Is a 'light deficiency' quietly ageing you faster? – with Professor Glen Jeffery

Age Better with Liz Earle

March 13, 2026 ∙ 52 mins
Episode 23

About

One of the most powerful tools for healthy ageing might be something you've barely thought about: light. Most of us spend the majority of our time under LED lighting that's stripped of the very wavelengths our bodies need to function well – and the impact on our metabolism, energy and long-term health is only just being understood.


Professor Glen Jeffery, neuroscientist at UCL's Institute of Ophthalmology, joins Liz to explain why a light deficiency could be quietly accelerating ageing, what it means for your mitochondria, and the simple changes – starting with your light bulbs – that could make a real difference to how you feel and age.


In this episode:

  • Why infrared light is the most overlooked wavelength for human health
  • How LED lighting creates a "light deficiency" – and why Glen calls it modern-day scurvy
  • The profound effect light has on your mitochondria and energy production
  • Why morning light matters
  • What the research really says about red light face masks and infrared saunas
  • How changing your light environment could help regulate blood sugar and metabolism
  • The simple practical changes to make at home – and why Glen's first recommendation is to get a dog


Links mentioned in the episode:


Get in touch with a question for Liz:


More from Liz:


Some links may be affiliate links, which help support the show at no extra cost to you. Read our Affiliate Policy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

Podcast

Age Better with Liz Earle

Episode

23

Date

March 13, 2026

Length

52 mins
You may also like
US

The Mel Robbins Podcast

You can change your life and Mel Robbins will show you how. The Mel Robbins Podcast is the #1 podcast on the globe for a reason: Mel’s simple, research-backed advice has changed millions of people’s lives, and in every episode, she’s giving you all her hard-fought secrets, science-backed tools, and deeply personal stories, so you […]

Education Health & Fitness

Take A Breath

A podcast for creating practical calm in the messy middle of midlife. This is your space to pause.  Because life in midlife is full-on. Between work, family, menopause, and the mental load, your nervous system can easily end up in constant overdrive — leaving you feeling exhausted, reactive, and overwhelmed by even the smallest things.  […]

Alternative Health Education

Age Better with Liz Earle

I’m on a mission to change the conversation around ageing. Women’s health – particularly as we age – has been underfunded and overlooked for far too long. And frankly, it’s time we pushed back. Through this podcast, I want to share the knowledge and tools that can help you thrive in later life by taking […]

Arts Education
UK
placeholder

Golden Tails and Trails | Canicross Running and Weight loss for women | Lose weight, get fit and stay motivated through running and canicross with your dog

Welcome to Golden Tails & Trails, the podcast where I am here to help you lose weight, get fit and stay motivated through running and Canicross  — with my two four-legged co-hosts, Skye and Daisy, trotting right alongside us. I’m SJ, a women’s fitness and Canicross coach, and together with my dog buddies, I’m here […]

Fitness Fitness & Nutrition
UK

Wise Divine Women Podcast: Menopause • Libido • Breast Care • Oh MY! The unfiltered truth for Women

Welcome to the Wise Divine Women Podcast! I’m Dana Irvine, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition and Breast Health Educator. On the show we discuss hormone balance, lymphatic health, estrogen detoxification, inflammation reduction, and practical everyday tools to help women feel vibrant again. In practice I offer in-depth thermography imaging, holistic breast care strategies, gut and hormone testing, […]

Alternative Health Alternative Medicine
UK

Is It Hot In Here? Midlife Podcast

Part open-clinic, part talk show, this is the podcast for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health. Each week, menopause Doctor Naomi Potter is joined by a new guest to explore the real-life impact of their hormonal changes. From hot flushes and anxiety, to brain fog and sleep problems, no topic is off limits. Whether […]

Health & Fitness
US
Midlife Makeover Show with Wendy Valentine

The Midlife Makeover Show | Women Over 40, Menopause Support, Hormone Health, Divorce Recovery, Empty Nest Advice, Aging Gracefully, Finding Purpose

The Midlife Makeover Show is your go-to podcast for bold women ready to reinvent their second act and live life on their own terms. Hosted by Wendy Valentine—author of Women Waking Up and midlife maven—this show is packed with real talk, inspiring stories, expert advice, and powerful tools to help you navigate everything from menopause […]

