I cured mine with keto, carbs under 20g. I had also been taking Alginate, digestive enzymes, and I did two weeks of Pepcid. Refused to take the drugs long term. I had had reflux for 15 years and it hasn’t returned. I do still take digestive enzymes and bile acids with meals.
Hi Doc - You definitely focused on a quickly emerging topic of clinical research. Not surprising given the clarity you bring to these discussions. You spend your time in pursuit of helping people, getting them up off the floor or keeping them from falling on the floor. That is complex and I am shocked you have the time to stay as current as you have - given the obvious time constraints.
My job is stay on top of the boring physics, chemistry, etc. to provide you with what you need to apply the art and science of your job. Things are changing on that gut front as new information gets published. I would be happy to provide you with an entire review of the literature if you would find that helpful. Cutting to the chase, in this case, it reflects the research trends -
1. In a controlled study examining both modalities, Yasukawa et al. measured melatonin levels in intestinal tissues following FIR or NIR exposure. FIR therapy (15-minute daily sessions for 2 weeks) increased local gut melatonin concentrations by 173% above baseline. NIR therapy (same protocol) increased gut melatonin by only 32% above baseline. Control groups showed no significant change (Yasukawa)
2. Similarly, Konturek's research team demonstrated that FIR therapy increased the density of melatonin-producing cells in gastric and intestinal mucosa by approximately 30% after 3 weeks of treatment, while NIR produced no significant changes in enterochromaffin cell population or activity (Konturek).
Again, these results are representative and mechanistically are in perfect alignment with what biophysics would lead us to believe. You really care about the science and your patients, man, what a breath of fresh air.
I truly wish everyone in the practice of medicine had your curiosity, drive and non-biased intelligence. I wouldn't be afraid to step inside a treatment room!
Hi Toolste - great, great question. There’s a major disconnect in the infrared therapy space between what looks therapeutic and what actually performs at a level consistent with the clinical research. If you're trying to replicate the kinds of outcomes seen in studies on near infrared (NIR)—whether for cognitive health, chronic pain, or mitochondrial function—you’ll need far more than a red glow. Many of those results are based on pulsed light arrays, prescription-grade light therapy systems, or medical protocols that involve controlled dosing, specific wavelengths, and deep tissue penetration. The reality? Most consumer NIR panels—even the expensive ones—are selling you heat and light, not bioactive photomedicine. And the cheap ones? They're just hot air.
On the Far Infrared (FIR) side, however, the story is different—and much more accessible. You can replicate the same therapeutic waveforms used in FIR research—if the device emits near-pure FIR in the 7–14 micron range and delivers sufficient power density, ideally close to or above 20 milliwatts per square centimeter. This is where most knockoffs fail. A $150 foldable sauna that looks similar on the outside likely isn’t producing real FIR at all, and certainly not at a power level that creates biological change. It may warm the skin—but it won’t move the needle.
Science sometimes is not glamorous. But it’s real. If you're chasing health outcomes, not just vibes, the proof is in the specs—not the marketing.
Hi Dave - the Doc's information is great and he has written a lot, I believe, about red light and near infrared in the past. In those cases - absolutely, I think you are correct about your head being included in the direct coverage zone. Truely, for most things above the neck, mixed infrared or red light might be more useful than FIR. But for heat therapy and 99% of the uses outside superficial skin, etc., the head outside the coverage is more comfortable, safe and preferable. Here is the fun thing about portable saunas - they have zippers. I call it my fan. If I start to feel a bit too hot but want to continue the effects, I simply unzip for a bit for instant comfort. If I wanted to do a few "cognitive" minutes or if I had skin issues like acne - I would zip it over my head for a bit - the airflow at the top isn't problematic for FIR coverage.
The truth about infrared is that it isn't an either-or type of thing. It is additive. In the ideal diet, there is a balance of fuels - same idea here. Financially, many must choose one and I understand that. Depending on the specific needs - more likely than not for more of the people more of the time FIR will be of greater utility. If you had the space and an extra $8,000-$12,000 more, the sauna cabinet is a fantastic choice.
