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Fringe “Essentials” Supplements
At Fringe, we believe that foundational health starts with giving your body what it needs to function every single day. That's why we created our Essentials line: three core supplements that we think most people should take on most days. The fringe essentials Line These include: Vitamin D & K Mix – for bone, immune, and cardiovascular health. Magnesium Mix – to support over 800 enzymatic processes in the body. Electrolyte + Mineral Mix – to replenish the vital nutrients missing from modern water. Each was chosen not because they’re trendy, but because they fill real gaps created by how we live today — from sun avoidance to soil depletion to water purification. Here’s Why These Three Have Earned Their Place in Our Essentials Line 1. The Vitamin D & K Combo: A Vital Synergy The Widespread Problem of Vitamin D DeficiencyDespite being called the "sunshine vitamin," most people today don’t get enough vitamin D — especially in North America, where long winters, sunscreen use, and indoor living are the norm. Over 90% of Americans don’t get enough vitamin D from their diets, making supplements essential to raise vitamin D levels when sun exposure is inadequate. Why does this matter? Vitamin D plays a crucial role in: Calcium absorption Bone mineralization and remodeling Immune function, including pathogen defense and inflammation control Mood regulation and brain health But supplementing with Vitamin D alone isn’t enough. How your body uses that calcium matters too.Vitamin K: Vitamin D’s Partner in Calcium TransportVitamin K (especially MK-7, the most bioavailable form of vitamin K2) acts like a traffic director for calcium, whose absorption from the intestines is regulated by vitamin D. It activates proteins that help shuttle calcium into bones and teeth (where it belongs), and away from soft tissues like arteries (where it absolutely does not belong).Without adequate vitamin K, high vitamin D and calcium levels could contribute to arterial calcification and cardiovascular issues. That’s why we combine Vitamin D3 and K2 (MK-7) in our Fringe Vitamin D & K Mix.In short: Vitamin D helps you absorb calcium. Vitamin K makes sure it goes to the right places. 2. Magnesium: The Mineral You're Probably Not Getting Enough Of Magnesium is involved as a cofactor or activator in more than 800 enzymatic reactions in the body — everything from energy production and muscle function to blood sugar regulation and stress modulation.Yet it’s one of the most commonly deficient nutrients, with over 50% of adults falling short of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Why Is Magnesium Deficiency So Common? Modern agriculture has depleted our soil of magnesium, so plants (and animals that eat them) contain less. Processed foods — which make up the bulk of the modern diet — are stripped of minerals. Stress, caffeine, alcohol, certain medications, and sugar all increase magnesium excretion. Most multivitamins either lack magnesium or contain forms with poor absorption. Even people trying to eat a whole-foods, nutrient-dense diet may struggle to get enough, especially if they have higher needs due to exercise, stress, or underlying conditions.What Magnesium Supports: Nervous system regulation and resilience to stress Muscle relaxation and prevention of cramps or twitching Heart rhythm stability Sleep quality and circadian rhythm regulation Blood sugar control Bone strength (working hand-in-hand with Vitamin D) Fringe Magnesium Mix is formulated with bioavailable forms (including glycinate, orotate, and malate), making it gentle on digestion and effective at raising magnesium in the body.In short: If you’re not actively supplementing with magnesium, there’s a good chance you’re not getting enough. 3. Electrolyte + Mineral Mix: What Water Is Missing Most people think of electrolytes only when they’re sweating — but these charged minerals are always working behind the scenes to keep your body in balance. What Are Electrolytes? Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge. They’re critical for: Hydration Muscle contractions (including your heart) Nerve signaling pH balance Nutrient transport in and out of cells The key players include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride.The Hidden Problem: Modern Water Is Mineral-EmptyOur ancestors drank natural water from springs and rivers — water that picked up minerals as it flowed over rocks and through earth. This water was a meaningful source of nutrients, especially calcium and magnesium.Today, most of us drink filtered, distilled, or reverse-osmosis water. While necessary to remove contaminants like lead, arsenic, or chlorine, these processes also remove beneficial minerals.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), natural water can contribute 1% to 20% of daily intake for key minerals. Removing them leaves us not only with nutrient gaps, but with “hungry” water that can actually pull minerals from the body.Filtered water has been linked to: Increased mineral losses in urine, sweat, and feces Reduced hydration (water is less retained) Impaired electrolyte homeostasis Why Supplementing Electrolytes Daily Makes SenseFringe Electrolyte + Mineral Mix is formulated to: Re-mineralize filtered or RO water Restore hydration balance Support energy production and exercise recovery Replenish electrolytes lost via sweat, urination, or stress Help offset mineral-poor modern diets It's a simple, effective way to bring your drinking water closer to what nature intended.In short: Supplementing with electrolytes daily helps restore the essential minerals missing from modern, filtered water — supporting hydration; energy, nerve and muscle function; and overall mineral balance. Why We Chose These 3 as Our Essentials You might be wondering: Why these three? Why not include more? Here’s what makes them “Essential”: They’re fundamental – They address chronic, widespread deficiencies They're backed by science - There are decades of research supporting their safety and benefits They’re difficult to get from nature in our modern world – Because of depletion of soil, water, and our indoor lifestyles, the nature-based sources of these nutrients are hard to access. They’re interconnected – Magnesium and Vitamin D work together; electrolytes and magnesium support hydration and muscle function; and vitamin K2 ensures D3 doesn’t misplace calcium. It’s true that some people would benefit from taking additional supplements. But these are the three that most people need most often. Our future plans include developing supplements for special populations, but we’re committed to always being transparent about who would (and would not) benefit from taking them. Our primary goal isn’t to sell products – it’s to educate, support, and empower people to enjoy optimal health as naturally as possible What Makes Fringe “Essentials” Supplements Unique? There are a lot of supplements out there. So, what makes Fringe’s Essentials line stand out? Here’s what sets our Essentials apart: Better Forms of Nutrients – Backed by Science + Vegan Vitamin D3 Unlike most D3 supplements sourced from lanolin (derived from sheep’s wool), ours is 100% vegan, derived from sustainable lichen. + MK-7 Vitamin K2 We use the most bioavailable, long-acting form of Vitamin K2, shown to stay active in the body for up to 48 hours and effectively direct calcium into bones and away from arteries. + Water-Soluble DK Formula Most fat-soluble vitamins are difficult to absorb without food. Our DK is designed for optimal absorption even without fat in a meal, supporting consistency and convenience. + Three Forms of Magnesium Our Magnesium Mix contains a thoughtful blend of magnesium glycinate, malate, and orotate — three highly bioavailable forms that are gentle on digestion and support energy, calm, muscle, and cardiovascular health. + Electrolytes + Trace Minerals Our Electrolyte & Mineral Mix includes a broad spectrum of trace minerals, not just sodium and potassium. Supporting everything from thyroid health to enzymatic function and mimic the natural balance found in spring water. Clean Formulations We skip all the unnecessary extras found in most supplements: No natural flavors No stevia or artificial sweeteners No sugar No gums or thickeners No unnecessary fillers No soy, dairy, or gluten Our belief is simple: If your body doesn’t need it, it doesn’t belong in your supplement. Our Small Scoops Mission One of our core values is helping people feel better, without overwhelming them with capsules or giant scoops. That’s why we’ve committed to our Small Scoops Mission.We formulate our powders to be low in volume and high in impact, so they can easily be mixed into water, added to a smoothie, or even mixed into foods. No giant tubs or 4-pills-a-day protocols. Just what your body needs, in a form you’ll actually want to use. Final Thoughts Health doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s about giving your body the basic building blocks it needs with consistency.Fringe’s Essentials line isn’t about treating symptoms. It’s about supporting your body’s capacity to thrive by filling in modern-day nutrient gaps with the most foundational support we can offer.Because sometimes, feeling better starts with getting back to what’s essential.
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Red Light Therapy & Traumatic Brain Injury
What is Traumatic Brain Injury? Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when the brain is damaged by an external force, like an impact, blast, or rapid acceleration/deceleration. Common causes of TBI include falls, sports injuries, vehicle accidents, and physical assaults. Damage from TBI’s can lead to long-lasting and even permanent impairment of brain function. TBI’s are common injuries in the US, with approximately 1.5 million Americans experiencing a TBI annually. TBI is considered an umbrella term that refers to any brain injury caused by an external source. TBI’s can be categorized by severity, ranging from mild to severe, and have unique characteristics: Mild TBI – Causes temporary confusion and headache. Moderate TBI – Causes prolonged confusion and cognitive impairment. Severe TBI – Causes significant cognitive deficits and long-term complications. TBI’s can also be categorized by timeframe, including both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) effects. The acute phase last from hours to weeks, while the chronic phase lasts from weeks to years, depending on the severity of the TBI. Two TBI-related terms that may be familiar to people are concussions and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Concussions are a type of mild TBI, and although symptoms usually resolve within days to weeks, they can still have long-term effects, especially with multiple incidents. One potential long-term consequence of repeated concussions is CTE, a progressive neurodegenerative disease believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, including multiple mild TBIs. Treatment for TBI varies greatly depending on the severity of the injury. In general, it involves stabilization, symptom management, and rehabilitation. The primary goal of treatment during the acute phase is to protect brain tissue and focuses on cognitive rest and addressing symptoms. In the chronic phase, the primary goal of treatment is to restore cognitive, motor, and emotional function. Emerging treatments such as Red Light Therapy may be beneficial in supporting the brain during both the acute and Shop Red Light Therapy Head Wrap How does TBI affect the Brain Before we consider how Red Light Therapy may be used to support brain health following TBI, let’s take a closer look at the three major pathological processes that occur in the brain during this type of injury. Neuroinflammation: TBI causes neuroinflammation, which occurs in the hours to days following the injury. Neuroinflammation is inflammation of the brain, which can be helpful in the short term but is harmful when prolonged, leading to chronic neurodegeneration. Excess neuroinflammation is linked to brain fog, mood disorders, and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as CTE. Oxidative stress: Following a TBI, the brain produces excessive amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can overwhelm our antioxidant defenses and cause damage to cells in the brain, worsening brain injury. Impaired brain energy metabolism: TBI impairs brain energy metabolism, particularly the ability of the brain to use glucose, which leads to a metabolic crisis where neurons are deprived of energy. After an initial phase of excessive glucose use, there is a decrease in glucose availability that can last from days to weeks, which makes neurons more vulnerable to damage and impairs healing. These three factors interact and include many overlapping molecules. For example, both neuroinflammation and impaired brain energy metabolism can lead to an increase in ROS production, further worsening oxidative stress. Similarly, impaired energy metabolism exacerbates neuroinflammation. This creates a self-perpetuating cycle of damage, which is why TBI recovery can be slow and why some people experience persistent symptoms for weeks, months, or even years following the injury. How does Red Light Therapy support brain function? Red Light Therapy is a promising tool for supporting the brain during TBI because it targets all three foundational brain pathologies, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired brain energy metabolism. Using both red and near infrared light (especially near infrared, which has deeper penetration), Red Light Therapy delivers wavelengths that interact with light sensitive molecules inside brain cells. Here's how Red Light Therapy affects neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and brain energy metabolism: Neuroinflammation: Red and near infrared light wavelengths have anti-inflammatory effects, and unlike anti-inflammatory medications (such as NSAID’s), do not cause side effects. Studies have found that light therapy affects levels of many molecules involved in inflammation, including ROS, reactive nitrogen species, and prostaglandins. Red and near infrared light therapy have specifically shown to reduce neuroinflammation. Oxidative stress: Light is absorbed in cells by molecules called chromophores, many of which are found inside the mitochondria. Mitochondria are involved in regulating the production the ROS that cause oxidative stress when present in high amounts. Light therapy has been shown to modulate oxidative stress and ROS production. Impaired brain energy metabolism: Through its impact on mitochondria, light also affects metabolism. In addition to regulating ROS production, mitochondria also make ATP, which is the energy currency of the cell, via a chain of molecules that includes cytochrome c oxidase. Cytochrome c oxidase is activated by both red and near infrared light, which increases ATP synthesis and provides more energy to brain cells. As well, there are additional effects of Red Light Therapy in the brain that may help to support healing from TBI. This includes increasing brain blood flow, supporting brain adaptability, and regulating neuron cell death. Collectively, there are many ways in which Red Light Therapy may be used therapeutically in TBI, and these have been explored in several clinical and pre-clinical studies of both acute and chronic TBI. Is there evidence to support the use of Red Light Therapy in TBI? Yes! Red Light Therapy has been investigated in several studies of TBI using a range of different experimental approaches. These studies can be broken down by timeframe into both acute and chronic TBI, as well as by study type, including clinical (using humans as subjects) and pre-clinical (using animals as subjects). Acute TBI The acute phase of TBI immediately follows the onset of injury. Unfortunately, this creates some challenge in coordinating and executing research studies, since it is difficult to recruit human subjects into a research study who have just experienced a head injury. As a result, most of the research in this TBI phase has been done using animals given a head injury in a controlled environment. In a 2023 systematic review of 17 animal studies that used Red Light Therapy immediately post-TBI, it was found that early light therapy intervention could improve neurological outcomes and reduce the size of trauma-associated brain lesions. Optimal results were associated with both red and near infrared light, initiation within 4 hours post-injury, and up to three daily treatments. One human study was included in the review of Red Light Therapy for acute TBI, which suggested safety and feasibility, but treatment efficacy could not be determined. Chronic TBI Many more human studies have explored the use of Red Light Therapy in the chronic phase of TBI, which occurs weeks to months after the initial trauma. In a 2024 review of 16 human studies, overall improvements in neuropsychological outcomes and increased cerebral blood flow following transcranial PBM were observed. Here are some highlights of the clinical research findings: How can I use Red Light Therapy in TBI? 2019 study of 12 military veterans with chronic TBI lasting more than 18 months – Following six weeks of application of both red and near infrared light to the head using LED lights, neuropsychological scores and brain blood flow were improved. 2020 case report of 23-year professional hockey player with a history of concussions, and symptoms of headaches, mild anxiety, and difficulty concentrating - Following 8 weeks of application of near infrared light to the head using LED lights, many positive findings were observed, including increased brain volume, improved brain connectivity, increased brain blood flow, and improved neuropsychological test scores. 2023 study of four retired professional football players with suspected CTE – Following application of near infrared light to the head using LED lights three times per week for six weeks, a wide range of improvements were noted, including improved sleep, reduced depression, decreased PTSD, and decreased pain. Analysis of brain function showed several improvements. Collectively, research looking at the use of Red Light Therapy to support healing from TBI has yielded positive outcomes, both subjective (such as improved mood and decreased pain), and objective (such as increased brain volume and blood flow). There is stronger support for the use of Red Light Therapy in chronic TBI, but pre-clinical evidence supports the potential for benefit during the acute phase of injury. TBI Recovery Managing TBI involves a combination of stabilization, symptom relief, and rehabilitation, each playing a crucial role in recovery. Red Light Therapy is a safe and effective tool that can support healing throughout all three stages. While it can be conveniently done at home using a Red Light Therapy device, professional supervision is recommended during the acute phase to ensure safe and effective application. When exploring the range of available options, here are four things to consider: Light wavelength – The wavelength of light determines its color, with red light in the range of 620-700nm and near infrared light in the range of 700-1100nm. Although near infrared has been used most often to support healing from TBI, some studies have also found benefit from red light. Light with wavelengths between 600 and 1300nm have been found to penetrate maximally into the brain. So, look for products that provide both RL and NIRL in combination. Light intensity - Light intensity refers to the amount of light being delivered by a device, also referred to as power density. Studies of Red Light Therapy and TBI have used a range of intensities, from 10-100mW/cm2, and there is no clear indication that a particular intensity must be used. Devices across a range of intensities may provide benefit, and consumers aren’t limited to a specific intensity range. Type of device - Your personal level of comfort with a device is important. If it isn’t easy to use, and if it doesn’t feel good on your body, you probably won’t use it consistently. Many consumers find the most convenient devices to use are wireless, with a rechargeable battery. It is also important to use a device that can be adjusted to fit snugly on the head. Think about your personal preferences and choose a device that fits your criteria. Light Source - Light therapy is administered using either laser or LED lights. While early light therapy research was done using lasers, LED lights have become much more popular over the last decade. For at home use, look for a device that uses LED lights as safe and affordable option. The next step after selecting a Red Light Therapy device is to determine the treatment protocol. During the acute phase of TBI, it is recommended to consult with your health care provider to get their professional guidance regarding the most appropriate protocol for your case. During the chronic phase of TBI, support from a health care professional is also recommended, but people may be more independent during this period. Based on available clinical research, 10-40 minute treatment sessions, 3 to 5 times a week, are recommended. Do not exceed more than one session every 24 hours. Conclusion Red Light Therapy is a safe, affordable, and highly effective tool for supporting at-home recovery from TBI. By targeting the three core drivers of brain injury—oxidative stress, impaired metabolism, and neuroinflammation—it offers a scientifically backed approach to healing. Research suggests benefits across all stages of TBI, from the critical early hours to years post-injury. When choosing a device, look for red and near-infrared LED technology that aligns with your needs for comfort and convenience, empowering you to take an active role in your recovery. Shop Red Light Therapy Head Wrap For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
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Magnesium & Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for millions of deaths annually. Heart disease is especially prevalent in the US, where one person dies from the condition every 33 seconds. While many factors contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental influences, one critical yet often overlooked nutrient is magnesium. Shop Fringe Magnesium Magnesium & heart heath Sometimes referred to as the “forgotten electrolyte”, magnesium is a mineral that plays a critical role in maintaining cardiovascular health. Despite its importance in human physiology, magnesium deficiency is widespread, driven by dietary habits and environmental factors. It’s also very difficult to diagnose, since levels of magnesium in blood serum tend to stay within a normal range even when levels in tissues are low. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between magnesium and cardiovascular disease, delving into the evidence, mechanisms, and practical recommendations for supplementation. What is magnesium? Magnesium is an essential mineral and electrolyte involved in over 800 enzymatic reactions in the human body. It plays a crucial role in energy production, DNA and RNA synthesis, protein synthesis, and the regulation of muscle and nerve function. Approximately 60% of the body’s magnesium is stored in bones, while the rest is distributed across muscles, soft tissues, and blood. Magnesium deficiency and inadequate intake have become increasingly prevalent, particularly in developed countries, due to both dietary habits and agricultural practices. The modern Western diet, often high in processed foods and low in magnesium-rich items like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, frequently fails to meet recommended magnesium levels. This dietary pattern contributes to suboptimal magnesium status in the population. Compounding this issue is the progressive depletion of magnesium in agricultural soils, a consequence of modern farming techniques such as monocropping and the extensive use of synthetic fertilizers that do not replenish essential minerals. This soil degradation leads to reduced magnesium content in crops, further diminishing dietary magnesium intake. For example, the magnesium content of vegetables has decreased by 80-90% over the last century. In epidemiological research, magnesium intakes below 200–250 mg/day are frequently associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease. These levels are significantly below the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 400–420 mg/day for men and 310–320 mg/day for women, highlighting the importance of adequate magnesium intake for cardiovascular health. Moreover, it has been suggested that the RDA’S for magnesium are too low because they haven’t been adjusted for rising body weights. The new estimates recommend an additional intake for adults of between 60-235mg magnesium per day. What is Cardiovascular Disease? Cardiovascular disease refers to a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels. + These conditions include: Coronary artery disease: Narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries, often leading to angina or heart attacks. Stroke: A disruption of blood flow to the brain, caused by a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Hypertension: Chronic high blood pressure, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Heart failure: The inability of the heart to pump blood effectively. Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms that can lead to complications like stroke or cardiac arrest. Peripheral artery disease: Narrowing of blood vessels in the limbs, leading to pain and poor circulation. What is the Evidence? Magnesium's Importance for Cardiovascular Disease: Numerous clinical trials and epidemiological studies have investigated the link between magnesium and cardiovascular health. Here is a list of positive cardiovascular related outcomes that have been observed in scientific research: + Positive cardiovascular related outcomes: Blood Pressure Regulation: In clinical research, supplementation of 300–400 mg/day of magnesium significantly lowered systolic (2–4 mmHg) and diastolic (1–3 mmHg) blood pressure, particularly in individuals with hypertension. Improved Endothelial Function: In a study of patients with coronary artery disease, magnesium supplementation of 365mg/day for 6 months improved endothelial function and reduced cardiovascular risk. Improved Lipid Profiles: Research suggests that magnesium supplementation may reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol, which may lower atherosclerosis risk. Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Epidemiological studies show that higher magnesium intake is associated with a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. And in patients with established Type 2 diabetes, supplementation with 250mg magnesium/day for three months reduced insulin resistance and improved glycemic control. Reduced Cardiovascular Mortality: Research has shown that people who consume higher amounts of dietary magnesium have a 34% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality than low magnesium consumers. Reduced Risk of Stroke: In an analysis of studies looking at the relationship between magnesium intake and stroke, higher daily magnesium intake was linked to a reduced risk of stroke, especially in women. Mechanisms Underlying the Cardiovascular Benefits of Magnesium Since magnesium is involved in so many of the body’s physiological processes, it’s not surprising that it plays a role in several outcomes related to cardiovascular health. Here’s an overview of some of its most impactful mechanisms: + Most impactful mechanisms: Vascular Smooth Muscle Relaxation: Magnesium may promote relaxation of the muscles that line blood vessels. It also may enhance the production of nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels to dilate and reduces blood pressure. Ion Channel Stabilization: Magnesium may stabilize cardiac ion channels, which might reduce the risk of arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. Prevention of Vascular Calcification: Magnesium may inhibit mineral deposits in arterial walls, reducing the vascular calcification which occurs in atherosclerosis. Reduction of Oxidative Stress: Magnesium may reduce oxidative stress by lowering the production of reactive oxygen species and supporting mitochondrial function, which might improve blood vessel health. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Magnesium may reduce levels of molecules that promote inflammation, which might lower the risks of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Glycemic Control and Insulin Sensitivity: Magnesium may enhance insulin signaling and glucose metabolism, which might reduce the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes, which are cardiovascular disease risk factors. Evidence-Based Recommendations for Magnesium Supplementation Based on current scientific evidence, it can be concluded that magnesium supplementation may be a valuable strategy for supporting cardiovascular health. The level of supplementation used in clinical trials of magnesium for cardiovascular health is typically in the range of 200 to 400mg. Since epidemiological studies have shown an increased risk of cardiovascular disease at levels of intake below 200 to 250mg per day, this level of supplementation would bring most people into the recommended daily intake range, leaving room for some extra based on higher body weight. When supplementing with magnesium to support cardiovascular health, it’s important to consider the form of magnesium being used. Elemental magnesium (Mg²⁺) is highly reactive and does not exist in a free, stable form. Instead, it naturally binds to other molecules, forming compounds that allow it to be absorbed and utilized by the body. Each magnesium complex will have unique properties, including differences in bioavailability and side effects (like gastrointestinal upset). Magnesium orotate, a compound consisting of magnesium and orotic acid (orotate), has gained attention for its potential cardiovascular benefits. The orotate component is thought to facilitate magnesium transport into cells, improving bioavailability and delivering additional benefits related to its metabolic and energy-enhancing properties. Research has shown that magnesium orotate may reduce hypertension and heart disease, lower the risk of heart attack, and help manage diabetes. It has also been shown to support gut and mental health, speed exercise recovery, and help with brain function in an animal model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Other forms of magnesium, including magnesium glycinate and magnesium malate, are also preferred due to their better absorption and fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to forms such as magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, and magnesium hydroxide. Fringe magnesium mix Fringe Magnesium Mix contains three forms of magnesium, including magnesium glycinate, magnesium malate, and the heart-friendly magnesium orotate. All three forms been shown to be better absorbed into the body, and they’re easily digested, so you don’t have to worry about the gastrointestinal issues associated with some forms of magnesium. The other ingredients in Fringe magnesium powder are all natural and include non-GMO chicory root inulin to help with dosing, organic monkfruit extract for a bit of natural sweetness, and 90mg of vitamin C for an antioxidant boost. Fringe Magnesium Mix is part of our “Essentials” line – meaning that it we recommend it for use by most people, on most days. Dosage Recommendations for All Ages For adults, we recommend starting with 1 scoop of Fringe magnesium per day, and increase (up to 2 scoops) as needed. It mixes well with water but can be dissolved in any liquid (we love it in smoothies!). Kids can also take Fringe magnesium. Based on age, the recommended doses are: for children aged 1-3 years old, ¼ scoop per day; ages 4-8, ½ scoop per day; ages 9-13, ¾ scoop per day; ages 14+, 1 full scoop per day. Do not give magnesium to children under 1 year of age. Magnesium is safe to take when pregnant and breastfeeding. Of course, consult your doctor before beginning a supplement regimen. Shop Fringe Magnesium
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Incandescent vs LED Lights in Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy has been investigated in thousands of research studies over the last 50 years. Until the early 2000’s, most studies used lasers as the light source, but more recently, LED lights have become popular due to their affordability, safety, and ease of at-home use. LED lights are now widely used in Red Light Therapy devices, including the devices we make at Fringe. Other light sources, such as incandescent lights, are also sometimes promoted for use in Red Light Therapy, but it’s important to recognize that incandescent lights are not equivalent to LED’s when it comes to reaping the well-recognized benefits of this powerful healing modality. In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics of LED and incandescent lights, how the two light types can (and cannot) be used in Red Light Therapy, and what to look for in a Red Light Therapy device. Comparison of LED and Incandescent Lights LED lights have many important characteristics that are superior to incandescent lights, including: Characteristics LED Incandescent Energy Efficiency 80-90% more efficient than incandescent, as most energy is converted to light Very inefficient – 90 to 95% of energy is lost as heat, and only 5 to 10% is converted to light Lifespan 25,000 to 50,000 hours (10 to 25x longer than incandescent) 1,000 to 2,000 hours (needs frequent replacement Heat Output Minimal heat emission, stays cool to the touch High heat emission, can become too hot to touch Long-Term Cost Lower long-term cost due to energy savings and longer lifespan Higher long-term cost due to frequent replacements and high energy use Durability Shock-resistant, does not break easily Fragile, glass can break easily Environmental Impact Eco-friendly, no toxic materials, low energy consumption Higher energy use, shorter lifespan, increases waste There are also some areas where LED’s can be inferior to incandescent lights, including: Characteristics LED Incandescent Flicker Potential Some LEDs flicker which can cause eye strain No flicker; provides continuous, steady light EMF Emission May emit higher EMF’s due to electronic drivers Minimal EMF emission, since it does not use electronic drivers Blue Light Exposure Can be quite high Low, more natural warm light However, NONE of these characteristics are necessarily an issue with Red Light Therapy devices. Why we don’t NECESSARILY need to be concerned about these limitations (Flicker, EMF, Blue Light Exposure) with Red Light Therapy devices: Many Red Light Therapy devices do not flicker – a reputable company will demonstrate this using third party testing (we do!) EMF emission – it’s absolutely true that a LOT of Red Light Therapy devices emit way too many EMF’s, but they don’t have to. At Fringe, we’ve designed our panels so that the electronic driver is 3 feet away from the panel, so there is almost no EMF emission from the panel itself. Our wraps are battery powered; batteries create energy through chemical reactions, which generate negligeable EMF’s. Blue Light Exposure – Red Light Therapy devices contain red and near infrared LED’s, which don’t emit blue light (of course, blue light LED’s are also an option…!) What about Blue Light Therapy using LED’s? Isn’t blue light from LED lights harmful? This is true but isn’t the whole story. Blue light from devices like ipads, phones, etc. is found in a very narrow spectrum of wavelengths. This is “foreign” to our body, as it is different than the blue light that comes from the sun. In contrast, blue light used in Blue Light Therapy emits a wider spectrum of wavelengths that closely mimics the distribution of blue light in sunlight. This light spectrum has been found to be antimicrobial, which is why it is used for applications like acne. No matter what, though, it’s still important to avoid getting blue light in the eyes. Is light from an incandescent light the same as from an LED? Incandescent lights produce light in a “full spectrum”, including red and near (and also far) infrared light. This is what makes the light from incandescents “warm” in terms of color, and also generates a lot of heat, making them hot to the touch. It’s also why these lights are used for things like heating terrariums. In order to make an incandescent light exclusively red, a red film or coating is placed on the glass that filters out other colors allowing only the red (and sometimes infrared) wavelengths to pass through. The filament inside still produces other colors, but they’re mostly blocked by the coating. LED lights used in Red Light Therapy will produce light in the red (if using red diodes) or near infrared (if using near infrared diodes) spectrums. Many devices include both types of diode, and the type of light is produced by using a semiconductor material that naturally produces red or near infrared light. Red Light Therapy doesn’t use white LED lights like you would find in a house lamp. Red and near infrared light are the same in terms of wavelength no matter what the source. The difference is that incandescent lights produce full spectrum light and then block the other light from being emitted, while LED lights (red or near infrared) emit ONLY the light in that color spectrum. If the red and near infrared light is the same, can incandescent lights be used instead of LED’s in Red Light Therapy? Incandescent lights CAN be used to activate the eye to brain pathway that is responsible for some of the benefits of Red Light Therapy. In this pathway, photoreceptors in the retina are activated and influence the function of the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the brain. This helps regulate the circadian cycle and also has an influence on mood and stress hormones. These lights are great for lighting up a room. Incandescent lights CANNOT be used as easily as LED’s to activate the light to tissue pathway that is responsible for the majority of benefits of Red Light Therapy. In this pathway, light enters through the skin (or other tissue) and activates photoreceptors in cells, such as cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria. To achieve this benefit, the skin/tissue has to be close (6 inches or less) away from the light source. Because incandescent lights get hot and are fragile, they aren’t a substitute for durable LED’s that don’t generate much heat. Incandescent bulbs also generate scattered light, which doesn’t allow for good skin/tissue penetration. There is limited research showing that under some circumstances, incandescent lights may activate this pathway, but their functional limitations do not make them a substitute for LED’s. Most of the benefits of Red Light Therapy (reduced inflammation, faster tissue healing, reduced oxidative stress) comes from the light to tissue pathway. Incandescent lights do not work to activate this pathway effectively. It’s also important to note that almost none of the benefits of Red Light Therapy that have been observed in thousands of research studies over the last 50 years used incandescent light, with most studies using laser or LED light. How do I know if my Red Light Therapy device is safe to use? Here are some things to look for: Use of red and near infrared light in evidence-based spectrums. Fringe Red Light Therapy devices use red light at 660nm and near infrared light at 850nm, which have been demonstrated in many research studies to be beneficial. No flicker Low to no EMF’s. Low irradiance (this is also called power or intensity. And yup, you want this low. A lot of companies are selling products that are quite high intensity, and this can potentially be harmful). Irradiance in the range of 20-40mW/cm2 mimics the sun, and has been shown in multiple research studies to be both safe and effective. A good company will prove these by sharing analyses done by third party testing. Why choose Fringe Red Light Therapy devices? We use evidence-backed wavelengths of red and near infrared light. Our devices are no flicker and generate low to no EMF’s. We use a safe and effective sun-like intensity of light, at between 20 and 40mW/cm2. All of our products are tested by an independent third party lab, and we share this analysis with our consumers. Our products are created by a team of medical professionals who carefully review and use published scientific evidence to inform how we manufacture. Take home message: Incandescent lights are a great option for lighting up a room, creating a warm and ambient red light that may have benefits related to activation of the eye to brain pathway which helps to regulate the circadian rhythm and mood. Incandescent lights cannot be used as a substitute for LED lights to activate the tissue to cell pathway that is responsible for benefits including reduced inflammation, decreased oxidative stress, and improved tissue healing. Of the thousands of research studies on Red Light Therapy, only a small number used incandescent lights, so their clinical efficacy has not been clearly demonstrated. High-quality Red Light Therapy devices will use both red and near infrared LED lights and will be no flicker, generate low to no EMFS, and deliver light at a sun-like intensity that is both safe and effective for everyone, including kids and pets.
