Digestive issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (IBD) affect millions of Australians. For many, symptoms such as bloating, cramping, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal pain can disrupt work, social life, and overall wellbeing.
While diet, medication, and stress management play key roles in managing these conditions, researchers are beginning to explore an exciting complementary option: red light therapy, also called photobiomodulation (PBM).
How Red Light Therapy Works
Red and near-infrared light can penetrate the body at safe wavelengths, stimulating cells to function more efficiently. Unlike heat therapies, PBM does not burn or damage tissue. Instead, it works on a cellular level, encouraging mitochondria (the energy producers in our cells) to generate more ATP – the fuel cells use to repair, restore, and regulate inflammation.
For gut health, this cellular “boost” may:
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Reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
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Calm hypersensitive nerves that contribute to pain and discomfort.
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Support healthy circulation and oxygen delivery to damaged tissues.
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Promote balanced gut function, potentially improving digestion.
What the Research Says
A growing number of preclinical and early human studies point to PBM’s potential for digestive health. For example, a recent study published in Lasers in Medical Science PubMed:40543454 highlights how PBM may reduce gut inflammation and improve intestinal barrier function.
This is especially promising for conditions like:
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – where nerves and muscles in the gut become overly reactive, leading to cramps, urgency, and discomfort.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) – where chronic inflammation damages the lining of the intestines.
While more large-scale clinical trials are needed, the early data shows encouraging improvements in pain reduction, gut motility, and inflammatory markers.
Why This Matters for People with Digestive Disorders
If you live with IBS or IBD, you’ve probably felt the frustration of “trying everything.” Many people report that medications or restrictive diets only partly ease their symptoms.
This is where red light therapy comes in. It isn’t positioned as a cure, but as a gentle, drug-free support strategy that targets inflammation and tissue healing at its root. Some people describe feeling lighter, with less bloating and discomfort after consistent use.
At-Home Options for Gut Health Support
Until recently, PBM was mostly available in clinical settings. But now, safe and portable devices like the Pulsed Low Level Laser Therapy device make it possible to use red light therapy at home.
By targeting the abdominal area with therapeutic light, users can support gut healing in a way that’s both non-invasive and easy to integrate into a daily routine.
A Gentle Step Towards Better Digestion
Managing IBS or IBD often feels like a balancing act. The good news is, new research suggests red light therapy could become a valuable addition to traditional approaches. By reducing gut inflammation, easing abdominal pain, and supporting cellular repair, PBM offers a promising, natural complement for those seeking relief.
✨ Curious to explore this therapy for yourself? Learn more about the Pulsed Low Level Laser Therapy device here.
References:
Kang M, Jo J, Shin H, Kang HW. Therapeutic potential of wavelength-dependent photobiomodulation on gut inflammation in an in vitro intestinal model. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2025 Aug;269:113201. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113201. Epub 2025 Jun 18. PMID: 40543454.
