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Fox & Friends Explores Red Light and Contrast Therapies for Wellness Week
In a new health-focused series, Fox & Friends has launched “Wellness Week,” an investigative look into popular health trends circulating on social media. The program aims to separate legitimate health practices from overhyped fads in an increasingly crowded wellness marketplace.
“The internet is jam-packed with millions of these trends that are promising you a healthier, younger and more energized life. But it’s hard to tell what’s a real hack or just hype,” host Kayleigh McEnany explained as the team ventured to downtown New York City to experience two trending treatments firsthand.
The investigation began at La Reserve Esthetics and Wellness, where the team explored red light therapy, a treatment that has gained significant traction on social media platforms in recent years. The therapy involves exposure to low wavelength red light, with proponents claiming numerous health benefits.
A spa employee described the treatment’s mechanism: “The way that it works for our body is we’re able to absorb the heat and the warmth from those red-light therapy light bulbs and give our body the space to help with recovery, help with cell production.”
The treatment is marketed as beneficial for reducing inflammation, aiding muscle recovery, supporting weight loss efforts, and promoting anti-aging effects and collagen production. While host McEnany compared the warmth sensation to that of a tanning bed, the treatment was described as being significantly safer than traditional UV exposure.
Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel provided scientific context, explaining that these devices use LED light, which is “close to infrared light” but remains visible and considerably safer than direct sunlight. Dr. Siegel noted that consistent use can “promote healing of the skin and more collagen,” though he cautioned that visible results might take three to four weeks of regular sessions.
The team then shifted to investigating contrast therapy—alternating between extreme heat and cold exposures—another trending wellness practice that has gained popularity through social media influencers and celebrity endorsements.
Fox’s Adam Klotz participated in the contrast therapy, beginning with 15-20 minutes in a 190-degree Fahrenheit sauna to induce a physiological stress response. This was immediately followed by a plunge into an ice bath with water temperatures between 46 and 48 degrees Fahrenheit.
Klotz described the immediate reaction to the cold as an “intense stress response” requiring focused breathing to manage the shock. After completing the treatment, he reported experiencing “a rush” and “definitely a shot of life,” adding that the experience “clears your mind and… really improves my mental mood.”
Dr. Siegel referenced scientific evidence supporting some benefits of contrast therapy, citing a long-term Finnish study showing that regular practice “decreases mortality (death rate) by about 40% to 50%.” However, he emphasized important safety precautions, particularly regarding the cold plunge portion.
“You better make sure you’re in good shape,” Dr. Siegel warned, adding that while contrast therapy can improve circulation and metabolism, “I want it to be people who have seen their doctor first and know that their heart is in good shape.”
The wellness trend landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with treatments ranging from IV nutrient drips to sensory deprivation tanks gaining popularity. The Fox & Friends Wellness Week series will continue exploring these modern health practices, applying the same critical lens to help viewers navigate the complex world of wellness trends.
As these therapies become increasingly accessible to consumers, medical experts continue to emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before trying extreme treatments, particularly those involving temperature manipulation or other physiological stressors.
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14 Comments
I’m a bit skeptical of the claims around red light therapy and cold plunges. While they may provide some benefits, I’d want to see solid scientific evidence before investing time or money into these treatments.
That’s a prudent approach. With so many wellness fads out there, it’s important to rely on credible, peer-reviewed research rather than anecdotal claims or social media hype.
I’m glad to see this report taking a measured approach to evaluating these wellness trends. It’s important to separate hype from legitimate science, especially when it comes to health-related claims. I look forward to seeing more rigorous research on the efficacy of red light therapy and cold plunges.
Absolutely. With so much misinformation out there, it’s refreshing to see a balanced, fact-based assessment. Maintaining a healthy skepticism while remaining open-minded is the best way to make informed decisions about emerging health and wellness innovations.
As someone who follows the mining and commodities space, I’m always on the lookout for new technologies or innovations that could impact the industry. While red light therapy may not have a direct application, it’s fascinating to see how different sectors can intersect in unexpected ways.
That’s a great point. Even if a technology or trend doesn’t have an immediate application, it’s worth keeping an eye on in case unexpected synergies emerge down the line. Cross-pollination of ideas is often where the most interesting breakthroughs happen.
Interesting to see the scientific exploration of wellness trends like red light therapy and cold plunges. Curious to learn more about the potential benefits and limitations of these treatments.
Yes, it’s important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to health claims. Rigorous clinical studies are key to understanding what works and what is just hype.
I appreciate the balanced approach of this report, examining both the potential benefits and limitations of red light therapy and cold plunges. It’s important to be open-minded but also maintain a critical eye when it comes to health and wellness trends.
Agreed. Maintaining objectivity is key, especially when it comes to emerging treatments that may not have a robust evidence base yet. This kind of impartial analysis is valuable for consumers.
As someone with an interest in energy and natural resources, I’m curious about the potential applications of red light therapy. Could it have any implications for the mining or energy sectors? Intriguing to ponder.
That’s an interesting angle. The mining and energy industries are always looking for new ways to improve worker safety and productivity. Red light therapy could be worth investigating further.
As someone who works in the mining industry, I’m always interested in new applications of materials and technologies. Red light therapy sounds like it could have some interesting uses, though more research would be needed.
Agreed. The mining sector is constantly innovating, so it will be fascinating to see if any of these wellness trends intersect with mining operations or products in the future.