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Megyn Kelly recently hosted biohacker Gary Brecka to talk about red light therapy, infrared saunas, and the “natural” ways people try to hack their health. The segment is part science talk and part wellness infomercial — useful if you like learning about photobiomodulation, annoying if you expect miracle cures. Let’s clear up what the research actually shows and where you should keep your wallet and common sense firmly in your pocket.
What red light therapy (photobiomodulation) really is
Red light therapy, also called photobiomodulation (PBM), shines red and near‑infrared (NIR) light on tissues. Those wavelengths — roughly 600–1,100 nm — get absorbed by mitochondria and can boost cellular energy (ATP) and change cell signaling. In plain English: the light can help cells repair, calm inflammation, and sometimes ease pain. That makes it a promising tool for things like wound healing and some muscle or joint pain problems. But promising is not the same as panacea. Science supports certain uses, but the results depend on the right wavelengths, dose, and treatment plan — and those are not standardized across every gadget on the market.
Science, safety, and the FDA reality check
Yes, some high‑quality trials and meta‑analyses show clear benefits for specific problems — knee osteoarthritis pain, better wound healing, and some cosmetic or dermatologic uses. But many studies are small or use different devices and doses, so you can’t trust broad marketing claims like “cures degeneration” or “makes you immortal.” A few LED and laser devices have FDA 510(k) clearances for narrow claims, typically cosmetic or pain‑related. Clearance isn’t a blanket approval for every health claim. Also remember safety basics: protect your eyes, don’t let cheap devices overheat your skin, and be cautious if you take photosensitizing meds. The wellness industry loves to hype, and hype often outpaces evidence.
Saunas, sunlight, and the “free” alternatives
Brecka pointed out that infrared and dry saunas and even sunlight share some benefits with PBM. That’s partly true but also misleading in how it’s presented. Saunas work through heat stress — they raise body temperature, trigger heat‑shock proteins, and improve circulation. Big Finnish studies link frequent sauna use to lower heart‑disease risk and lower overall mortality, but those are observational findings, not randomized proof of cause and effect. Sunlight does contain red and NIR wavelengths, so it can deliver similar photons for free — but sunlight also brings UV, which carries real skin‑cancer risk, and you can’t control a sunbeam the way you control a clinic device. In short: saunas and sunshine help, but they’re not the same as a controlled PBM session.
Bottom line: science first, hype second
If you want to try red light therapy or an infrared sauna, go ahead — but do it informed. Look for devices with clear clinical support for the specific claim they make, ask your doctor if you have special risks, and don’t swap out proven medical care for Instagram wellness takes. Sunlight and saunas are useful and affordable tools for many people, but they aren’t magic. Treat biohacking guests like Gary Brecka as interesting sources, not gospel, and remember: if a health product sounds too good to be true, it probably is — or at least it’s been through a very persuasive marketing team.