Education Personal Journals
US
image of woman with dark hair named Mary Claire Haver

unPAUSED with Dr. Mary Claire Haver

Welcome to unPAUSED, the podcast where bold, unfiltered conversations take place about what it really takes for women to thrive in the second half of life. Every week, Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Certified Menopause Practitioner, and #1 New York Times best-selling author, tackles the conversations women actually need to hear. Dr. Haver […]

Health & Fitness Medicine
US
The Tamsen Show podcast image

The Tamsen Show

You deserve a roadmap. Consider this your starting point. Hosted by Emmy-winning journalist, filmmaker, and New York Times best-selling author Tamsen Fadal, The Tamsen Show is where real talk meets real solutions. Each week, Tamsen sits down with top doctors, leading voices, and women rewriting the rules—from hormones and health to reinvention, relationships, and everything […]

Education Self-Improvement
UK

Is It Hot In Here? Menopause Podcast

Part open-clinic, part talk show, this is the podcast for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health. Each week, menopause Doctor Naomi Potter is joined by a new guest to explore the real-life impact of their hormonal changes. From hot flushes and anxiety, to brain fog and sleep problems, no topic is off limits. Whether […]

Health & Fitness

  • Is a 'light deficiency' quietly ageing you faster? – with Professor Glen Jeffery

    One of the most powerful tools for healthy ageing might be something you’ve barely thought about: light. Most of us spend the majority of our time under LED lighting that’s stripped of the very wavelengths our bodies need to function well – and the impact on our metabolism, energy and long-term health is only just […]

  • The one morning habit I'll never give up

    There’s one thing Liz does before coffee, before switching on her phone or starting her morning – and she says it’s the single most powerful reset her body gets all day. Plus: why alcohol wrecks your sleep even if it helps you drift off, and what’s really happening to perimenopausal skin when it suddenly becomes […]

  • How to eat for healthy weight loss and fewer cravings – with Dominique Ludwig

    Maintaining a healthy weight, beating cravings and having energy that lasts all day doesn’t need to be complicated, says clinical nutritionist Dominique Ludwig. She’s back on the show to explain why eating in the right proportions transforms everything from weight management and blood sugar to gut health and mood – and why her simple balanced plate […]

  • How to fix flat or frizzy hair (and why hormones matter)

    Noticed your hair isn’t quite what it used to be? Liz explains why hormones are likely behind it and what you can do – plus she tackles fertility over 40, sun protection for very fair skin, grounding sheets, and breast pain on HRT. In this episode: Are hormonal changes to blame for flat and frizzy […]

  • 5 easy wins to reduce microplastics and forever chemicals – with Dr Sabine Donnai

    Forever chemicals and microplastics have become part of modern life – they’re in our wardrobes, kitchens, dental floss, in the water we drink, even the air we breathe. Dr Sabine Donnai joins Liz to explain why detoxification is just as important as sleep, nutrition and exercise when it comes to healthy ageing, and shares the […]

  • Stress made me age overnight – can I reverse it?

    After a really difficult year, Julie feels like she’s aged rapidly and now seems to catch every cold going. Liz shares why intense stress can make it feel as though we’ve aged years in months – and reassures Julie that the damage isn’t permanent. In this episode: Bridal beauty tips for an inside-out glow Is there […]

  • 7 things longevity doctors do to live longer – with Dr Harpal Bains

    What if you could dial back your biological age – not through expensive treatments or extreme diets – but with surprisingly simple habits that longevity doctors actually use themselves? Dr Harpal Bains joins Liz to reveal the practical strategies that could genuinely add years to your life. In this episode: Why your heart, cells and […]

  • Is blue light from screens wrecking your sleep?

    From blue light blocking glasses to hydrogen water for your mitochondria, Liz shares the science-backed strategies that protect your circadian rhythm and support healthy ageing. In this episode: Is hydrogen water worth it – and are there budget options?  Which supplements should we prioritise in midlife?  Do blue light blocking glasses protect your sleep? How […]

  • How to hit 30 grams of fibre a day in midlife (without the bloat) – with Emma Bardwell

    What could reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, lower inflammation, and make you less susceptible to depression? The answer, says nutritionist Emma Bardwell, is fibre. Emma’s back on the show by popular demand to explain why hitting 30 grams a day could transform everything from weight loss and mood to digestion and glowing […]

  • Should I be eating more salt or less?