If you are asking if I make money when a Sunlighten or Relax sauna sells - the answer is no. My company has conducted research and provides science for many brands for the past 40+ years. Mostly large consumer food, beverage, nutritional brands, etc. but we do stray into health and fitness including fitness equipment, etc. - as well as other areas. This background allows me to have one (I believe) important viewpoint on product efficacy.
I suggested two different brands, actually - Sunlighten and Relax. Neither of those brands are related to each other - so far as I know - and their tech is very different. Sunlighten is beautiful - a real centerpiece for the home. Better than competitors in their niche. The Relax generators are the Rolls Royce of far infrared trapped in a Herbie the Love Bug body. This is a real piece of medical tech - just like you find in a true clinical setting. An analogue egg timer rather than a fancy digital controller and no aesthetics at all. If you want an influencer moment with real FIR - Sunlighten is the answer. You want to have the best far infrared treatment possible - the Relax chip is the answer. Hope that helps just like always mine is just one opinion in the masses. The bottom line is that light therapy is real - not fringe science and that infrared (NIR, Mid, FIR) is the kingpin of the therapeutic light family.
I have come across this simple exercise that, over time, cured GERD. It was written up as a case study and published in Cureus. Here is how it works. It's called Esophageal Resistance Training.
You put some food in your mouth, kneel (the author kneeled on a 6" platform, but it may not be necessary; a pillow may do it) and put your arms down on the floor as you bend over, and lay your head into your hands. Chew and swallow the food. (The key is that your head is below the level of your stomach.) The author did part of his breakfast and lunch this way. He got significantly better after 67 days. He was cured after another 5-6 months. The exercise strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter.
Happy to reply. First, let me start by saying that I am a neurophysiologist and biochemist, rather than a light worker or biohacker-influencer, etc. I only mention that because my frame of reference will always be what I can point to empirically versus subjectively. I could give you a grocery list of physiological aspects that measured significant differences - Heart Rate Variability, Sweat Composition, Inflammation Markers, and a host of others. Subjectively - if I had to choose between brushing my teeth and having a FIR sauna in the AM, I know my teeth would be neglected. For me personally at 69 - with respect to less measurable benefits - huge pain mitigation, joint and muscle flexibility, stress management.
And one aspect rarely discussed but very important is the effects of the treatments over a 24-hour time frame. The benefits do not end when the timer clicks off. And I personally have found even additional improvements wearing Celliant FIR wraps - they are good. The BEST wearable adjunct to FIR generation in a sauna environment (my opinion based on study) is far infrared jewelry. My entire group wears FIR bracelets, necklaces, etc. from a cool source - Sol Ray. I sleep in them, shower in them, wear them in the sauna for even more enhanced effects.
I know this thread started with reflux and that isn't an issue for me. NIR will work as you point out, in my mind for three main reasons. FIR, even better for more than double those reasons. Bottom line - people should use either one of the light sources before reaching for the pills. A simple Google search on OTCs for indigestion will keep you out of the pharmacy aisle - agree with you there!! Bon appetite!
Excellent treatment of a topic as always. I am a firm believer in light therapy and infrared of all types. We can never learn enough about this. Thank you.
One point - while Near Infrared is extremely helpful for many issues, there is a respected direct comparative study: Inoue et al. evaluated symptom improvement in 87 GERD patients receiving either Far Infrared or Near Infrared therapy over 8 weeks. The FIR group demonstrated:
68% reduction in reflux episodes compared to 29% in the NIR group
73% improvement in nighttime symptoms versus 35% with NIR
62% reduction in proton pump inhibitor medication usage compared to 24% in the NIR group (Inoue, 2016).
One critical thing to note is that you are unlikely to replicate the research protocols for near infrared at home without pulsed laser arrays, etc. however far infrared can be generated by FDA approved microchip generators at home very affordably.
I just subscribed to your Substack, MD. Your articles are fantastic. I especially appreciated your article here and your decentralized medicine article, they are great! It’s inspiring to see more people turning toward the natural path. Nature does have the answers.
