Nobel Prize Illuminating Medical Science
Every October, the Nobel Prize is announced at the Karolinka Institute in Stockholm Sweden for discoveries that have the greatest benefit to mankind. As a scientist, there is no greater award or recognition than a Nobel Prize. In 1998, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded for the discovery of nitric oxide and began an explosion of research and innovations based on that discovery. This year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is awarded for the discovery of light activated ion channels that can regulate mood, activate certain and specific neuron channels and affect brain circuitry. By using pulses of light, scientists can now flip neurons on or off with extreme precision, allowing them to map how neural circuits shape functions like memory, behavior, pain, and emotion. Similarly, this should spark an interest in capturing this basic understanding into new innovative therapies.
From Algae to Modern Photobiomodulation
These discoveries first occurred in algae when it was observed that exposure to light activated a specific protein, rhodopsin that opened an ion channel creating a current and then allowed the algae to move towards the light. We’ve known for centuries that light can be therapeutic. In the 1950s it was discovered that light can dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and regulating blood pressure. This phenomenon was termed “photo relaxation”. In 2003, we published a paper revealing the nature of photo labile molecules that could release nitric oxide when exposed to certain and specific wavelengths of light:
2003 Study on Photo-Labile Nitric Oxide Release
Expanding Applications: Clinical Light Therapies
The field has expanded to photo-bio-modulation where light and lasers are now used to treat many conditions. Clinical trials are leveraging light therapy to help restore vision in patients with retinitis pigmentosa in blind patients and improve advanced cochlear implants for hearing loss. In stem cell therapy, scientists are using light and lasers to energize and activate stem cells prior to deployment. There is cranial light therapy for treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Light therapy has been used successfully in chronic wound treatment. So, this is not new information but rightfully so, Nobel Prizes often come years, sometimes decades after the initial and original discoveries. The discoveries must stand the test of time, be reproducible and have demonstrated sound science that can be innovated into new therapies to benefit mankind.
The Natural Power of Sunlight on Health and Blood Pressure
This year’s Nobel Prize reveals a mechanism of action for the many known benefits of light therapy. However, I like to consider the practical applications of science and discoveries. For the past several decades we have been advised to avoid sunlight, wear sunshades when in the sun and apply sunscreen when out in the sun. We use artificial light to light our homes and offices to improve energy efficiency. As a result, we have become completely devoid of natural light and it is obvious we are missing out on the many therapeutic benefits of light. We have an epidemic of mental health issues and hyperactive and attention deficit conditions in kids. Alzheimer and dementia are on the rise. Epidemiological research from Scandinavia shows a strong, dose-dependent link between low sun exposure and an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular mortality. Because Scandinavia sits at higher latitudes with distinct seasonal variations in sunlight, these large-scale population cohorts have provided unique insights into how sunlight exposure influences blood pressure. In the northern hemisphere, there is a phenomenon called Winter Hypertension where we see blood pressure goes up in people during winter months.
Rethinking Modern Sunlight Avoidance
To the contrary, epidemiological data shows that blood pressure and the prevalence of hypertension decline the closer to the equator one lives. This phenomenon, often referred to as a “latitude gradient,” indicates that populations living closer to the equator generally experience lower baseline blood pressure due to higher levels of ambient sunshine. In my simple mind, perhaps the therapeutic solution to lead to the greatest benefit to mankind is to get more sunlight. Sunlight is known to improve mood, lower blood pressure, lead to better immune function and increase energy production. After all, our mitochondria can be activated by light improving cellular energy production similar to the chloroplasts of plants. We need sunlight to live, to thrive and to maintain good health. This is relevant and timely as we are moving into the Fall and Winter months where sunlight exposure for many will be limited.
Practical Steps for Daily Health and Vitality
I do not know how the so-called experts who make public health recommendations can continue to recommend cancer causing sunscreens or make recommendations to avoid sunlight exposure. Personally, over the past decade I have stopped wearing ball caps and sunglasses when out in the sun. I am more intentional about getting sunlight on as much of my body every day of the year. I do not nor have never used sunscreen. It appears that everything we have been told to do by “experts” are contrary to Nature and science. A recipe for chronic illness would be to avoid sunlight, apply sunscreen, inhibit endogenous cholesterol synthesis and sterilize your body with fluoridated water, fluoride toothpaste, antiseptic mouthwash and antibiotics. This is, unfortunately what is recommended by the current medical system across many countries of the world. Many people subscribe to this model and we wonder why so many people on this planet, especially in the U.S. are sick, overweight and living with chronic disease.
As always, follow the science and I will continue to help interpret the science so you can become better informed and make better decisions regarding your own health. Avoid cholesterol lowering medication, avoid sunscreen, antiseptic mouthwash, antacids and sugar. Get out in the sun more, walk barefoot, move and exercise, practice deep breathing and get your daily nitric oxide. You will be amazed at your health transformation. This year’s Nobel Prize announcement has been illuminating for me and I hope you will also become illuminated.
You can find my nitric oxide products at www.n1o1.com. Use coupon code NSB10 for a discount.
About Dr. Nathan S. Bryan
Dr. Nathan S. Bryan is a biochemist and physiologist that has more than 25 years of basic science and clinical research. His many seminal discoveries have resulted in dozens of issued U.S. and International patents. He is an international expert in nitric oxide and molecular medicine. Dr. Bryan is an innovator and successful entrepreneur whose product technology is based on his discoveries to restore nitric oxide production and signaling. This content is not intended to replace medical advice from a physician.
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