The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast
Episode 1KHO 426: The Relationship Between Light and Chronic Illness | Meredith Oke, Quantum Biology Collective
Release Date: February 5, 2025

Hosted by Ginny Yurich

Introduction

In Episode 426 of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Ginny Yurich welcomes Meredith Oak from the Quantum Biology Collective to delve into the profound relationship between light exposure and chronic illness. This insightful conversation bridges personal experiences with cutting-edge science, offering listeners both understanding and practical strategies to enhance their health through natural light.

1. The Impact of Chronic Fatigue on Mothers

Meredith Oak opens up about her personal battle with chronic fatigue, distinguishing it from ordinary sleep deprivation:

Meredith Oak [02:30]: "When it comes to chronic fatigue, it's like trying to push yourself to do activities and then being flat out for days. It's not something you can simply catch up on sleep from."

She underscores the pervasive yet often misunderstood nature of chronic fatigue among mothers, emphasizing that it's a significant health signal rather than just a byproduct of a busy lifestyle.

2. Understanding Quantum Biology and Light's Role in Health

Meredith introduces the concept of quantum biology, explaining its intricate connection between quantum physics and biology:

Meredith Oak [07:35]: "Our bodies are actually sensing our environment all of the time. Our cells are in communication with frequencies from light to sound to emotions."

She elaborates on applied quantum biology, a practical approach that translates complex scientific principles into actionable health practices. Central to this discussion is the importance of circadian rhythms—the body's internal clock regulated by natural light cycles.

3. Light Exposure and Chronic Illness

Delving deeper, Meredith connects disrupted light exposure to a myriad of chronic illnesses:

Meredith Oak [11:37]: "Light programs every single process in our body. When we disrupt our circadian rhythms with artificial light, we're throwing off everything from sleep to digestion."

She likens light to a conductor orchestrating the body's functionalities, where natural sunlight ensures harmony, and artificial light induces discord, potentially leading to diseases like ADD, digestive issues, and more.

4. Practical Solutions for Light Optimization

To combat the adverse effects of artificial light, Meredith offers practical solutions:

• Orange/Red Glasses: These glasses filter out harmful blue light emitted by screens, preventing disruption of the circadian rhythm.

  Meredith Oak [24:56]: "They filter the blue light, stopping your body from receiving signals that it's still daytime, allowing your natural sleep processes to occur."

• Adjusting Home Lighting: Transitioning from LED to incandescent bulbs in evening settings can significantly reduce blue light exposure.

  Meredith Oak [27:44]: "Incandescent bulbs emit a warmer, orange glow that aligns better with our biological needs compared to the harsh, blue-heavy LED lights."

5. Light Exposure and Family Health

Meredith shares observations from her family's life, highlighting the health benefits of increased outdoor time:

Meredith Oak [13:57]: "Once we started spending more time outside, no one was getting sick, and our visits to the doctor decreased significantly."

She emphasizes that natural light exposure not only boosts individual health but also fosters a healthier family dynamic.

6. The Modern Light Environment vs. Natural Light

The shift from incandescent to LED lighting has had profound health implications:

Meredith Oak [27:44]: "LED lights are like putting as much sugar as possible in an energy bar with no nutrients. They're bad for your health because they emit isolated blue light that our bodies aren't equipped to handle."

She discusses the academic consensus on the detrimental effects of LED lighting post-sunset and the urgent need for awareness and change.

7. Tips for Integrating Healthy Light Practices

Meredith provides actionable tips for optimizing light exposure:

• Morning Light: Encourage natural sunlight exposure first thing in the morning instead of turning on artificial lights or checking phones.

  Meredith Oak [21:27]: "When you wake up, go outside or open a window so that natural sunlight hits your eyes and skin immediately."

• Evening Light Management: Reduce blue light exposure by using orange glasses, dimming lights, or employing screen filters after sunset.

  Meredith Oak [24:56]: "Switching to reading a book with red or orange clip-on lights can help maintain your circadian rhythm without the disruptive blue light."

8. Light, Water, and Magnetism

Expanding the conversation, Meredith touches on the interconnectedness of light with other natural elements:

Meredith Oak [36:49]: "Structured water in our bodies is charged by light, and our cells communicate through frequencies, connecting us deeply to our environment."

She highlights how these connections support overall cellular health and harmony.

9. Resources and Community Support

Meredith emphasizes the importance of community and continuous learning:

• Quantum Biology Collective Podcast: A platform to explore deeper scientific discussions.
• Certification Programs: Opportunities for healthcare professionals and coaches to become certified in healing with the science of light.
• Free Membership: A social platform where parents and practitioners can ask questions and share insights.

Meredith Oak [39:17]: "Visit qbcpod.com to join our private social platform where certified practitioners and parents can support and answer questions related to light and health."

10. Personal Practices of Meredith Oak

Meredith shares her daily routines to maintain an optimal light environment:

Meredith Oak [50:12]: "I start my day by going outside with my dog, even if it's just for a minute. I also make it a point to crack open windows to let natural light in, counteracting the treated glass that blocks beneficial frequencies."

She underscores the significance of integrating these practices seamlessly into daily life to maximize health benefits.

11. Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Meredith reflects on cherished outdoor memories and reinforces the episode's core message:

Meredith Oak [55:30]: "I have vivid memories of winter walks where we patiently fed chickadees in the forest. Moments like these highlight the profound connection between natural light, nature, and our well-being."

She leaves listeners with a heartfelt appreciation for the simple yet transformative power of spending time outside.

Key Takeaways

• Circadian Rhythms: Fundamental to overall health, regulated by natural light cycles.
• Quantum Biology: A field exploring the quantum-level interactions between light and biological systems.
• Artificial Light: LED lights, especially post-sunset, disrupt natural bodily functions leading to chronic illnesses.
• Practical Steps: Utilize orange/red glasses, prioritize morning sunlight, adjust home lighting, and increase outdoor activities.
• Community and Resources: Engage with platforms like the Quantum Biology Collective for ongoing support and education.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Meredith Oak [07:35]: "Our bodies are actually sensing our environment all of the time. Our cells are in communication with frequencies from light to sound to emotions."
• Meredith Oak [11:37]: "Light programs every single process in our body. When we disrupt our circadian rhythms with artificial light, we're throwing off everything from sleep to digestion."
• Meredith Oak [24:56]: "They filter the blue light, stopping your body from receiving signals that it's still daytime, allowing your natural sleep processes to occur."
• Meredith Oak [27:44]: "LED lights are like putting as much sugar as possible in an energy bar with no nutrients. They're bad for your health because they emit isolated blue light that our bodies aren't equipped to handle."
• Meredith Oak [50:12]: "I start my day by going outside with my dog, even if it's just for a minute. I also make it a point to crack open windows to let natural light in, counteracting the treated glass that blocks beneficial frequencies."

Final Thoughts

Episode 426 of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast serves as a compelling exploration into how light profoundly influences our health. Meredith Oak's blend of personal insight and scientific expertise offers listeners a roadmap to harnessing natural light for improved well-being. By adopting the practical strategies discussed, individuals and families can take meaningful steps toward revitalizing their health and reconnecting with the natural rhythms that sustain life.