I wrote a book called Infrared Illuminated and spent a lot of time testing infrared generators during my research. I agree—Sunlighten is excellent for the full-spectrum experience. But when it comes to truly powerful far infrared, I’m partial to Relax Saunas. I love the portability and the immediate circulation boost it provides. Would love to connect and chat more sometime! I am looking forward to diving into more of your work!
Yes, there are devices that produce wavelengths over 1000 nm, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they emit true Far Infrared (FIR). Most therapeutic FIR systems operate in the 4,000–14,000 nanometer range, using ceramic or carbon-based heaters. If you're looking for biologically meaningful FIR—the kind absorbed by tissue water and capable of triggering real physiological change—you should look for emissions in the 4–14 micron range (4000–14,000 nm).
If you're after a high-end, in-home sauna experience, Sunlighten is a solid choice. Their wooden cabinet designs are beautiful, well-built, and incorporate very good FIR carbon generators. Expensive but beautiful and functional.
But for those who prioritize therapeutic effect over aesthetics, I prefer a different approach. My go-to is the Relax Sauna, which uses a patented semiconductor chip that functions as an FDA-approved FIR generator. It’s a portable sauna—not beautiful, but incredibly effective. It's durable, requires no maintenance, and delivers superior clinical value at a much lower cost. And 15 minute sessions cost about a nickel in electricity.
The Relax Sauna's proprietary chip is what sets it apart. Each chip produces approximately 20 milliwatts of focused FIR energy in the 4–14 micron range, peaking near 9.4 microns—the optimal wavelength for water molecule absorption. Unlike generic panels that emit broad-spectrum heat, Relax’s chips are narrow-band and biologically targeted, producing consistent, medically relevant FIR without the interference of near-infrared or visible light. This precise tuning leads to deep tissue activation, efficient detoxification, and rapid therapeutic warming, making Relax one of the few FIR systems that truly bridges science and healing in real time.
The cool thing about the Relax chip is it will equal or exceed the therapeutic value you'd see in a controlled medical use or research setting.
One other thing of note - Sunlighten, while expensive, has a true full spectrum sauna generator - far less potent FIR but includes NIR if that is your goal. Personally, I like near infrared a lot for many things (lab type equipment) but I couldn't live without far infrared!
This is fascinating. I have no heartburn issues whatsoever outside of pregnancy. My second pregnancy I had mild heartburn, however first trimester nausea in the summer kept me out of the sun so my light exposure was much less than usual. My most recent pregnancy the heartburn was the worst- and I had not had much outdoor light exposure again due to the nausea and being in the heat. This makes me wonder if my lack of sun exposure had anything to do with the heartburn. Shall be interesting to see what happens in my next pregnancy as I’ve been focusing on natural light exposure in preparation for conception again since I knew it was lacking in the previous two.
Many moons ago (20 yrs or so), an old guy told me that if you get acid reflux, it was because your gut doesn't have enough acid in it to digest what you ate. So what does your smart gut do? Produce some nasty stuff to digest your food. Only thing is, it might over produce this stuff. Sooooo, if you happen to start to have a nasty gut feeling, sip some pickle juice (maybe couple tablespoons or so). It will disappear. Guess what, it worked like a charm! Eazzzzzy peazzzzy.
D-limonene has been helpful to me. But it’s not what I would call a cure.
I cured mine with keto, carbs under 20g. I had also been taking Alginate, digestive enzymes, and I did two weeks of Pepcid. Refused to take the drugs long term. I had had reflux for 15 years and it hasn’t returned. I do still take digestive enzymes and bile acids with meals.
Hi Doc - You definitely focused on a quickly emerging topic of clinical research. Not surprising given the clarity you bring to these discussions. You spend your time in pursuit of helping people, getting them up off the floor or keeping them from falling on the floor. That is complex and I am shocked you have the time to stay as current as you have - given the obvious time constraints.