    It’s one of the most confusing nutrition debates – should you be eating more salt or less? The answer might surprise you, because it depends on your lifestyle. If you’re cooking from scratch or you’re very active the advice is very different than if ultra-processed foods are part of your diet. Liz explains why salt […]

  • The 5 pillars to prevent dementia and stroke – with Dr Partha Nandi

    Dr Partha Nandi is a gastroenterologist who wants you to know that the key to preventing stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s might not lie in the brain at all – it lies in the gut. He shares how inflammation in your gut today could be affecting your brain decades from now. And he reveals the five simple pillars […]

  • Caffeine vs adaptogens: how to feel more energised – with Schia Mitchell Sinclair

    Always running low on energy? Herbal polypharmacist Schia Mitchell Sinclair says it might be time to kick the caffeine habit, and explore adaptogens instead. This episode is brought to you by The Herbtender. If after hearing this conversation you want to try their supplements and herbal teas for yourself, you can use code LIZLOVES for 20% […]

  • Pilates, walking or weight-lifting – which is best for midlife women?

    If you’ve been wondering whether your Reformer Pilates classes are doing enough for your bone strength, Liz has the answer – plus she settles the debate on full-fat versus skimmed milk and explains why it matters for midlife health. In this episode: Is Pilates and walking enough to protect your bones in midlife? Creatine supplements – safe […]

  • Leaky gut, cholesterol and peptides explained – with Dr Mo Enayat

    GP Dr Mo Enayat, founder of HUM2N longevity clinic, joins Liz to reveal the science that could transform how your body ages – and why reaching your 120th birthday might not be as far-fetched as it sounds. In this episode: Leaky gut and zonulin testing for autoimmune conditions Cholesterol explained and why statins might not […]

  • Do I still need HRT if I have no symptoms?

    Should women take HRT even if they’re not bothered by menopause symptoms? It’s a question many women ask – especially those with a family history of osteoporosis. Liz shares her take.  In this episode:  How can I treat bloating and constipation? Are NAD+ and Urolithin A supplements worth taking? What’s the best way to fade a […]

  • A beginner's guide to running in midlife – with Sabrina Pace-Humphreys

    Award-winning runner Sabrina Pace-Humphreys joins Liz to explain why midlife is the perfect time to start running – even if you’ve never run before. They discuss how running became Sabrina’s lifeline through severe postnatal depression, why two runs a week is enough to transform fitness and bone density through menopause, the truth about pelvic floor […]

  • Can I stop my eyesight from getting worse?

    Struggling to read restaurant menus or road signs? If your eyesight seems to be deteriorating faster than you’d like, listen as Liz explores the supplements and lifestyle changes that might actually help protect your vision. Liz is also answering your questions about at-home microneedling tools, perimenopause, creatine and stubborn teenage acne. In this episode: Is […]

  • Collagen banking, tweakments, and the future of skin ageing – with Alice Hart-Davis

    Beauty journalist Alice Hart-Davis joins Liz for an honest guide to non-surgical cosmetic procedures. From biostimulators and polynucleotides to what’s worth the money (and what isn’t), Alice shares 25 years of expertise on what actually works. Resources mentioned:  Learn more about all treatments (and the best practitioners) at The Tweakments Guide NEX peptide skincare One Skin serum […]

  • HRT explained: patches, tablets or gel – and which works best

    From navigating HRT confusion to gut health strategies and the truth about trendy wellness swaps, Liz answers your questions.  In this episode: Mouth taping – can it stop snoring? And does it cause fine lines?  Which type of HRT should I take if I’m exhausted and confused? Collagen supplements and allergies The link between stress […]

  • Food, fasting, and your ageing brain – with Dr Mindy Pelz

    Your brain changes as you age, but Dr Mindy Pelz says that’s not a bad thing. She explains how fasting might be one of the most powerful tools for your ageing brain, which two supplements could make a real difference to both your thinking and your achy joints, why finding purpose matters more than ever […]