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Light Therapy & Menopause
Menopause Menopause is the natural transition that occurs when a woman stops menstruating, which usually happens between the ages of 40 and 58. The term “transition” refers to a change from one state to another, which is a very apt descriptor for what happens during menopause. Hormonally speaking, menopause marks a shift to an entirely new hormonal milieu, which not surprisingly, can be quite challenging. Hormonal Changes During Menopause The hormonal changes that accompany menopause are dramatic. From perimenopause (the stage leading up to menopause) to post-menopause (the stage following menopause), levels of estrogen and progesterone drop to a fraction of their previous levels. This sharp decline is not linear, instead showing fluctuations that can create a whirlwind of physical and psychological symptoms. Levels of testosterone also decrease during this transition. The effects of menopause The effects of menopause on the brain and body are similarly dramatic. Although these vary widely between individuals, there are many common symptoms, including hot flashes, loss of libido, vaginal dryness, sleep issues, weight gain, dry skin, hair thinning, digestive changes, sexual dysfunction, urinary symptoms (including incontinence) and mood disturbances. Some menopausal symptoms are local, occurring mainly in the pelvic region, while others (such as hot flashes) are felt throughout the body. Similarly, some symptoms are transient while others cause persistent and long-term physical changes. The experience of menopausal symptoms is extremely common. Overall, it is estimated that 75-80% of women suffer from symptoms related to menopause, of which 20-30% are considered severe. Approximately 75% of women worldwide experience hot flashes, while 40-60% suffer from sleep issues. As many as 83% of women report experiencing vaginal dryness, often with associated pain during intercourse. Research has found that 9 in 10 women weren’t educated about menopause, and since talking about these symptoms has long been viewed as “taboo”, women often suffer menopause symptoms in silence, leaving them unable to access tools that might help to alleviate them. Improving access to supportive tools during menopause is a critical public health issue. This includes natural and alternative therapies, as well as novel tools such as light therapy. Light - including red, near infrared, and blue light – may help to alleviate several of the challenging symptoms of menopause, including sleep and mood issues, vaginal dryness and atrophy, hair loss, overactive bladder, sexual dysfunction, cognitive and digestive changes, and skin problems. Read on to learn how light therapy can be used to support women’s health during this important transitional period. Light therapy Before we can explore how light therapy can be used to support women’s health during menopause, we first need to answer the question: what is light therapy? The answer is really quite simple. Light therapy (also known as photobiomodulation) is the application of light with specific wavelengths to the body for the purposes of influencing biology. In theory, light therapy can use any wavelength of light, but the most commonly used are red, near infrared, and blue. The use of red and near infrared light is commonly referred to as “red light therapy”. All three wavelengths of light may be useful in supporting women during menopause, although red and near infrared light have the greatest utility. Research has shown that light therapy has many effects on a cellular level. Briefly, with red and/or near infrared light, the most notable observed effects include an increased production of cellular energy, reduced inflammation, decreased oxidative stress, decreased pain, increased blood flow, enhanced collagen and supportive tissue production, and improved microbiome health (gut and vagina). Blue light is mainly used to destroy pathogenic microorganisms like yeast and bacteria. Light Therapy & Menopause Given that there is such a wide range of menopausal symptoms (note that for simplicity, symptoms related to peri-, meno- and post-menopause are being considered here as “menopausal” symptoms), it is likely that the various physiological effects of light therapy will be more or less relevant for certain ones. For example, some of the changes seen during menopause – such as vaginal atrophy, dryness, and urinary incontinence - are due in part to a decrease in blood flow and loss of connective tissue in the pelvis. While specific research into using light therapy to treat these symptoms is still sparce, researchers have proposed that based on existing scientific evidence, red light therapy may alleviate these symptoms by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, supporting bladder function, and enhancing blood flow. Many symptoms of menopause are also experienced in other states, and we can look to those conditions for clues regarding how to use light therapy to alleviate the same symptoms during menopause. This includes anxiety and depression, hair loss, sleep disturbances, acne, digestive issues, and infections. While research specific to these symptoms in menopausal women is lacking, there is clear evidence that light therapy (with red, near infrared, and/or blue light) can be helpful in other conditions, and we can extrapolate from there to the menopausal state. Based on the known physiological effects of light therapy, and the evidence of benefits in a range of clinical conditions, we propose that the use of red, near infrared, and/or blue light may help to alleviate several of the most common symptoms experienced by women during this life transition, including: Mood: Mood changes are a common experience during menopause, with many women reporting increases in anxiety and depression. Light therapy (with red and near infrared light) has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms in both humans and animals, likely due to improvements in mitochondrial function, increased brain blood flow, and decreased neuroinflammation. A 2009 clinical trial found a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety in as little as a single session. The effects of light therapy on mental health are so compelling that a recent systematic review concluded that it is “strongly recommended” as a treatment for moderate depressive disorder and is “recommended” for the treatment of anxiety disorder. Studies of red light therapy and depression often apply light therapy directly to the skull, while some use an intranasal approach. Cognition: Cognitive changes, such as memory loss, are also commonly experienced by women during menopause. Researchers have shown in a series of controlled clinical studies that near infrared light therapy improves cognition in young and middle-aged healthy adults when applied to the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Cognitive improvements were accompanied by changes in brain function, including increased brain blood flow. In 2019, a meta-analysis of all the research looking at the effects of light therapy (including near infrared light, or near infrared and red light in combination) found that the overall effect on cognition was positive, leading the authors to conclude that light therapy is a “cognitive-enhancing intervention in healthy individuals”. Hair Loss: Menopausal women frequently report hair loss and thinning. The ability of light therapy to induce hair growth was observed in studies conducted more than 50 years ago. Early clinical trials used primarily red light, and the effectiveness of these studies led to the development of several red light therapy devices for hair loss. Subsequent studies have shown that near infrared light also stimulates hair growth, with red and near infrared light improving hair growth in androgenetic alopecia, which is the most common type of hair loss that affects both men and women. Light impacts hair growth through effects on mitochondria, which lead to increases in the length of time the hair follicle spends in the growth phase. Overactive Bladder: Overactive bladder, involving a frequent urge to urinate, is a urinary symptom experienced during menopause. Overactive bladder often results in urinary incontinence. Although research related to light therapy and overactive bladder is limited, one study found that application of red light to the abdomen three times per day for 12 weeks resulted in a reduction of urinary incontinence as compared to a control group, suggesting a potential benefit in this condition. Skin Changes: During menopause, many women report skin changes, including acne, dryness, altered pigmentation and wrinkles. Light therapy has been widely used in spas and dermatology clinics for its effects on skin health, in addition to at-home use. Red and near infrared light is helpful in the treatment of wrinkles, psoriasis, acne, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea, while blue light is helpful in the treatment of acne. Studies show results such as smoother skin; wrinkle reduction and improved skin elasticity; and normalization of skin pigmentation. The effect of red light therapy on wrinkles can be quite dramatic, with one study showing a 30% decrease in eye wrinkle volume. Gut: Gut dysbiosis, involving changes in the gut microbiome, are common around the time of menopause. Estrogen is known to affect the gut microbiome and similarly, some of the microbes in the gut microbiome (called the estrobalome) are able to influence levels of estrogen in the body. Keeping the microbiome healthy during menopause is essential, and light therapy (with red and near infrared light) may provide some support. Animal research has shown that when red or near infrared light was applied to the abdomen of mice, the composition of the microbiome shifted to include more of a bacterial strain that is associated with better health. In humans, red and near infrared light applied to the abdomen of Parkinson’s disease patients modulated the composition of the gut microbiome, with a shift towards more “healthy” bacteria, and in a case report of a patient with breast cancer, application of near infrared light to the abdomen was associated with increased diversity of gut microbes, which is considered to be a healthy change Vaginal Dysbiosis: Similar to the gut, the vagina has a microbiome, and menopause can cause dysbiosis in this region as well. Hormone-induced dysbiosis can increase the vaginal pH and change the composition of the microbes, which is associated with bladder dysfunction and bladder pain syndrome. Light therapy, particularly with red and near infrared light, is proposed as being a positive modulator of the vaginal microbiome. There are several proposed mechanisms, including modulation of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is important for the lactobacillus species that dominate in the vagina that are known to decrease during menopause. Sleep: As already mentioned, sleep disturbances are experienced by 40-60% of menopausal women. Light is a primary regulator of the body’s circadian rhythm, so it is not surprising that light therapy has effects on sleep. Application of red and near infrared light during wakefulness improves sleep quality in people with cognitive decline, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, fibromyalgia and stroke. When red light therapy is applied during sleep, there is an increased clearance of waste products from the brain and improved flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which are required for optimal brain health. Blue light triggers wakefulness, suppressing melatonin, so direct exposure of the eyes to blue light should be limited to daytime hours. Vaginal Infections: Vaginal infections with yeast and bacteria are more common during menopause due to the changes in estrogen, vaginal pH, and vaginal dryness that occur. In addition to their positive effects on the microbes in the gut and vagina, red and near infrared light have also been shown to have effects on pathogenic (harmful) microorganisms in the female pelvis. Red light has been shown to be helpful in treating vaginal candida, as has blue light. Specifically, blue light at 415nm (the same wavelength as in the Fringe Pelvic Wand) had the most potent anti-candida effects. Blue light has also been shown to be helpful in the treatment of vulvovaginitis. Vaginal Atrophy: Vaginal Atrophy, Dryness & Sexual Dysfunction: The loss of estrogen during menopause causes many changes to the integrity of tissues in the vagina. This results in tissue atrophy and dryness, which can cause great discomfort, especially during sex. The main structural connective tissues are collagen and elastin, which provide strength and flexibility to the vagina. These changes occur for a variety of reasons, including a decrease in blood flow which results from the loss of estrogen. Application of red and near infrared light is known to increase blood flow by increasing levels of nitric oxide. It has also been shown to increase the synthesis of collagen and other supportive connective tissue including elastin. Suggesting that red and near infrared light may help with tissue support and rejuvenation during menopause. Light Therapy Products for Menopause While early research on light therapy used primarily lasers, more recent research has found that LED’s can also be used, which also have the advantage of applying light to a larger area of the body as well as an improved safety profile. The use of LED in red/near infrared/blue light therapy devices has also greatly reduced the cost of treatment, making it something that can be done in the comfort of one’s own home. A wide range of products are available, each of which is uniquely suited to address specific needs. The four most useful light therapy products to address the symptoms of menopause are: Red light therapy panel Panels usually deliver red and near infrared light, ideally with the option to use separately or in combination. Panels can be used to treat most body parts, including the face, chest and back. They’re great for supporting sleep and mood, when light should be entering through the eyes. They can also support digestion when directed towards the skin of the abdomen, as well as the skin on the face. The Fringe Red Light Therapy Panel delivers both wavelengths of light at the same “sweet spot” intensity as the sun. shop our panel Red light therapy wraps Red Light Therapy Wraps deliver light directly to the skin and can be applied to specific body parts, such as the head and abdomen. They should also deliver both red and near infrared light. Wraps have the advantage of being cordless and very convenient to use. The Fringe Red Light Therapy Head Wrap delivers light to the head (including red and two wavelengths of near infrared light) and is ideally suited to support mood, cognition, and hair loss. The Fringe Red Light Therapy Wrap has a rectangular shape and can be applied to the abdomen to support bladder function and digestion. shop our wraps Light therapy face mask Like wraps, face masks deliver light directly to the skin but are specifically contoured to the face. Due to the antimicrobial effects of blue light, it should be included in face masks for the treatment of acne along with red and near infrared light. The Fringe Red Light Therapy Face Mask delivers all three wavelengths of light to support skin health, including acne, wrinkles, pigmentation, and more. shop the mask Light therapy pelvic wand Light therapy pelvic wands are inserted directly into the vagina, delivering light directly to the vaginal tissues that are affected by menopausal hormonal changes. The Fringe Light Therapy Wand delivers red, near infrared, and/or blue light to support blood flow and tissue rejuvenation, which may help alleviate vaginal dryness, atrophy, and sexual dysfunction. shop the wand To recap Menopause is a time of dramatic hormonal changes, which create uncomfortable symptoms for many women. Light therapy is a safe and effective tool that may be used to alleviate a wide range of menopausal symptoms in the comfort of one’s own home. Red and near infrared light provide support for symptoms including sleep and mood issues, cognitive changes, hair loss, gut and vaginal dysbiosis, skin problems, and vaginal tissue changes, while blue light may provide antimicrobial activity for menopausal acne and vaginal infections. Many different light therapy products are available - including panels, wraps, face masks, and pelvic wands – that provide light therapy support for different symptoms. Choose products that use LED lights to deliver red, infrared red, and blue light (where appropriate) at approximately the same intensity of the sun for best results. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
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Should I Take a Magnesium Supplement?