My job is stay on top of the boring physics, chemistry, etc. to provide you with what you need to apply the art and science of your job. Things are changing on that gut front as new information gets published. I would be happy to provide you with an entire review of the literature if you would find that helpful. Cutting to the chase, in this case, it reflects the research trends -
1. In a controlled study examining both modalities, Yasukawa et al. measured melatonin levels in intestinal tissues following FIR or NIR exposure. FIR therapy (15-minute daily sessions for 2 weeks) increased local gut melatonin concentrations by 173% above baseline. NIR therapy (same protocol) increased gut melatonin by only 32% above baseline. Control groups showed no significant change (Yasukawa)
2. Similarly, Konturek's research team demonstrated that FIR therapy increased the density of melatonin-producing cells in gastric and intestinal mucosa by approximately 30% after 3 weeks of treatment, while NIR produced no significant changes in enterochromaffin cell population or activity (Konturek).
Again, these results are representative and mechanistically are in perfect alignment with what biophysics would lead us to believe. You really care about the science and your patients, man, what a breath of fresh air.
would be happy to read more of the research you’ve mentioned here, and thanks again for this thorough reply.
back to the drawing board for me.
If you would be generous to share articles of interest, please should me an e-mail at refluxrmd@pm.me
Great to exchange with you, Chuck.
I truly wish everyone in the practice of medicine had your curiosity, drive and non-biased intelligence. I wouldn't be afraid to step inside a treatment room!
I appreciate you.
Hi Toolste - great, great question. There’s a major disconnect in the infrared therapy space between what looks therapeutic and what actually performs at a level consistent with the clinical research. If you're trying to replicate the kinds of outcomes seen in studies on near infrared (NIR)—whether for cognitive health, chronic pain, or mitochondrial function—you’ll need far more than a red glow. Many of those results are based on pulsed light arrays, prescription-grade light therapy systems, or medical protocols that involve controlled dosing, specific wavelengths, and deep tissue penetration. The reality? Most consumer NIR panels—even the expensive ones—are selling you heat and light, not bioactive photomedicine. And the cheap ones? They're just hot air.
On the Far Infrared (FIR) side, however, the story is different—and much more accessible. You can replicate the same therapeutic waveforms used in FIR research—if the device emits near-pure FIR in the 7–14 micron range and delivers sufficient power density, ideally close to or above 20 milliwatts per square centimeter. This is where most knockoffs fail. A $150 foldable sauna that looks similar on the outside likely isn’t producing real FIR at all, and certainly not at a power level that creates biological change. It may warm the skin—but it won’t move the needle.
Science sometimes is not glamorous. But it’s real. If you're chasing health outcomes, not just vibes, the proof is in the specs—not the marketing.
Hi Dave - the Doc's information is great and he has written a lot, I believe, about red light and near infrared in the past. In those cases - absolutely, I think you are correct about your head being included in the direct coverage zone. Truely, for most things above the neck, mixed infrared or red light might be more useful than FIR. But for heat therapy and 99% of the uses outside superficial skin, etc., the head outside the coverage is more comfortable, safe and preferable. Here is the fun thing about portable saunas - they have zippers. I call it my fan. If I start to feel a bit too hot but want to continue the effects, I simply unzip for a bit for instant comfort. If I wanted to do a few "cognitive" minutes or if I had skin issues like acne - I would zip it over my head for a bit - the airflow at the top isn't problematic for FIR coverage.
The truth about infrared is that it isn't an either-or type of thing. It is additive. In the ideal diet, there is a balance of fuels - same idea here. Financially, many must choose one and I understand that. Depending on the specific needs - more likely than not for more of the people more of the time FIR will be of greater utility. If you had the space and an extra $8,000-$12,000 more, the sauna cabinet is a fantastic choice.
I agree with Chuck here.
The whole point of my protocol is to directly target production of cellular melatonin by the gut. FIR, as far as I know, does not do this.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
If you are asking if I make money when a Sunlighten or Relax sauna sells - the answer is no. My company has conducted research and provides science for many brands for the past 40+ years. Mostly large consumer food, beverage, nutritional brands, etc. but we do stray into health and fitness including fitness equipment, etc. - as well as other areas. This background allows me to have one (I believe) important viewpoint on product efficacy.