  • Protein, fibre and the biohacks women need in midlife – with Rhian Stephenson

    Nutritionist and ARTAH founder Rhian Stephenson joins Liz to explain why biohacking doesn’t need to be extreme – and reveal the simple, powerful fundamentals that actually transform how we feel in midlife. They discuss why most women aren’t hitting their protein targets (and how to frontload your day without relying on powders), and a simple […]

  • How to gently reset health habits in January

    New year, new questions! From gentle New Year resets to supplement timing, Liz tackles your most pressing health questions for the year ahead. In this episode: How to gently reset health habits in January Is the Mirena coil safe with HRT? How to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy How do I rebalance my gut after […]

  • GLP-1s, fibre maxing and light therapy: Liz's take on the trends

    Welcome to the newly revamped Age Better with Liz Earle. To kick off 2026, Liz is playing Love It or Leave It – giving her honest verdict on the wellness trends you’ll be hearing everywhere this year. From chrononutrition and fibre maxing to GLP-1 medications, peptide skincare, and the great oat milk debate, Liz cuts […]

  • Is a 'light deficiency' quietly ageing you faster? – with Professor Glen Jeffery

    One of the most powerful tools for healthy ageing might be something you’ve barely thought about: light. Most of us spend the majority of our time under LED lighting that’s stripped of the very wavelengths our bodies need to function well – and the impact on our metabolism, energy and long-term health is only just […]

  • Eps 396: Why Do You Lose Ambition? | Amina AlTai

    A lot of women hit their 40s and suddenly wonder: where did my drive go? In this episode, I’m joined by executive coach and leadership trainer Amina AlTai, author of The Ambition Trap, to talk about the powerful shift many women experience in perimenopause when their relationship with success, work, and purpose starts to change. […]

  • Simple Steps for Getting Unstuck: Do THIS and Change Your Life

    Today’s episode is going to change the way you think about your life.  If you keep telling yourself you want to: -go after something bigger  -start something new  -speak up  -take a chance  -or finally do the thing you know you’re meant to do in life…  but you “just can’t seem to find the time,” […]

  • “Give people pleasing the finger!” Fearne’s no longer trying to be liked

    Are you a bit of a people pleaser? Wish you could care a little less what people think about you? To celebrate her new book, Likeable: How I Broke Free From The Need To Please, Fearne’s looking at all the ways she sacrificed her needs and self-expression in order to be more palatable to others… […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – Starting Small with Movement

    On today's Thursday Thoughts, Lucy and I are talking about moving your body, and more specifically, starting small when you’ve been injured or you’ve got out of the habit of taking exercise. Lucy and I talk about what our exercise routines look like when we’re taking it easier than usual, which can include some simple […]

  • S4 Ep197: Don't Be SKIN-fluenced! A Q and A with Dr. Ellen Gendler

    In the world of medical influencers, the only thing crazier than the menopause world is the skin world. There are a lot of people who are making millions selling lotions and potions that promise to make your 50-year-old skin look like it did when you were 20.Enter Dr. Ellen Gendler- you know her-the New York […]

  • The Tamsen Show podcast image

    She Was Told “No” Over and Over, Then Built A $1 Billion Company (At 53)

    In today’s episode of The Tamsen Show, Joanna Strober (CEO and co-founder of Midi Health) sits down with Tamsen Fadal to discuss the habits, mindset shifts, and resilience you need to build the unstoppable confidence to go after what you want.  The lesson Joanna shares in this episode is harsh but true: it doesn’t matter […]

  • June Squibb at 96: Career, Life and What's Next

    We are not worthy! Our guest this week is iconic actress June Squibb, whose remarkable career continues to thrive at 96. Best known for her acclaimed performances in films like Nebraska, Thelma, and Eleanor the Great, Squibb has built one of the most enduring acting careers in Hollywood. In this episode, June discusses her latest […]