Should I take a magnesium supplement? The simple answer to this question is: Most likely, yes. Scientific evidence suggests that many people are at risk of magnesium deficiency, even those consuming a healthy diet. There are many reasons for this, most of which are out of our control. Given the critical importance of magnesium in the human body, and the significant health risks that accompany even a subclinical magnesium deficiency, regular supplementation with a high-quality dietary supplement is a wise investment in your health. shop fringe magnesium What is Magnesium? Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals, both in the earth and inside the human body. Most magnesium in the body is found inside cells, rather than in the blood, and it is especially concentrated in the muscles and bones. In the body, magnesium carries a positive charge, and is therefore referred to as an ion or electrolyte. The recommended intakes of magnesium have been determined and are based on age and gender. These values are known as the dietary reference intakes (DRI’s). Recently, it has been suggested that the DRI’s for magnesium are too low because they haven’t been adjusted for rising body weights. The new estimates recommend an additional intake for adults of between 60-235mg magnesium per day beyond what is shown in table 1. What does magnesium do in the body? Magnesium is involved in virtually every cellular metabolic and biochemical process in the human body. As a cofactor or activator for over 800 chemical reactions, magnesium regulates everything from metabolism to protein synthesis, to DNA repair and synthesis. It is also involved in conveying messages between molecules within the cell as well as in regulating cell replication. What are good sources of magnesium? Magnesium is found in many foods, both plant and animals. Some good sources of magnesium are: Green leafy vegetables Legumes Nuts Seeds Whole grains Good sources of magnesium should contain around 40-80mg per serving. Meat, dairy and fruit also contain some magnesium but at lower amounts. A general rule of thumb is that the more highly processed a food, the less magnesium it will contain (unless it has been fortified). Although there are many food sources of magnesium, a drastic loss of magnesium from agricultural soil over the last century has led to a decrease in the magnesium content of plant foods due to their inability to absorb sufficient magnesium from the earth. For example, the magnesium content of vegetables has decreased by 80-90% over the last century. As a result, supplementation with magnesium may be necessary to avoid deficiency. What is the prevalence of Magnesium deficiency? There are two types of nutrient deficiencies, frank and subclinical. Frank deficiencies have obvious signs, while subclinical deficiencies do not. Frank deficiencies of magnesium are rare because the kidneys can limit its excretion. But subclinical deficiencies are extremely common, since over half of the US population don’t consume the recommended amount. In fact, according to a research article in the Open Heart medical journal, “the evidence in the literature suggests that subclinical magnesium deficiency is rampant and one of the leading causes of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and early mortality and should be considered a public health crisis.” What are the causes of Magnesium deficiency? As already described, two of the main causes of magnesium deficiency are (1) low intake of dietary magnesium, and (2) a substantial loss of magnesium from agricultural soil causing a decrease in the magnesium content of foods. These two issues will be compounded, such that even when people attempt to consume sufficient dietary magnesium, they may be unable to. There are also several other factors that increase the risk of magnesium deficiency. These include: Magnesium also interacts with other nutrients, which can increase the risk of deficiency. For example, taking high doses of vitamin D can increase the loss of magnesium from the body, while taking high doses of zinc can interfere with magnesium absorption. High doses of fiber can also interfere with magnesium absorption. What are the health risks of Magnesium deficiency? Because of its nearly ubiquitous role in the body’s processes, low levels of magnesium can create widespread physiological dysfunction. And because of the widespread incidence of low magnesium intake, magnesium deficiency is recognized as an important global concern. A frank magnesium deficiency will manifest with clinical signs, including: Low appetite Nausea and vomiting Fatigue and weakness Muscle spams or tremors Abnormal heart rhythm Convulsions Psychiatric disturbances But because the kidneys regulate the excretion of magnesium from the body, it’s rare to have magnesium be depleted to the point where these potentially life-threatening symptoms occur. Far more common is subclinical magnesium deficiency, which often does not have obvious signs. Because it’s so easy to under consume magnesium, and since the signs of subclinical magnesium deficiency are hard to spot, it often extends over time leading to long-term adverse complications. These include a wide range of health problems and chronic diseases, including: Cardiovascular diseases Diabetes Migraines Osteoporosis Asthma Metabolic disorder Alzheimer’s Disease Parkinson’s Disease Premenstrual Syndrome Dysmenorrhea These conditions have potentially devastating consequences, which makes magnesium a critical nutrient of concern for public health. How could taking a magnesium supplement help me? There are both long-term and short-term benefits to ensuring adequate magnesium intake, which for many people, will require taking a magnesium supplement. As just described, there is a long list of health problems and chronic diseases associated with a long-term subclinical magnesium deficiency, many of which can be helped by taking a magnesium supplement. Can I take too much magnesium? Magnesium toxicity is mostly seen with consumption of high doses of magnesium containing laxatives and antacids. Consumption of more than 5000mg per day can cause toxicity, with symptoms including low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and even cardiac arrest. It would be nearly impossible to consume this much magnesium through dietary supplements, which usually contain less than 300mg per serving, and totally impossible through food. Because the excretion of magnesium is regulated by the kidneys, it is difficult to take too much, and is not a concern except with consumption of magnesium containing medications. How do I choose a Magnesium supplement? Read the ingredients - Most dietary supplement will contain both active and inactive or “other” ingredients. You need to pay attention to both. The active ingredients are the ones that you are looking for; for example, a magnesium supplement will contain at least one form of magnesium as the active ingredient. Some supplements, like multi-vitamins, have many active ingredients. Usually, these are vitamins, minerals, of phytochemicals derived from plants. Although this information may be hard to find, it’s helpful to know where these active ingredients are sourced from. Naturally sourced ingredients are always better than artificial ones. The inactive ingredients are usually there to: (1) provide bulk (filler), (2) hold the product together (binding agents, coatings), (3) add flavor or sweetness, or (4) keep the product from clumping together (flow enhancers). Sometimes this list is long, and it’s often where some undesirable ingredients sneak in, such as potassium sorbate, artificial colors, or titanium dioxide. It’s best to keep this list short and naturally sourced. Verify product purity – Only choose high quality products that verify their purity via an unbiased chemical analysis performed by a third-party lab. These analyses should be reported in a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that is readily available to consumers, often through a QR code link. COA’s should be available for each batch of products, and will measure contaminants such as heavy metals, microbes, and pesticides. Consider the form(s) of magnesium in the supplement – There are several different forms of magnesium that are included in dietary supplements, each of which has unique properties. Look for ones that are bioavailable and easy on digestion. The forms of magnesium that are most likely to cause diarrhea are magnesium chloride, carbonate, oxide, and gluconate. Magnesium malate shows high bioavailability compared to the commonly supplemented forms of magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate. Other organic forms of magnesium such as magnesium glycinate and magnesium orotate also show high bioavailability. Some forms of magnesium have also shown unique health benefits; for example, magnesium orotate helps with cardiovascular and gut health. While all magnesium supplements can help to prevent magnesium deficiency, some forms may be better suited to your unique needs. Choose the supplement form you prefer – Supplements come in three main forms: capsules/tablets, powders, or liquids. Which one you choose is really a personal preference. Powders and liquid can be added to liquids, like smoothies, and are a great option if you don’t like swallowing pills. Fringe Essentials Magnesium Powder The Fringe Essentials Magnesium Powder contains three forms of magnesium: orotate, malate, and glycinate, at 173mg total and 41% of the recommended Daily Value. These forms of magnesium have been shown to be better absorbed into the body, and they’re easily digested. Each one has unique health benefits that make them well suited to not only ensure sufficient magnesium intake, but also to reap a wide range of health benefits. Here’s what they do: + magnesium glycinate: Magnesium glycinate is a standout in helping to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, support deep sleep, reduce muscle tension, and balance mood. _____________________________________ + magnesium orotate: Magnesium orotate is one of the best forms of magnesium to consume for heart health. It’s been shown to help with hypertension and heart disease, and to reduce risks of heart attacks. It also supports gut and mental health and helps with exercise recovery. It may even be helpful in diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease. _____________________________________ + magnesium malate: Magnesium malate is great for chronic pain, inflammation, energy production, and muscle tension and recovery. _____________________________________ The other ingredients in Fringe magnesium powder are all natural, and include non-GMO inulin to help with dosing, organic monkfruit extract for a bit of natural sweetness, and vitamin C for an antioxidant boost. Simply mix 1 scoop of magnesium into your water, smoothie, or favorite beverage 1-2 times per day. shop fringe magnesium
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Should I Take an Electrolyte Supplement?
The simple answer to this question is: Most likely, yes. The story of fluid-based electrolytes is very much a story of water – which as you will see, has changed dramatically in the last few decades. As water processing has evolved to remove harmful contaminants, essential nutrients (in the form of minerals) have also been lost, with potentially negative consequences. In this article, you’ll learn about the role of fluid-based mineral electrolytes in supporting human health, and how this has changed across time. shop fringe electrolytes How has the composition of drinking water changed across time? When most people think of water, they think of the water molecule: H2O. What many people don’t realize is that water in nature also contains a wide range of nutrients in the form of dissolved minerals. As it travels over rocks and through the earth, minerals make their way into water. The result is complex fluid matrix that is far more than just H2O. The nutrients (minerals) commonly found in natural water include: Sodium Potassium Magnesium Calcium Trace minerals, such as selenium, iodine, molybdenum, zinc, copper, manganese, and chromium. Unfortunately, the water that is accessible to most humans on earth also contains a wide range of potentially harmful contaminants. While developing countries experience the greatest contamination, water in developed countries also often contains contaminants of concern. For example, tap water in the US often contains things like lead, arsenic, and industrial and agricultural contaminants. Removing these contaminants is critical to supporting human health. To remove these undesirable compounds, water filtration devices are used. These devices pass water through a semi-permeable filtration membrane, and range in complexity from simple pitchers and countertop basins to industrial reverse osmosis filtration systems. Reverse osmosis filtration is also widely used in government, commercial, and military applications. Filtration devices do not distinguish between minerals such as magnesium, which are essential for human health, and harmful contaminants such as lead. The filters are non-specific and remove any molecules bigger than the size of the filtration pores, which include naturally occurring minerals. As a result of this processing, our modern filtered water becomes simple H2O. Should water be a source of essential nutrients? A little-known fact is that consumption of water from nature will make a small (but appreciable) contribution to our required nutrient intake, specifically the intake of some minerals, which are a class of micronutrient. Most commonly, recommended nutrient intake is defined using the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), which refers to nutrients that come from food. But this term is a bit of a misnomer, as it ignores nutrient intake from water. Instead, the World Health Organization recommends that we use the term Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI, also referred to as the Reference Nutrient Intake), which refers to nutrients that come from food and water. As already mentioned, there are many nutrients that occur naturally in water, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride and potassium. These minerals are estimated to contribute between 1 and 20% of our recommended daily intake values when natural water is consumed. Water makes the most appreciable contribution to nutrient intake for calcium and magnesium, at up to 20%, while for most other minerals it provides between 1 and 5%. By removing minerals from water using processes such as reverse osmosis, we are eliminating a vital nutrient source. Putting minerals back into water, which can be done with electrolyte mineral formulations, is an easy way to circumvent this problem. Are there any health impacts of drinking highly filtered water? While it’s obviously important to remove harmful contaminants from water, this can’t be done without also removing essential nutrients. And there is clearly a downside to this removal. Here are a few important health risks that have been associated with drinking highly filtered water: Mineral loss from the body: Studies have shown that consumption of demineralized water can lead to a loss of body minerals that are excreted in the urine, faces and sweat. In kids, this can slow growth and lead to cavities. Water loss from the body: In addition to mineral losses, drinking demineralized water also leads to the loss of water from the body - there is an up to 20% increased excretion of body water in studies of human volunteers drinking demineralized water. Impaired electrolyte homeostasis: Drinking demineralized water may impair electrolyte homeostasis and lead to changes that may increase the risk of cancer. There is also some evidence of mineral intake specifically from water preventing disease in humans. For example, magnesium in drinking water is associated with protection against death from acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) among males. Similarly, drinking hard water (which contains dissolved electrolytes, including calcium and magnesium) is associated with protection against cardiovascular disease. Drinking hard water has also been associated with a decreased risk of some types of cancer, including stomach and esophageal, as well as stroke. Calcium rich water has also been found to support bone health. What are electrolytes? You’ve probably already realized that the minerals found in natural water have something to