5 Minutes to Recharge Your Mitochondria
The Surprising Power of Sunlight
After a couple of soul nourishing walks over the holidays with grandchildren, parents and friends - along the beach, on the farm, through a forest I’m reminded of the powerful connection between nature and energy.
Today, I want to talk about sunlight, mitochondria, and a little-known way to support your body’s energy engine.
You might be surprised to hear that just 15 minutes of sunlight a day can help cool and protect your mitochondria from oxidative stress. Why does that matter?
Mitochondria are like the engines of our cells producing the energy we need to function. But like any engine, when they overheat (from stress, toxins, poor diet & lifestyle), they lose efficiency. My dad would have said, “You’ll blow a foo foo valve if you don’t top up the radiator!”
Sunlight comes in waves. At one end, we have shortwave UVB rays which you feel, tan and produce Vitamin D2. At the other, we have infrared rays which are long, invisible waves that penetrate up to 8 cm into the body and interact directly with mitochondria.
Infrared light helps cool, calm, and restore mitochondrial function. It reduces oxidative stress allowing them to keep producing energy efficiently. Think of it as high-octane fuel, and the best part? It’s free. Just 15 minutes a day can make a difference.
So, next time the sun’s out, step into it - a 15 minute charge that makes its own melatonin. Let your body absorb that natural energy. Your mitochondria (and your mood) will thank you. Who knew?
Daily Dose
🌞 15 minutes a day = enough to help cool and energise your mitochondria
No supplement needed. Just natural light.
"The long wavelengths of sunlight, especially infrared, help reduce oxidative stress and support cellular energy production" - Dr Roger Scheult.