I suggested two different brands, actually - Sunlighten and Relax. Neither of those brands are related to each other - so far as I know - and their tech is very different. Sunlighten is beautiful - a real centerpiece for the home. Better than competitors in their niche. The Relax generators are the Rolls Royce of far infrared trapped in a Herbie the Love Bug body. This is a real piece of medical tech - just like you find in a true clinical setting. An analogue egg timer rather than a fancy digital controller and no aesthetics at all. If you want an influencer moment with real FIR - Sunlighten is the answer. You want to have the best far infrared treatment possible - the Relax chip is the answer. Hope that helps just like always mine is just one opinion in the masses. The bottom line is that light therapy is real - not fringe science and that infrared (NIR, Mid, FIR) is the kingpin of the therapeutic light family.
Does it matter much not exposing your head/face with the Relax Sauna Experience? I would think that area would need that benefit?
seems to me there is quite a growing body of literature about this
I have come across this simple exercise that, over time, cured GERD. It was written up as a case study and published in Cureus. Here is how it works. It's called Esophageal Resistance Training.
You put some food in your mouth, kneel (the author kneeled on a 6" platform, but it may not be necessary; a pillow may do it) and put your arms down on the floor as you bend over, and lay your head into your hands. Chew and swallow the food. (The key is that your head is below the level of your stomach.) The author did part of his breakfast and lunch this way. He got significantly better after 67 days. He was cured after another 5-6 months. The exercise strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359946078_A_Simple_Exercise_to_Strengthen_the_Lower_Esophageal_Sphincter_and_Eliminate_Gastroesophageal_Reflux_An_Autobiographical_Case_Report
that’s fascinating.
I wonder if this works in certain cases of reflux, like sphincter or diaphgram tone/dysfunction, with or without a hiatal hernia.
Thanks for sharing.
Happy to reply. First, let me start by saying that I am a neurophysiologist and biochemist, rather than a light worker or biohacker-influencer, etc. I only mention that because my frame of reference will always be what I can point to empirically versus subjectively. I could give you a grocery list of physiological aspects that measured significant differences - Heart Rate Variability, Sweat Composition, Inflammation Markers, and a host of others. Subjectively - if I had to choose between brushing my teeth and having a FIR sauna in the AM, I know my teeth would be neglected. For me personally at 69 - with respect to less measurable benefits - huge pain mitigation, joint and muscle flexibility, stress management.
And one aspect rarely discussed but very important is the effects of the treatments over a 24-hour time frame. The benefits do not end when the timer clicks off. And I personally have found even additional improvements wearing Celliant FIR wraps - they are good. The BEST wearable adjunct to FIR generation in a sauna environment (my opinion based on study) is far infrared jewelry. My entire group wears FIR bracelets, necklaces, etc. from a cool source - Sol Ray. I sleep in them, shower in them, wear them in the sauna for even more enhanced effects.
I know this thread started with reflux and that isn't an issue for me. NIR will work as you point out, in my mind for three main reasons. FIR, even better for more than double those reasons. Bottom line - people should use either one of the light sources before reaching for the pills. A simple Google search on OTCs for indigestion will keep you out of the pharmacy aisle - agree with you there!! Bon appetite!
Thanks again, Chuck.
This is why I love Substack, as my article a few weeks back details.
It makes me a better doctor.
I had this problem for years and i found it was margarine, or butter alternatives , once i quit them it dissapeared
Fantastic work Remnant MD!
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Excellent treatment of a topic as always. I am a firm believer in light therapy and infrared of all types. We can never learn enough about this. Thank you.
One point - while Near Infrared is extremely helpful for many issues, there is a respected direct comparative study: Inoue et al. evaluated symptom improvement in 87 GERD patients receiving either Far Infrared or Near Infrared therapy over 8 weeks. The FIR group demonstrated:
68% reduction in reflux episodes compared to 29% in the NIR group
73% improvement in nighttime symptoms versus 35% with NIR
62% reduction in proton pump inhibitor medication usage compared to 24% in the NIR group (Inoue, 2016).
One critical thing to note is that you are unlikely to replicate the research protocols for near infrared at home without pulsed laser arrays, etc. however far infrared can be generated by FDA approved microchip generators at home very affordably.
I use a very nice sauna by Radiant Health. It’s built in BC Canada. It’s low VOC, EMF. It’s small, 36 x36, and fits in my bedroom.