do with electrolytes. In fact, many of these minerals are electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge and can conduct electricity in the body when in a dissolved state. The most important electrolytes in the body are sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, and bicarbonate. These charged ions are found throughout the body, and their levels are carefully maintained in balance, or homeostasis. What do electrolytes do in the body? The general role of electrolytes is to regulate physiological function, but each one is unique. Here is an overview of the primary electrolytes and their specific roles in the body. Why can’t I just consume electrolytes from food and supplements? Electrolytes have two sources in nature, food and fluids (especially water). And in modern society, we’ve added a third: dietary supplements. Both food and dietary supplements are good sources of electrolytes and should comprise the majority of nutrient intake. However, water can provide between 1 to 20% of certain minerals, and it is abundantly clear that consumption of electrolytes from water yields unique benefits irrespective of food and supplement consumption, including protection against: Mineral losses from the body Water losses from the body Some types of cancer Stroke Cardiovascular disease Consumption of electrolyte containing water also supports the maintenance of electrolyte homeostasis in the body, which is essential for optimal physiological function. Water that contains electrolytes is obtained in one of two ways: by drinking natural mineral rich water, or by adding a mineral rich electrolyte supplement to a demineralized water source, such as reverse osmosis water. Can electrolytes become deficient or imbalanced? Electrolyte imbalances can occur when blood levels become too high, or too low. Each electrolyte can become imbalanced, with potentially serious (and even life threatening) consequences. Levels of electrolytes are tightly regulated in the body for this reason, which occurs mainly at the level of the kidneys. Electrolyte deficiencies occur when there is Inadequate dietary consumption of a nutrient. Both imbalances and deficiencies are possible. Do some people need more electrolytes? Yes, there are some people who need more electrolytes. Anyone who – for whatever reason – is losing fluid from the body at a higher-than-normal rate will need to intake more to restore electrolyte balance. And anyone consuming low levels of electrolytes from food and water will require more to prevent deficiency. This applies to the following conditions: People who are exercising and sweating (even more so if in hot and/or humid conditions). People eating a low sodium diet, such as keto, paleo, or other low carb diets. Note – if you are on a low sodium diet because of a medical condition, such as a kidney disease, be cautious about supplemental sodium intake. People who are fasting. People experiencing illnesses involving vomiting and diarrhea. People with certain medical conditions, such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia (POTS) Increasing intake of mineral rich water, either natural or supplemental, as well as consuming more electrolyte containing foods, can help people meet these increased needs. How do I choose a mineral electrolyte supplement? Read the ingredients – Most dietary supplement will contain both active and inactive or “other” ingredients. You need to pay attention to both. Electrolyte supplements should contain several electrolytes, such as sodium, magnesium, chloride, and potassium, as the active ingredients. Although this information may be hard to find, it’s helpful to know where the active ingredients are sourced from. Naturally sourced ingredients are always better than artificial ones. For example, in an electrolyte supplement, a natural source of sodium and chloride would be natural sea salt. Electrolyte supplements usually also contain inactive ingredients. The inactive ingredients are usually there to: (1) provide bulk (filler), (2) hold the product together (binding agents, coatings), (3) add flavor or sweetness, or (4) keep the product from clumping together (flow enhancers). Sometimes this list is long, and it’s often where some undesirable ingredients sneak in, such as potassium sorbate, artificial colors, or titanium dioxide. It’s best to keep this list short and naturally sourced. Verify product purity – Only choose high quality products that verify their purity via an unbiased chemical analysis performed by a third-party lab. These analyses should be reported in a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that is readily available to consumers, often through a QR code link. COA’s should be available for each batch of products, and will measure contaminants such as heavy metals, microbes, and pesticides. Look at the amounts listed in the Nutrition Facts – Electrolyte supplements are not meant to provide high levels of the daily value of nutrients, so when you look at a Nutrition Facts table, the %DV (Daily Value) for each nutrient should be twenty or less. Minerals from natural water will be between 1 and 20% DV, so this is a simple rule of thumb to follow. An additional consideration is that if an electrolyte supplement can be added to water, rather than being pre-packaged in plastic bottles, contamination of the water with microplastics can be reduced. What's NOT in fringe electrolytes? Let’s start off describing what we’ve (intentionally) left out of Fringe electrolytes. They contain no: What's in the tub? Sodium Chloride from Sea salt: Sea salt provides both sodium (at 8%DV) and chloride (at 20% DV). It also contains small amounts of other minerals like iron, iodine, manganese, zinc, and selenium. We opted for a high-quality natural sea salt, sourced from Australian sea water, rather than table salt, because of its natural origin and more diverse mineral profile. Calcium from Calcified Algae Calcium is essential for supporting bone and teeth health, but also important for muscle and nerve function. Potassium: Potassium (at 2% DV) is essential for regulating many processes in the body, including heart, muscle, nerve, and blood vessel function. Magnesium from magnesium malate: Magnesium malate (at 3% DV) is a highly absorbable form of magnesium that helps reduce pain and inflammation, improve mood, and supports heart, nerve, and muscle health – without causing unpleasant digestive symptoms. Trace minerals: We wanted to up the ante on our electrolytes and supplement trace minerals – essential micronutrients which are critical in many biological processes in the body! Our trace minerals are naturally sourced from the Great Salt Lake and include selenium, iodine, molybdenum, zinc, copper, manganese, and chromium. These are present in small amounts that are below 1% DV. *Our ratio of sodium to potassium is at around 3:2, which is the same ratio used by the sodium potassium pump. Non-GMO Inulin: This is a soluble fiber derived from chicory root. It helps to maintain accurate dosing with the product and is also a prebiotic resistant starch which has a positive effect on gut health! shop fringe electrolytes Recap We’ve covered a lot of ground in this article, but the key takeaway is that mineral rich electrolyte supplements will help to support hydration and electrolyte balance. Adding minerals to water at between one and 20% of the recommended daily nutrient intake will restore your water to the way that nature intended. An easy way to do this is by using Fringe electrolytes as a regular part of your wellness routine. Simply mix 1 scoop of electrolyte powder into your water, 1-2 times per day. For a bit of natural flavor, add a squeeze of citrus or a few drops of essential fruit oil. Add a boost of hydration in the morning to start your day right, rehydrate after a tough workout, throw in your kiddos water to keep them hydrated in a clean way…there’s no right or wrong way to do it!
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Light Therapy for Brain Health
Light Therapy for Brain Disorders Our understanding of brain health as being fundamental to our overall well-being dates to the time of the ancient Greeks. “Mens sana in corpore sano”, which translates to “a healthy mind in a healthy body”, was a foundational part of the Hippocratic philosophy. Hippocrates introduced the first classification of mental disorders and believed that the brain was the organ responsible for mental illnesses. His classes of mental disorders included melancholia, mania, insanity, and others. While those terms are no longer in use today, many modern brain disorder, such as depression and dementia, are foundationally like those ancient classifications. Importantly, Hippocrates believed that “natural” treatments would cure diseases. One such therapy was the use of sunshine, known as “heliotherapy”. shop red light therapy head wrap Brain disorders In modern society, brain disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent. Also referred to as neurological disorders, these conditions are estimated to be the second leading cause of death, causing 9 million deaths globally each year. While these diseases yield a massive economic burden in terms of health care costs, they also have an enormous impact on our quality of life. The prevalence of brain disorders is expected to increase significantly over the next several decades as the population both ages and grows. Categories of brain disorders There are several different categories of brain disorders. These include: autoimmune diseases (such as multiple sclerosis – MS), epilepsy, psychiatric disorders (such as depression and anxiety), neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease), neurodevelopmental disorders (such as ADHD and autism), stroke, traumatic brain injuries (such as concussions and chronic traumatic encephalitis), and brain tumors. While these disorders are all unique, they share fundamental pathological characteristics. Most involve an increase in oxidative stress, which involves excessive production of reactive oxygen species. The brain is especially vulnerable to oxidative stress because it has a high metabolic rate, and oxidative stress can occur both in chronic diseases (such as Alzheimer’s) and acute conditions (such as concussions). Alterations in brain metabolism are also common, which can precede and co-occur with oxidative stress. Brain metabolism accounts for around 20% of total metabolism, even though it only contributes 2% of total body weight. This makes the brain vulnerable to damage from metabolic effects such as those that occur with aging, poor diet, and trauma. Neuroinflammation, which involves inflammation in the brain as a response to disease and injury, also occurs. Oxidative stress, impaired metabolism, and neuroinflammation overlap, involving many of the same molecules. Brain disorders are notoriously difficult to treat. Because the blood brain barrier restricts entry of foreign substances into the brain, drug transport into the brain is limited. We are also limited by our lack of understanding these diseases. Experts admit that we actually know very little about how the brain works, for a variety of reasons. Given this complexity, using non-pharmacological interventions to treat the foundational pathologies of brain diseases (including oxidative stress, impaired metabolism, and neuroinflammation) is a great starting point. Light therapy, or photobiomodulation, is one such approach. Light therapy Light therapy (also known as photobiomodulation) is the application of light with specific wavelengths to the body for the purposes of influencing biology. The most common form of light therapy uses red light (RL), which is visible as the color red, and/or near infrared light (NIRL), which is not visible but can be felt as heat. The RL used in light therapy usually ranges from 600 to 700 nanometres (nm), with the unit nm referring to distance the light wave travels in one cycle. The NIRL used in light therapy usually ranges from 800 to 900nm. RL and NIRL are naturally produced by the sun, which gives off solar radiation. The term radiation describes energy that is transmitted in the form of waves or particles. The spectrum of light in our environment consists of both light we can see (visible light) and light that our eyes can’t perceive (invisible light). This is called the electromagnetic spectrum. The visible light spectrum is quite narrow, consisting of wavelengths that range from 400 to 700nm and span from violet to red in color. RL is part of this visible light spectrum, while NIRL is not. Red and near infrared light therapy is the application of artificially generated light in the red and near infrared spectral bands. The term “red light therapy” usually describes the use of both RL and NIRL, although only the red light produced by the device is visible to the naked eye. IRL can still be perceived by the body as heat when it contacts skin. How Does Red Light Therapy Affect Brain Health? Light therapy, specifically the application of red and near infrared light, positively impacts all three foundational pathologies of brain disorders: oxidative stress, impaired metabolism, and neuroinflammation. Oxidative Stress: Light is absorbed in cells by molecules called chromophores, many of which are found inside the mitochondria. Mitochondria are involved in regulating the production the reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative stress when present in high amounts. Light therapy has been shown to modulate oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species production. Impaired Metabolism: Through its impact on mitochondria, light also affects metabolism. In addition to regulating reactive oxygen species production, mitochondria also make the energy currency of the cell, called ATP. Specifically, RL and NIRL stimulates cytochrome c oxidase, a mitochondrial enzyme that produces ATP. This increases ATP synthesis which provides more energy to brain cells. Neuroinflammation: Red and NIRL have anti-inflammatory effects, and unlike anti-inflammatory medications (such as NSAID’s), do not cause side effects. Studies have found that light therapy affects levels of many molecules involved in inflammation, including reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and prostaglandins. Red and NIRL therapy have specifically shown to reduce neuroinflammation. Brain Disorders Treated by Red Light Therapy Since RL and NIRL therapy (hereafter referred to simply as “light therapy”) can positively impact the foundational pathology that characterizes so many brain disorders, it is not surprising that there is evidence to support its use in conditions ranging from Alzheimer’s Disease to traumatic brain injury. Here are the top 10 brain disorders that may benefit from RL and NIRL therapy, as supported by scientific research. Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), a form of dementia, is a neurodegenerative disease that comprises 70% of dementia cases. AD affects 1 in 10 US adults over the age of 65, or 5.7 million Americans. AD is a progressive disease that is characterized by memory loss, disorientation, behavior changes, and an eventual loss of independent functioning. Research investigating the use of light therapy for AD is extensive, with dozens of studies published in the last decade. While many studies have used light therapy in animal models of AD, several clinical trials have been published which have shown positive results. Most studies have exclusively used NIRL, which has been found to penetrate more deeply into the brain. A few studies have used unique research approaches to treating AD with light therapy. For example, a 2022 clinical trial combined light therapy to the brain with RL and NIRL therapy to the gut in patients with mild to moderate AD. The control group received sham, or placebo, light therapy. Patients receiving RL and NIRL showed improved cognitive function relative to the control group. The gut microbiome has been proven to play a role in maintaining brain health, and responds positively to light therapy. Another study combined light therapy with exercise in patients with AD. Patients in both the treatment and control groups participated in a moderate intensity exercise program 3 days per week, 45-60 minutes per session, for 3 months. Patients in the treatment group received NIRL through the nose and on wrist acupuncture points, while those in the control group received a sham light treatment. Both groups improved, but the group receiving NIRL showed more positive change. Researchers state that there are many benefits of light therapy in AD that occur on a cellular level. These include improving mitochondrial function and increasing ATP production, decreasing neuroinflammation, and decreasing oxidative stress – which have a downstream effect of decreasing brain amyloid plaque accumulation. While AD is the most common form of dementia, there is also non-Alzheimer’s dementia, which is similarly characterized by memory loss, disorientation, behavior changes, and an eventual loss of independent functioning. Although most research studies distinguish between types of dementia, some do not, and group all forms of dementia together. It’s not clear how important this distinction is, since the disorders share the same foundational pathologies, so light therapy is likely to have a similar impact regardless of the categorization of dementia. However, it’s still worth looking at some of this evidence. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which often progress to dementia, is also included here. A 2021 comprehensive review of dementia of all types assessed 10 studies of dementia patients treated with light therapy (either RL or NIRL). While not all studies were considered high quality, every one of them reported positive results. Included here was a study of a patient with mild dementia, as well as one of MCI. This analysis suggests that light therapy can benefit dementia starting from very early stages. Another mechanism of how light therapy affects the brain of patients with dementia was revealed in a 2021 trial. In this study, cerebral blood flow was analyzed along with cognition. In addition to improvements in cognitive function, patients also had more blood flow in several areas of the brain. The authors suggest this may be due to changes in levels of nitric oxide. Cognition In addition to improving brain health in people suffering from impaired cognitive function (such as AD, non-Alzheimer’s dementia, and MCI), light therapy has also been found to improve cognition in healthy people. This is quite remarkable, as it shows that the benefits of light therapy are quite universal. Researchers have shown in a series of controlled clinical studies that light therapy using NIRL improves cognition in young and middle-aged healthy adults when applied to the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Cognitive improvements were accompanied by changes in brain function using tools such as EEG, fMRI, and brain blood flow. In 2019, a meta-analysis of all the research looking at the effects of light therapy (including either NIRL or NIRL/RL combined) on cognition in healthy subjects was published. Seven studies included subjects aged 17 to 35 while two studies included subjects aged 49 and older. Despite some issues with study quality, the overall effect on cognition was found to be positive, leading the authors to conclude that light therapy is a “cognitive-enhancing intervention in healthy individuals”. Parkinson's Disease Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative brain disease that involves damage to dopamine producing neurons in the brain. PD involves motor symptoms (such as balance and gait problems) and non-motor symptoms (such as depression, sleep disorders, and cognitive impairment). PD affects around one million people in the US, and over 10 million people globally. Studies using light therapy to treat PD patients have shown that it is helpful. For example, one study of patients who used at-home NIRL therapy devices showed improvements in balance, fine motor skills, cognition, and mobility after 12 weeks of treatment. Patients applied the light to the head, neck, and abdomen. Research suggests that in PD, light therapy should be used 2-3 times per week for at least four weeks. Animal models of PD have been used to try to determine precisely how light therapy is working. A 2020 analysis of 28 animal studies concluded that light therapy, including both RL and NIRL, is “an effective method to treat animal models of PD”. It is suggested that these benefits are due to effects on mitochondria, oxidative stress, and brain metabolism, which may be “helping the brain to repair itself”. The effects of light therapy on mitochondria may be especially important in PD, which involves significant mitochondrial dysfunction. Stroke Stroke (Ischemic) – Ischemic stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease in which the blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Annually, close to 800 000 people have strokes in the US, with an economic cost of close to 57 billion dollars. Although some people recover fully from a stroke, it can cause permanent disability and death. The risk of stroke increases with age, but it can occur across all age groups. Light therapy has shown small, but promising, effects in studies with stroke patients. Using NIRL laser light technology, it was found that treatment improved outcomes when used within 24 hours after a stroke. A larger follow up study showed smaller effects, but there was still a positive trend towards better outcomes. Studies of animal models have shown many benefits when light therapy is used shortly after a stroke occurs. These include increasing the production of new neurons (neurogenesis), decreased inflammation, and improved mitochondrial function. The effects of light on mitochondria is very important in improving stroke outcomes, since mitochondria are responsible for protecting and maintain neurons. Light therapy may work synergistically with other non-invasive treatments for stroke, such as Coenzyme Q10. Depression Depression – Depression is a highly prevalent mood disorder, affecting at least 21 million people in the US in 2021. Depression disproportionately affects young people, with considerably higher rates in people aged 18-25. While depression is associated with psychosocial factors such as trauma, there is also often an underlying brain pathology. In particular, depression has been associated with impaired functioning of brain mitochondria, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. Impaired mitochondrial functioning in depression is not just limited to the brain, but rather is found throughout the body and corresponds with symptom severity. Given these associations, it is not surprising that light therapy can be used to treat depression. Several clinical trials of light therapy in depression have been conducted, all of which used NIRL applied directly to the head. A 2022 systematic review concluded that NIRL therapy “can be classified as strongly recommended for moderate grade of major depressive disorder”. Similarly, a 2023 meta-analysis concluded that there is a “promising role of in the treatment of depressive symptoms”. Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurodegenerative disease that involves the brain and spinal cord. The prevalence of MS has recently been found to be higher than originally thought, affecting nearly 1 million people in the US. The symptoms of MS vary between affected individuals, and include fatigue, gait problems, numbness/tingling, weakness, spasticity, and vision problems. Interestingly, MS prevalence shows a north south gradient, in which people at northern latitudes have more disease. Low sun exposure is a known risk factor for MS, while greater exposure is associated with decreased disease severity. MS involves considerable neuroinflammation, as well as increased oxidative stress. Since most research related to sun exposure and MS has focused on vitamin D – which is produced from UV light, rather than RL or NIRL – there are only a few studies looking at how RL and NIRL therapy (which does not stimulate vitamin D production) affects MS. However, the research that has been done has been very positive. Notably, only one study (using a mouse model of MS) applied light therapy to the brain, with mice showing improved motor function and decreased brain pathology following treatment. Other animal studies have applied light to the spinal cord, which was also the target of a study with human MS patients. A second study of human MS patients applied light to the inside of the mouth and the radial artery on the wrist. Since MS affects both the brain and the peripheral nervous system, it appears that light therapy can target the multiple areas and still be beneficial. Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests in childhood. ASD is characterized by difficulties with social interactions, abnormal language, and restricted/repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities. ASD is a term that includes a range of disorders, including both genetic and non-genetic conditions. Some people with ASD are high functioning, while others suffer from serious disability. ASD is highly prevalent, affecting 1 in 36 children in 2020. Two studies have investigated whether light therapy can be used to improve symptoms of autism. In the first, adults with high functioning ASD received transcranial PBM for 8 weeks. Treatment caused a significant improvement in social responsiveness scores, social awareness, social communication, social motivation, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. In the second, Transcranial PBM with a RL & NIRL laser was used for the treatment of irritability associated with autistic spectrum disorder in children and adolescents aged 5-17 years. Light therapy significantly reduced irritability scores compared to the placebo group, as well as lethargy and social withdrawal, stereotypic behaviour, hyperactivity and non-compliance, and inappropriate speech. Benefits were maintained at both 6 and 12 month follow up. The long-lasting benefits seen in this study are striking, and suggest that brain structure and/or function has improved as a result of treatment with RL and NIRL. Epilepsy Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes seizures, which are discharges of electrical activity in the brain. Epilepsy affects 1.2% of the US population, or approximately 3.4 million people. Epilepsy is most commonly treated with drugs, but up to 1/3 of people do not improve with medication. Surgery is another treatment for epilepsy, but it carries some risk. Although research on light therapy and epilepsy has so far been limited to animal models, the impact of light on seizures and brain health has been positive. A 2022 review article described that “ makes the neurons ‘healthier’ by restoring their function and making them more resistant to distress and disease”. Several animal studies using NIRL have observed positive outcomes, including reduced seizure activity and decreased mortality. This is consistent with research that shows a north south disease gradient with epilepsy, similar to that observed with MS. Traumatic brain injury / concussion Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when there is a violent blow to the head. Concussions are a common type of TBI. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, vison and speech problems, and difficulty with memory and concentration. Around 1.7 million people in the US experience a TBI annually, with adolescents aged 15 to 19 and older adults over 65 years being affected more commonly. Research using light therapy (both RL and NIRL) for TBI has looked at both immediate and chronic effects in animal and human models. Animal studies have shown a reduction in the size of the brain lesion when light therapy was used immediately following trauma, which correlated with the severity of neurological symptoms. Similarly, a case study of a hockey player with a history of six documented concussions using at-home intracranial and intranasal NIRL found improved markers of health using brain imaging. Other human studies looking at behavioral outcomes have observed benefits such as improved sleep, improved cognition, and reduced anxiety and depression. Chronic Traumatic Encephalitis Chronic traumatic encephalitis (CTE) is a brain disorder caused by repeated head injuries. The injuries damage brain neurons and the condition worsens over time. CTE occurs most commonly in athletes that play contact sports, like football and boxing. CTE highlights the importance of healing traumatic brain injuries, as approximately 17% of people with repeated TBI progress to CTE. As with TBI, light therapy has been found to benefit CTE. A study of four ex-football players with suspected CTE treated with RL and NIRL to the head found that three of the four players showed improvements in outcomes including depression, pain and sleep. More research is needed to confirm these preliminary findings. Using Light Therapy for Brain Health There are an increasing number of devices on the market that directly target brain health. Most apply light therapy to the head (often as a hat or helmet), some deliver light to the brain through the nose (intranasally), some target specific areas only (such as the forehead or back of head), and some even shine light on distant areas on the body (such as the abdomen). With so many options available, how can you know which device is best for you? Here are five issues to consider. Style Preference: Your personal level of comfort with a device is important. If it isn’t easy to use, and if it doesn’t feel good on your body, you probably won’t use it consistently. Imagine yourself wearing the device – would you be comfortable wearing a hard helmet, or would you prefer a soft hat? Do you want a device that is wireless, or can you commit to being close to an electrical outlet so that you can plug it in? Do you want the flexibility of being able to lie down while wearing the device? Are you comfortable with having multiple contact points on the body, or would you prefer the device be on only one part? Think about your personal preferences and choose accordingly. Laser vs LED: Light therapy is administered using either laser or LED lights. While early light therapy research was done using lasers, LED lights have become much more popular over the last decade. The research described in this article includes both types of light sources. In 2018, Dr. Michael Hamblin – the world’s leading light therapy expert – concluded that LED lights using comparable parameters to lasers performed “equally well”, which is very important because LED powered light therapy devices can be made at a fraction of the cost of laser devices. Consumers can rest assured that using at home LED powered devices for the treatment of brain disorders is supported by research evidence. For at home use, look for a device that uses LED lights as safe and affordable option. Light Color/Wavelength: As described in this article, both RL and NIRL have been used in studies of light therapy to treat brain disorders. Although NIRL has been used most often, some studies have also found benefit from RL. Light with wavelengths between 600 and 1300nm, in the red and near infrared light spectrums, have been found to penetrate maximally into the brain. So, look for products that provide both RL and NIRL in combination, or NIRL only. Light Intensity: Light intensity refers to the amount of light being delivered by a device. It is also referred to as irradiance. The required intensity when using light therapy to impact brain disorders is unclear. The assumption is often made that for light to influence the brain, it must receive light photons, which must pass through the hair, skin, skull, and cerebrospinal fluid. Studies have found that the deepest penetration comes from higher intensity light sources using NIRL. However, studies have also shown that there are benefits to light therapy that can’t be explained by the depth of light penetration into the brain. For example, cognition and blood flow in the brain have been found to improve when light therapy is applied to the front and back of the neck. Similarly, depressive symptoms improve when light therapy is applied to either the periphery of the body, as well as directly to the brain. Although this isn’t well understand, there are several possible explanations, including effects on superficial blood and lymphatic vessels in the head and neck area as well as connections between the brain and other areas of the body, such as the gut. These “indirect” benefits to the brain from applying light therapy to somewhere on the body are increasingly being recognized as being neuroprotective. The penetration issue has led many companies to develop high intensity devices to support brain health. While these devices have been found to helpful, devices that are lower intensity have been also. Devices across a range of intensities may provide benefit, and consumers aren’t limited to a specific intensity range. Education: While light therapy education will not change the specific functionality of a device, it does have the potential to profoundly impact how someone uses the technology. When a company provides evidence-based education that teaches consumers why, how, and when to use a product, devices can be used to better support healing. Look for products with accompanying education and instructions for use, whether in printed and/or digital formats. You can also look for companies that provide support by phone or email to current or prospective customers. Conclusion Light therapy with red and near infrared light has shown great promise in supporting brain health. Benefits of treatment have been observed across a wide range of populations, ranging from young healthy adults to elderly people with dementia. Light therapy affects the foundational pathologies that underlie virtually all brain disorders, including oxidative stress, impaired metabolism, and neuroinflammation. This occurs, at least in part, through stimulation of brain mitochondria, which produce energy. Research using light therapy to support brain health has applied a range of technical specifications, including style of device, light source, light wavelength, and light intensity. Benefits have been observed in most studies, which suggests that consumers have options when it comes to choosing the device that is right for them. Factors such as comfort, cost, and ease of use can be considered. Therapy with RL and NIRL can be used to safely support brain health across the lifespan, making light therapy devices a wise investment for all. shop red light therapy head wrap For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
