How big a deal is nitric oxide? Well, in 1992 it won the Molecule of the Year by the journal Science. It was also the basis of Robert F. Furchgott, Louis J. Ignarro and Ferid Murad’s 1998 Nobel Prize win in Physiology or Medicine.
Let’s take a look at what it is, why it’s important, and how LED Light Therapy benefits it.
What is Nitric Oxide?
Nitric oxide (chemical formula NO) is a gaseous cardiovascular signaling molecule that governs blood vessel and lymph vessel function, providing the cardiovascular system with a number of important benefits, including increased circulation, improved neurotransmission and reduced clotting.
Nitric oxide is produced by the endothelium — the inner lining of the cardiovascular system — which is used to communicate a tremendous amount of biological information throughout the body, including oxygen, nutrients and more. Given that this single-cell lining equals several hundred square meters of surface area, it’s no wonder that its role in communication is so vital.
However, as we age, our natural production of NO decreases, leading to a host of common cardiovascular diseases, including diabetes and hypertension. That makes the production of NO a top priority in maintaining our cardiovascular health.
How Does LED Light Therapy Help With Nitric Oxide?
Remarkably, studies have found that LED Light Therapy helps the body produce NO.
A 2013 trial found that near-infrared (NIR) light “increased NO levels in venous blood draining from the treatment site in healthy subjects,” which aids in a variety of conditions that can benefit from increased peripheral blood flow. (Mitchell & Mack, 2013)
Additionally, a 2011 study focuses on Cytochrome c oxidase (Cco) — a protein complex in mitochondria that helps ATP produce energy for the cells. It was found that low-intensity light aids Cco in an additional function — the catalyzation of NO synthesis.
The study’s findings “raise the interesting possibility that low intensity light exerts a beneficial effect on cells and tissues by increasing NO synthesis catalyzed by Cco and offer a new explanation for the increase in NO bioavailability experienced by tissue exposed to light.” (Ball et al., 2011)
Translation: Yellow Light Therapy aids in the production of nitric oxide, boosting cardiovascular health.
Fascinating stuff! Now all we need is an LED Light Therapy device that offers medical practitioners and at-home users both NIR and Yellow Light Therapy. Enter the patent-pending Visum Light.
The Visum Light & Nitric Oxide
From nitric oxide-related cardiovascular issues to chronic pain, skin conditions, musculoskeletal issues and more, the Visum Light is one of the leading handheld light therapy devices for treating a wide spectrum of conditions and ailments using a single handheld device.
With both monochromatic and polychromatic therapies available, the Visum Light combines several single-color devices into one, for cost-effective, versatile treatment. And with pre-programmed settings, along with manual control of dosage, duration, Nogier Frequencies and more, the Visum Light is ideal for home users and medical practitioners alike.
Take a look at our 45-day No-Worries Guarantee and see the amazing results for yourself, risk free!
Interested in learning more about Photobiomodulation Therapy? Look no further than this comprehensive database compiled by Vladimir Heiskanen of Helsinki, Finland.
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References
Ball, K. A., Castello, P. R., & Poyton, R. O. (2011). Low intensity light stimulates nitrite-dependent nitric oxide synthesis but not oxygen consumption by cytochrome c oxidase: Implications for phototherapy. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology. B, Biology, 102(3), 182–191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2010.12.002
Mitchell, U. H., & Mack, G. L. (2013). Low-level laser treatment with near-infrared light increases venous nitric oxide levels acutely: a single-blind, randomized clinical trial of efficacy. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation / Association of Academic Physiatrists, 92(2), 151–156. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0b013e318269d70a