to be an informed patient who understands the underlying biology.
19. The Future of Medical Education
MedCram continues to lead the way in medical clarity. By focusing on foundational principles—like the infrared light benefits for the mitochondria—Dr. Seheult is empowering a new generation of health-conscious individuals. We are moving away from a “pill for every ill” and toward a lifestyle that respects our evolutionary biology.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Our Natural Heritage
The journey through Dr. Roger Seheult’s insights reveals a powerful truth: health is a symphony of light, diet, and environment. The infrared light benefits we’ve discussed—from ATP production to skin rejuvenation and immune resilience—are a testament to the body’s incredible design.
By understanding the “optics of the human body,” we can stop fearing the sun and start using it as a tool for healing. Whether it’s through the plant-based wisdom of the Blue Zones or the cutting-edge science of photobiomodulation, the message is clear: nature has already provided the blueprint for longevity. We simply need to step outside and reclaim the infrared light benefits that have been waiting for us all along.
