Mitochondria are the little energy cells in our body. They’re involved in energy production, glycosis (how glucose becomes energy) and cellular respiration.
In this Evidence-Based, Simple and Effective Treatments series I want to share the things that help me the most in my journey, that are backed up by a lot of my research and are relatively simple or low cost to try. And you don’t need to do them “for fibromyalgia” you can simply do them “for wellbeing” – you as a human with a body.
Mitochondria are important.
Yet “Mitochondria malfunction is involved in basically all chronic diseases and conditions: Alzheimer’s disease, heavy metal toxicity, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc.” (source)
Mitochondria like light.
“Light is the primary signal that drives our biological processes. Photons interact with the photoreceptors primarily in our eyes, skin, mitochondria, and melanin, which regulates the circadian rhythm and other processes like levels of brain chemicals like dopamine, hormone balance, metabolism, appetite, sleep, fertility status, energy levels, immune system, etc. Through sunlight exposure, we also create structured water (H3O2) which helps our cells act as batteries. Our mitochondrial health relies on proper light exposure.” (source)
In my informal literature review I found that natural sunlight supports
- Gastrointestinal system
- Cardiovascular system
- Mitochondria
- Circadian rhythm
- Eye health
- Metabolic health
- Sleep
- Energy
If you’re curious about learning more, see the reading list below. I’ll move into what to do about it.
Pretty much every generation prior to ours had an abundance of natural light. We, in contrast, spend most of our day in artificial light, some of it transported in moving boxes and a tiny proportion outside.
Things we can do according to the literature
- Reduce blue light exposure
- Reduce artificial light
- Increase sun exposure
Most articles explain the spectrum of light available across the day and the red light part is best first thing and at sunset.
They suggest sunhat but not sunglasses. And slowly building your tolerance.
10-15 minutes before 10am
10 minutes at sunset
However, one interview I listened to they said this recommendation is for health maintenance and people who are unwell (mentioned diabetes and cancer) should do as much as possible (safely).
How I get natural sunlight
I’ve always gravitated toward natural sunlight. After my operation in 2023, before I was able to take any steps (therefore get outside) I would stand in the doorway in the sun. More recently, I’ve been ensuring that I get natural sunlight in the morning and again later in the day. In the afternoon, I will take my cushion and sit on my steps, with a hat to protect my eyes and face. I don’t sit out in the hottest part of the day in summer.
This has been part of the healthy human habits that I’ve been pursuing to support my last bit of the healing journey. In the absence of a cure or medication that puts fibromyalgia into remission, this is what I’ve got left.
I even included it in my list of essential healthy habits I do as a busy mama with chronic illness.
Grab my free worksheet set to help you set your daily healthy habits plans
Further reading
Guidelines for ME/CFS include sun exposure
“The NICE Guideline recommends that all patients with moderate to severe ME-CFS should be encouraged to obtain adequate sun exposure and eat foods high in vitamin D.” (source)