I just subscribed to your Substack, MD. Your articles are fantastic. I especially appreciated your article here and your decentralized medicine article, they are great! It’s inspiring to see more people turning toward the natural path. Nature does have the answers.
I wrote a book called Infrared Illuminated and spent a lot of time testing infrared generators during my research. I agree—Sunlighten is excellent for the full-spectrum experience. But when it comes to truly powerful far infrared, I’m partial to Relax Saunas. I love the portability and the immediate circulation boost it provides. Would love to connect and chat more sometime! I am looking forward to diving into more of your work!
Thank you, Full Spectrum.
I’m going to have to test out some of these FIR spectrum devices myself, but definitely an interesting line of research.
Just goes to show why the Sun is king in chromotherapy.
Complete spectrum everything.
Very good to know, Chuck, Thank you.
Are there any devices out there that produce over 1000 nm FIR?
Haven’t heard of any myself.
Hi Doc -
Yes, there are devices that produce wavelengths over 1000 nm, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they emit true Far Infrared (FIR). Most therapeutic FIR systems operate in the 4,000–14,000 nanometer range, using ceramic or carbon-based heaters. If you're looking for biologically meaningful FIR—the kind absorbed by tissue water and capable of triggering real physiological change—you should look for emissions in the 4–14 micron range (4000–14,000 nm).
If you're after a high-end, in-home sauna experience, Sunlighten is a solid choice. Their wooden cabinet designs are beautiful, well-built, and incorporate very good FIR carbon generators. Expensive but beautiful and functional.
But for those who prioritize therapeutic effect over aesthetics, I prefer a different approach. My go-to is the Relax Sauna, which uses a patented semiconductor chip that functions as an FDA-approved FIR generator. It’s a portable sauna—not beautiful, but incredibly effective. It's durable, requires no maintenance, and delivers superior clinical value at a much lower cost. And 15 minute sessions cost about a nickel in electricity.
The Relax Sauna's proprietary chip is what sets it apart. Each chip produces approximately 20 milliwatts of focused FIR energy in the 4–14 micron range, peaking near 9.4 microns—the optimal wavelength for water molecule absorption. Unlike generic panels that emit broad-spectrum heat, Relax’s chips are narrow-band and biologically targeted, producing consistent, medically relevant FIR without the interference of near-infrared or visible light. This precise tuning leads to deep tissue activation, efficient detoxification, and rapid therapeutic warming, making Relax one of the few FIR systems that truly bridges science and healing in real time.
The cool thing about the Relax chip is it will equal or exceed the therapeutic value you'd see in a controlled medical use or research setting.
One other thing of note - Sunlighten, while expensive, has a true full spectrum sauna generator - far less potent FIR but includes NIR if that is your goal. Personally, I like near infrared a lot for many things (lab type equipment) but I couldn't live without far infrared!
there are many options that are 1/10th the price. What is there quality or difference ? Objectively?
Thanks for posting. Do you have any affiliation with the Relax Sauna that you recommend?
That's fascinating, thank you for sharing all that.
One last question for you - what benefits have you personally experienced from implementing FIR, as compared to NIR or even No IR?
This is fascinating. I have no heartburn issues whatsoever outside of pregnancy. My second pregnancy I had mild heartburn, however first trimester nausea in the summer kept me out of the sun so my light exposure was much less than usual. My most recent pregnancy the heartburn was the worst- and I had not had much outdoor light exposure again due to the nausea and being in the heat. This makes me wonder if my lack of sun exposure had anything to do with the heartburn. Shall be interesting to see what happens in my next pregnancy as I’ve been focusing on natural light exposure in preparation for conception again since I knew it was lacking in the previous two.
Many moons ago (20 yrs or so), an old guy told me that if you get acid reflux, it was because your gut doesn't have enough acid in it to digest what you ate. So what does your smart gut do? Produce some nasty stuff to digest your food. Only thing is, it might over produce this stuff. Sooooo, if you happen to start to have a nasty gut feeling, sip some pickle juice (maybe couple tablespoons or so). It will disappear. Guess what, it worked like a charm! Eazzzzzy peazzzzy.
I never have acid problems anymore, ever.
Thank you for your work.