subject: The Link Between Natural, Full Spectrum Lights and Cancer Prevention [print this page] The Link Between Natural, Full Spectrum Lights and Cancer Prevention
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month approaches, consider looking into the discoveries made so far. Consider natural, full spectrum lights for your home and office, because medical literature supports raising this subject for awareness as a growing public health issue.
The hypothesis that the suppression of the hormone melatonin (MLT) by exposure to light at night may be one reason for the higher rates of breast and colorectal cancers in the developed world deserves more attention.
Evidence now exists that indirectly links exposures to light at night (LAN) to human breast and colorectal cancers in shift workers. The hypothesis begs an even larger question: has medical science overlooked the suppression of MLT by LAN as a contributor to the overall incidence of cancer?
The indirect linkage of breast cancer to LAN is further supported by laboratory rat experiments by David E. Blask (Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, N.Y.) and colleagues. Experiments involved the implanting of human breast cancer cell (MCF-7) grafts into the groins of rats, and measurements were made of cancer cell growth rates, the uptake of linoleic acid (LA-a hormone which contributes to tissue growth in the human body), and melatonin (MLT) levels. One group of implanted rats were placed in light-dark (12 hours of light to 12 hours of dark) and a second group in light-light (12 of light to 12 hours of light) environments.
Constant light suppressed melatonin production, increased cancer cell growth rates, and increased LA uptake into cancer cells. The opposite was seen in the light-dark group. The proposed mechanism is the suppression of nocturnal MLT by exposure to LAN and subsequent lack of protection by MLT on cancer cell receptor sites. This allows the uptake of LA, which in turn enhances the growth of cancer cells.
Melatonin (MLT) is a protective, hormone and strong antioxidant having evolved in all plants and animals over the millennia. In vertebrates, MLT is normally produced by the pineal gland during the early morning hours of darkness, even in nocturnal animals, and is suppressed by exposure to LAN.
Daily regulation of the human circadian clock is important for good human health. These studies suggest that the proper use and color of indoor and outdoor lighting is important to the health of both humans and ecosystems.
Findings show that lighting fixtures should be designed to minimize interference with normal circadian (the 24-hour bio clock) rhythms in plants, animals, and humans. New discoveries on blue-light-sensitive retinal ganglion cell light receptors that control the circadian clock and how those receptors relate to today's modern high intensity discharge (HID) lamps are discussed. Companies such as OttLite are pioneers in such studies, and manufacture lighting products that simulate true, natural full-spectrum light.
Consider natural lighting and controlling your light exposure to safeguard your health.
To further illuminate the subject offull spectrum lights check out our site athttp://www.thelitesource.com/ where you'll find an eye-opening array of home and office lighting options!
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