#139 Illuminating Health with Dr. Alexis Cowan

Have you ever wondered just how much light plays a role in optimal health? In this episode of Heart2Heart, Dr. Mike Hart talks with Dr. Alexis Cowan, a renowned expert in metabolism and light biology, about the profound impact of light on our well-being. Dr. Cowan discusses the intricate roles of different wavelengths and the transformative power of sunlight. Dr. Cowan shares her personal journey and scientific insights, revealing how light can enhance our mood, mitochondrial function, and overall health. They also cover the importance of red, infrared, UVA, and UVB light, and give practical tips to harness the benefits of natural light in your daily life.

Guest Bio and Links:

Dr. Alexis Cowan a.k.a ‘Melanin Monroe’ is a leading expert in metabolism and light biology. With a PhD from Princeton, she has dedicated her career to understanding the impact of dietary inputs and light on tissue metabolism. Her goal is to empower people with tools, strategies, and information that they can use to improve their health, their lives, and the lives of their loved ones.

Listeners can learn more about Dr. Alexis Cowan on IG @dralexisjazmyn, and her podcast, Undoctrinate Yourself  

Resources: 

A quantum theory for the irreplaceable role of docosahexaenoic acid in neural cell signaling throughout evolution

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to the Hart2Heart Podcast with Dr. Mike Hart   

• (0:15) Dr. Cowan gives a brief bio of herself 

• (5:00) Light is the foundation of the ‘pyramid of health’ 

• (7:30) Different wavelengths of light

• (8:00) Benefits of red and infrared light

• (11:00) How we are becoming blue light toxic

• (15:30) Practical tips for optimizing light exposure

• (19:25) “We're meant to receive all these wavelengths together in synergy, and when you just try to short the system by giving one input in the absence of the entourage effect of the others, I think we run into some major issues and create imbalances in the system that are unintended.”

• (24:00) Standard amount of sun to receive a day without supplementation 

• (28:15) Impact of UVA and UVB light

• (33:30) Understanding infrared and UV Light

• (39:30) Effects of green light on sleep

• (41:35) Light impact on mood and addiction 

• (53:30) Practical tips for sunlight exposure

• (1:00:00) DHA and the quantum biology of DHA

• (1:02:00) Benefits of infrared saunas and red lights 

• (1:04:30) The structure of fourth phase water

• (1:07:45) Benefits of grounding 

• (1:15:30) Dr. Cowans's goal with her wealth of knowledge

• (1:18:30) Closing thoughts 

---

Dr. Mike Hart is a Cannabis Physician and Lifestyle Strategist. In April 2014, Dr. Hart became the first physician in London, Ontario to open a cannabis clinic. While Dr. Hart continues to treat patients at his clinic, his primary focus has shifted to correcting the medical cannabis educational gap that exists in the medical community. 

Connect on social with Dr. Mike Hart:

Social Links:

• Instagram: @drmikehart

• Twitter: @drmikehart

Facebook: @drmikehart