Aug 01 2024 105 mins
Sunlight exposure is crucial for supporting overall health by influencing mitochondrial function and regulating biological processes.
Today's guest, Dr. Alexis Cowan has a PhD in molecular biology from Princeton and operates at the interface of physiology and metabolism, which basically means she studies how our bodies work and use energy. Her focus areas include circadian biology and how sunlight and toxic artificial light affects our health, microbiome-host interactions which looks at how our gut bacteria interact with us, and how does food and exercise affect our metabolism.
Dr. Cowan stresses the significance of sunlight exposure in promoting optimal health, emphasizing its role in boosting mitochondrial ATP production and structuring water within the body. Particularly, red and infrared light from the sun directly impact mitochondrial function, leading to enhanced metabolism and energy production.
Dr. Cowan's insights highlight the importance of natural light exposure for health, emphasizing the significance of spending time outdoors and optimizing the light environment. By incorporating these practices into daily life, children can experience improved cognitive function, enhanced critical thinking skills, and overall well-being.
[00:01:12] Psychedelic experience sparking scientific interest.
[00:05:08] Impact of light on biology.
[00:08:29] Sunlight importance for children's health.
[00:12:34] Harmful Effects of Screen Time.
[00:15:19] Blue light's impact on health.
[00:16:37] Sunlight benefits mitochondrial health.
[00:21:22] Melanin's role in sunlight absorption.
[00:24:45] Benefits of Sun Exposure.
[00:27:30] Sun exposure and melanoma rates.
[00:31:31] Red and infrared light benefits.
[00:32:57] Melanin and skin pigmentation.
[00:37:45] Mitochondrial adaptation to climates.
[00:40:47] Ignorance around light and health.
[00:43:36] Optimizing baby's light environment.
[00:48:07] Baby monitor and blue light.
[00:50:42] Rise in childhood diseases.
[00:54:47] Melanin in autism research.
[00:56:19] Benefits of infrared light therapy.
[01:00:30] Spending money on solutions
[01:03:34] Gut microbiome research misconceptions.
[01:07:26] Gut health for children.
[01:11:59] Gut microbiome optimization protocol.
[01:13:01] Researching medical information online.
[01:18:01] Seeking quality information and viewpoints.
[01:21:08] Questioning preventative dentistry practices.
[01:24:24] Sunlight exposure and fertility.
[01:26:46] Tracking Hormones for Birth Control.
[01:29:44] Fertility and mitochondrial health.
[01:33:43] Sunlight and mental health benefits.
[01:38:37] Children's health and environmental impact.
Dr. Cowan's Instagram:
DrAlexisJazmyn
Lena's Instagram:
lena.livinsky