Is a 'light deficiency' quietly ageing you faster? – with Professor Glen Jeffery

One of the most powerful tools for healthy ageing might be something you've barely thought about: light. Most of us spend the majority of our time under LED lighting that's stripped of the very wavelengths our bodies need to function well – and the impact on our metabolism, energy and long-term health is only just being understood.

Professor Glen Jeffery, neuroscientist at UCL's Institute of Ophthalmology, joins Liz to explain why a light deficiency could be quietly accelerating ageing, what it means for your mitochondria, and the simple changes – starting with your light bulbs – that could make a real difference to how you feel and age.

In this episode:

Why infrared light is the most overlooked wavelength for human health
How LED lighting creates a "light deficiency" – and why Glen calls it modern-day scurvy
The profound effect light has on your mitochondria and energy production
Why morning light matters
What the research really says about red light face masks and infrared saunas
How changing your light environment could help regulate blood sugar and metabolism
The simple practical changes to make at home – and why Glen's first recommendation is to get a dog

Links mentioned in the episode:

Anti blue light glasses

Get in touch with a question for Liz:

Email: podcast@lizearlewellbeing.com
WhatsApp: 07518 471 846

Episoder(638)

Strength training vs swimming – which is best after 45?

Wondering if those daily laps of the pool are enough to keep you strong as you age? Liz discusses the benefits of swimming for cardiovascular fitness and mobility – but explains why adding strength tr...

14 Sep 36min

What menopause really does to your brain, heart, gut, bones and skin – with Professor Mary Ryan

Hormones affect far more than fertility and menopause – they play a vital role in everything from heart and brain health to strong bones and a balanced gut. Professor of endocrinology Mary Ryan joins ...

11 Sep 47min

Subtle skin ‘tweakments’ for the ultimate confidence boost – with Dr Maude Calveley

How can we address the visible signs of ageing, while ensuring the results still look natural? Liz is joined by Ouronyx aesthetics doctor Dr Maude Calveley to explore how facial fat, muscles and even ...

9 Sep 19min

7 ways to stop mindless snacking without relying on willpower

Do you find you’re struggling with self-discipline when it comes to healthy eating? Liz explores what drives us to reach for the biscuit tin – and shares ways to adapt your environment to reduce cravi...

7 Sep 33min

Fermented foods: what to eat to age better – with Rachel De Thample

Fermented foods are a simple, tasty way to support not just our gut microbiome, but also our mood, skin health and mental clarity. Fermentation expert Rachel de Thample joins Liz to explore how adding...

4 Sep 41min

6 ways to lift and firm crepey skin

If your skin isn't looking as taut and firm as it used to, you’re not alone. Liz explains how skin firmness can be impacted by declining collagen and oestrogen in midlife, as well as changes in muscle...

31 Aug 34min

6 ways to rethink your relationship with alcohol – with Anna Donaghey

We often reach automatically for a drink as a way to relax or celebrate, but as we get older, we don’t always recover as easily as we used to. Alcohol mindset coach Anna Donaghey joins Liz to explore ...

28 Aug 44min

Why I stopped using fluoride toothpaste

Could the way you clean your teeth be disrupting your health? Liz explains why she has swapped traditional fluoride toothpaste for hydroxyapatite – and shares the simple cleansing routine she uses to ...

24 Aug 32min