When cells age and become stressed, the mitochondria produce their own Nitric Oxide (NO) which competes with oxygen and often wins. This molecule blocks the receptor site that Oxygen binds to during the respiratory process — the process of turning sugar in blood into cellular energy. With a diet rich in anti-oxidants and rest, our body manages excess Nitric Oxide. If the body is too stressed it cannot properly remove enough Nitric Oxide fast enough. This causes ROS (reactive oxygen species), and is known as Oxidative Stress. Reactive oxygen species are toxic and begin the processes for inflammation, cell death and the expression of genes responsible for cancer, Alzheimer’s, osteoarthritis and other diseases.

When red & near IR (infrared) light is absorbed by a protein in the mitochondria called Cytochrome c Oxidase (CcO), mitochondrial NO is dissociated from CcO and oxygen transport returns to normal. CcO is the last enzyme in the respiratory electron transport chain. This downstream effect increases ATP production among many other beneficial intracellular responses. In other words, the cell functions again at optimal levels. Cells make up tissues, tissues make up organs, and organs make up humans. All aspects of the 11 major organ systems benefit, from faster recovery to improved energy and strength.