  • image of woman with dark hair named Mary Claire Haver

    The Sleep Crisis in Menopause: Insomnia, Sleep Apnea & Solutions

    Poor sleep during perimenopause and menopause isn’t just exhausting—it’s linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk, depression, anxiety, weight gain, cognitive decline, and reduced quality of life. Yet for decades, women’s sleep complaints have been minimized, dismissed, or blamed on just getting older. In this episode, Dr. Mary Claire Haver sits down with board-certified sleep medicine […]

  • Ep. 209 – The Biology of Feeling Good: Cellular Health, Strength, and Longevity with Jennifer Scheinman

    If you work with women in midlife, or are navigating it yourself, you have likely heard some version of this before: “I’m doing everything right, but I still feel tired.” “My brain feels foggy.” “My body doesn’t respond the way it used to.” In this re-air of a fan-favorite episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely sits down […]

  • Step Two to a Regulated Nervous System: How to Come Back to Calm

    I’m continuing our series on how to build a more regulated nervous system. We've already explored Stage One: Awareness — learning to notice when your nervous system is calm, when stress is creeping in, and when you’ve tipped into that more activated state of anxiety or overwhelm. In this week's episode episode, I’m guiding you […]

  • 50 – Testosterone and breaking the stigma

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by urologist, educator and hormone health advocate Dr Kelly Casperson to challenge some of the most persistent myths surrounding testosterone and women’s health. Drawing on both clinical experience and scientific evidence, they explore why testosterone is not just a “male hormone”, but an important hormone for women […]

  • Caroline Hirons' Secret To Surviving Skincare In Menopause

    Today we’re revealing the ultimate skincare routine for menopausal women. And the good news? It’s super simple! If your skin has become dry, extra sensitive, or you’re suffering from acne during midlife, this could be down to menopause. But there are things that can help – and for this week’s episode, we’re joined by THE […]

  • The Tamsen Show podcast image

    Choosing a Child-Free Life: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Earlier

    In this deeply personal solo episode, Tamsen Fadal opens up about a question many women still struggle to answer out loud: Do you want children? For much of her life, that question carried a weight she rarely talked about publicly. In this conversation, Tamsen shares the story of how she came to understand that motherhood […]

  • Ep 395: Why You’re Still Exhausted After a Full Night’s Sleep In Perimenopause

    If you wake up tired, foggy, and already disoriented early in the morning… this might explain it. So many high-performing women in midlife tell me, “I’m sleeping… but I don’t feel refreshed.” You’re in bed. You’re not scrolling. You’re doing the “right” things. And yet you wake up foggy, wired at 2am, reaching for caffeine […]

  • #1 Body Image Expert: How to Repair Your Relationship with Your Body & Food

    If you feel like you have a complicated relationship with your body, food, and eating, you’re not the only one. Mel has gotten thousands of messages asking for an episode about emotional eating and body image, which is why she invited a world-renowned expert to talk about this topic with you. Today, Dr. Rachel Goldman […]

  • Radio 1's Matt and Mollie: I’m finding my voice! Back yourself like you back your mate

    You wouldn’t talk to your best mate in the critical way you talk to yourself. For Radio One DJs Matt Edmondson and Mollie King, their friendship has made them both believe in themselves more. In this chat with Fearne, Matt and Mollie talk about the insecurities they have, and how freeing it is to realise […]

  • The one morning habit I'll never give up

    There’s one thing Liz does before coffee, before switching on her phone or starting her morning – and she says it’s the single most powerful reset her body gets all day. Plus: why alcohol wrecks your sleep even if it helps you drift off, and what’s really happening to perimenopausal skin when it suddenly becomes […]

  • How to eat for healthy weight loss and fewer cravings – with Dominique Ludwig

    Maintaining a healthy weight, beating cravings and having energy that lasts all day doesn’t need to be complicated, says clinical nutritionist Dominique Ludwig. She’s back on the show to explain why eating in the right proportions transforms everything from weight management and blood sugar to gut health and mood – and why her simple balanced plate […]

Age Better with Liz Earle

I’m on a mission to change the conversation around ageing. Women’s health – particularly as we age – has been underfunded and overlooked for far too long. And frankly, it’s time we pushed back. Through this podcast, I want to share the knowledge and tools that can help you thrive in later life by taking […]

00:00
/
00:00