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Light Therapy for Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the most popular topics in healthcare, and rightfully so. It is a hallmark of many diseases currently ravaging modern society, such as arthritis, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, and depression. Inflammation is also associated with acute diseases involving the heart, pancreas, liver, and other organs, as well as trauma and infection. The personal and economic burden of these diseases cannot be overstated. Treatment of inflammation associated diseases makes up the majority of health care spending in the US, costing billions of dollars annually. There are also indirect costs of illness, such as reduced work and productivity. The most common treatments for inflammation are pharmaceuticals, including prescription (such as Celebrex) and the over-the-counter drugs (such as Aspirin and Alleve). However, many of these drugs have serious side effects, such as hypersensitivity reactions and ulcers. Given these risks, many people are turning to non-invasive therapies to fight inflammation, some of which are highly effective and have far fewer side effects than their pharmaceutical counterparts. One of these is treatment with red and near infrared light (also called red light therapy or photobiomodulation), which uses light waves at specific frequencies to decrease inflammation at a cellular level. Red Light Therapy The term “red light therapy” usually describes the use of both red and near infrared light, although only the red light produced by the device is visible to the naked eye. Infrared light can still be perceived by the body as heat when it contacts skin. Red and near infrared light therapy is the application of artificially generated light in the red and near infrared spectral bands. Red and near infrared light are naturally produced by the sun, which gives off solar radiation. The term radiation describes energy that is transmitted in the form of waves or particles. The spectrum of light in our environment consists of both light we can see (visible light) and light that our eyes can’t perceive (invisible light). This is called the electromagnetic spectrum. The visible light spectrum is quite narrow, consisting of wavelengths that range from 400 to 700nm and span from violet to red in color. Red light is part of this visible light spectrum, while near infrared light is not. While early research on light therapy used primarily lasers, more recent research has found that LED’s can also be used, which also have the advantage of applying light to a larger area of the body as well as an improved safety profile. The use of LED in red/near infrared light therapy devices has also greatly reduced the cost of treatment, making it something that can be done in the comfort of one’s own home. Inflammation The inflammatory process is mediated by the immune system, specifically the innate (or non-specific) component. Inflammation protects the body from injury and infection. There are many goals of the inflammatory response, including reducing the extent of injury, limiting the spread of infection, and restoring the body back into balance. While we mostly think of inflammation as being harmful, it’s actually a natural and essential physiological function. Inflammation becomes harmful when it is uncontrolled, lasts for a long time, or just generally occurs when it shouldn’t. There are three types of inflammation, which are mainly defined by their length. Acute inflammation is short term, lasting days. This is what happens when you sprain your ankle, and it swells up, becomes warm, and may show color changes. That response is designed to limit movement, which prevents further injury and allows the damaged tissue to heal. Sub-acute inflammation lasts from two to six weeks, and often follows acute inflammation as healing progresses. The response here is similar, but less intense, than acute inflammation. Chronic inflammation lasts for months or even years, and at this point, inflammation has ceased to be a normal (and healthy) response to a stimulus and has become pathological. Chronic inflammation is the type that is associated with most diseases. It is also associated with oxidative stress. Chronic inflammation is not associated with visible signs of inflammation (such as redness, heat, and swelling), so people often aren’t even aware it is happening. This contrasts with acute inflammation, which is usually visible and occurs because of trauma or infection. Red Light Therapy for Inflammation As described by Dr. Michael Hamblin, former Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, “one of the most reproducible effects of is an overall reduction of inflammation”. Studies have found that light therapy affects levels of many molecules involved in inflammation, including reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and prostaglandins. Light therapy has even been found to reduce inflammation in the brain, known as neuroinflammation. Red light therapy has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in the following conditions: Brain Disorders – Neuroinflammation is one of the foundational pathologies underlying a wide range of brain disorders. Light therapy has been found to decrease inflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as to improve cognitive function. Several clinical trials have been published which have shown positive results. Most studies have exclusively used near infrared light, which has been found to penetrate more deeply into the brain. Light therapy has also been found to decrease inflammation and improve recovery after a stroke. When used to treat brain disorders, light therapy is usually applied to the head area, using devices such as hats and helmets. Traumatic Brain Injury - Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when there is a violent blow to the head. Approximately 17% of people with repeated TBI progress to chronic traumatic encephalitis (CTE), a brain disorder caused by repeated head injuries. Concussions are another common type of TBI. TBI’s result in acute neuroinflammation, which can become a chronic problem if not treated properly. Research using light therapy (both red and near infrared) for TBI has looked at both immediate and chronic effects in animal and human models. Animal studies have shown a reduction in the size of the brain lesion when light therapy was applied to the head immediately following trauma, which correlated with the severity of neurological symptoms, which may be due (in part) to decreased inflammation. Depression – Neuroinflammation is similarly found in people suffering from depression, and it is thought to be a key factor and therapeutic target in depressive disorders. Several clinical trials of light therapy in depression have been conducted, all of which used near infrared light applied directly to the head. A 2022 systematic review concluded that light therapy “can be classified as strongly recommended for moderate grade of major depressive disorder”. Similarly, a 2023 meta-analysis concluded that there is a “promising role of in the treatment of depressive symptoms”. Gut Disorders – Inflammatory gut diseases like colitis and inflammatory bowel diseases may benefit from red light therapy. Research has found that application of red light to the abdomen of rats with experimentally induced colitis (a form of inflammatory bowel disease) improved many markers of gut health, including reducing inflammation. There is interest in studying the use of light therapy to improve gut health in human subjects as well, with research currently ongoing to see if it helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease. When treating gut disorders, light therapy is usually applied directly to the abdomen. Pain - Pain creates a huge burden of disability, both personal and economic. There is evidence that red light therapy decreases many types of pain, including knee, neck, low-back, temporomandibular joint, and post-surgical pain. Red light therapy can also reduce pain associated with arthritis and fibromyalgia. One of the primary mechanisms of pain reduction by light therapy is by decreasing inflammation. Red light therapy also reduces pain by decreasing oxidative stress, reducing the sensitivity of neurons, and decreasing the transmission of pain related nerve impulses. Arthritis – In addition to reducing arthritis pain by decreasing inflammation, the anti-inflammatory effects of red light therapy on arthritis also yields other benefits. Inflammation in arthritis is responsible for much of the observed pathology, including cartilage breakdown. Treatment with red light therapy may have a range of positive effects, such as preserving joint function, avoiding joint deformities, and reducing drug side effects and toxicities. Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness – Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is pain that occurs in the muscles between 12 and 24 hours after a workout. DOMS is caused by tiny muscle tears that results in inflammation, which causes pain. Treatment with red light therapy to muscles after a strength training session has been shown to decrease markers of inflammation, as well as to improve other outcomes like decreased fatigue and increased protein synthesis. Injury – In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects on muscle tissue, including speeding recovery from post-exercise damage, red light therapy also reduces inflammation and speeds wound healing, such as from burn injuries. Red light therapy can also reduce inflammation and speed healing from injuries to bone, including fractures and more complex bone injuries that require the use ceramic materials. Tendon injuries also benefit from red light therapy. Skin Disorders – Many skin disorders are characterized by inflammation, including acne, psoriasis and eczema. Light therapies treat acne through anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, and by decreasing the production of oil. Inflammatory acne is more responsive to light therapy than non-inflammatory acne, and studies have even found it to be superior to some medications. Red and near infrared light is also recommended in the treatment of psoriasis in part because of its anti-inflammatory effects. And in eczema, an inflammatory skin disease, treatment with near infrared light therapy has been found to decrease skin itching and lesions. Alopecia Areata – Alopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own hair follicles. This causes the hair to fall out, resulting in patches of baldness. AA can affect hair on any part of the body but is most common on the head. It is characterized by inflammation around hair follicles during the growth phase. The anti-inflammatory effects of light therapy may decrease this inflammation. In fact, treatment with red and near infrared light has been found to increase hair growth in bald patches. How To Use Red Light Therapy To Reduce Inflammation There is no single right way to use red light therapy to reduce inflammation. It all depends on what condition you are trying to treat and what your personal preferences are as far as treatment approach. The following are a few simple questions that can be used to guide you towards selecting the device that is most suitable for your needs: 1. What are your specific health concerns? Red light is usually applied to the affected body part, either directly in contact with the skin or at a distance of around 4 to 12 inches away. Some devices are location specific, such as knee wraps, head wraps or helmets, shoulder and neck wraps, or elbow and wrist red light wraps. Other devices are non-specific, such as square or rectangular light wraps, or red light panels. If you are dealing with a single, region-specific concern – such as knee arthritis or Alzheimer’s Disease - you may prefer to get a regionally targeted red light therapy device. However, if you are dealing with inflammation in more than one area of the body and want a device that can be used in multiple locations, a non-specific wrap may be preferable. Red light panels can also be used to address multiple body parts, although they may be difficult to position properly for some locations, such as the feet and ankles. 2. What are your preferred treatment conditions? Treatments using red light panels are most often done in a seated position, with the panel oriented towards the face, neck, torso, or other affected body part. They can also be done in a standing position, although this is not as relaxing. Lying down is possible if the treatment location allows it. Red light panels are wired and require the user to stay in the same position throughout the duration of the treatment. In contrast, treatments using red light wraps can be done in any position, including standing, sitting, and lying down. They can even be worn while moving around. Some red light wraps are wired, while others are wireless, with wireless models providing more flexibility. 3. What device specs should you look for? At home red light therapy devices almost always use LED’s as the light source. However, they do vary in other parameters, such as light wavelength(s) and intensity. When it comes to choosing the optimal wavelengths, you should look for light in the red and/or near infrared spectrums - but avoid the range of 700-780nm which has been found to be ineffective. Multi-wavelength devices including both red and near infrared light may be the most versatile. In terms of intensity, it has been found that it is ideal to mimic the intensity of the sun, which is around 24 mW/cm2 at the skin. This is described as the “sweet spot” between higher intensities, which can have harmful effects, and lower intensities, which will have no effect at all. Many devices on the market are at a much higher intensity than the sun, so choose a sun-mimicking product and don’t overdo it when it comes to treatment frequency and duration. Conclusion Red light therapy (with red and near infrared light) may be used to reduce inflammation in a wide range of diseases, both acute and chronic. There are very few contraindications to red light therapy, and it can be safely used at home as part of a regular wellness regime. Choose a device that suits your needs and preferred treatment conditions, and which delivers both red and near infrared light at an appropriate intensity. Combine red light therapy with an anti-inflammatory diet and supplements, regular exercise, stress management, and good sleep hygiene for best results. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
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