Alex Fergus
Alex Fergus
- 7 min read

CeraThrive Review: Red Light For The Gut & Brain

Here's my Cera System review, or Cera Thrive review, a product aiming to innovate brain-gut light therapy treatment, as well as red light therapy for the brain!

CeraThrive Review: Red Light For The Gut & Brain
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Introduction

Introducing the first red light therapy system built specifically to target the gut-brain axis: the CeraThrive System.

What sets CeraThrive apart is its dual-action design. A specialized headband delivers targeted light directly to the brain, while a separate wraparound panel simultaneously treats the abdominal region. This synchronized stimulation of both the brain and the gut is what makes the CeraThrive approach unique and potentially powerful.

Now, this isn't some quick-release product. The Cerathrive System has been years in the making. It’s the brainchild of Sarah Turner, who, in my opinion, is one of the top experts in the photobiomodulation and red light therapy space.

I've had the pleasure of interviewing her several times, and it’s clear she’s poured her heart, soul, and extensive research into this project. So I’m genuinely excited to share everything I’ve learned and experienced with this device.

And yes, before we go any further—because I know the question is coming—how does this compare to a traditional panel? I’ll get into that later. Let’s dive into the key features, power radiance, how it works, how to use it, and my overall thoughts.

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Affiliate Disclosure: I received a complimentary product to review. However, my receipt of the product did not influence the outcome of this review. I try to be as fair and critical as possible in any review, and this review reflects my genuine and honest opinion of the product.

What Is the CeraThrive System?

The CeraThrive is a two-part system and the first FDA-cleared red light therapy device aimed at the gut-brain axis. It’s designed to enhance focus and energy using red and near-infrared photobiomodulation. This therapy is known to support cellular repair, reduce inflammation, boost ATP production, and improve circulation—essentially promoting better health at a cellular level.

The setup includes a lightweight, USB-C rechargeable headband controlled via a Bluetooth-enabled app (though Bluetooth can be turned off easily). The front features three light clusters, with a fourth on the back, designed to effectively deliver light into the brain, specifically the prefrontal cortex.

Each LED cluster contains 22 dual-chip LEDs. The headband emits four wavelengths: 630nm red light and three near-infrared wavelengths—850 nm, 940nm, and 1070nm. The 1070nm wavelength is notable for its deeper penetration and cognitive benefits.

Then there’s the abdominal pad. This section houses 60 dual-chip LEDs and emits two wavelengths—630nm and 850nm. It’s more in line with what we typically see in consumer-grade red light pads, but the standout here remains the headband.

Why Two Devices?

I won’t discuss the theory behind treating the gut-brain axis simultaneously—Sarah Turner explained it in depth during our interview. Instead, I’ll focus on the technical side: the wavelengths and power output.

My interview with Sarah Turner

Wavelengths and Power Output

Using a spectrometer, I observed four distinct wavelength peaks, including the 1070nm range (peaking at around 1072nm). CeraThrive also provided a spreadsheet with detailed LED metrics. Although only one 1070nm LED is present, its dose is relatively strong.

But here’s the thing—my irradiance readings were low. I measured between 3 and 6.9 mW/cm², which is lower than expected based on the specs, which list output between 20 and 33 mW/cm². Testing in different modes, including energized (a continuous pulsing mode), didn’t significantly boost the numbers.

Why the discrepancy? A few possibilities: inaccurate spectrometer positioning, calibration issues, or simply my spectrometer’s limitations. It only measures up to 1050nm, meaning the 1070nm output isn’t fully captured. I plan to invest in a new spectrometer to get a more accurate read and share updates in a future red light therapy news video.

Testing the abdominal pad gave 20 to 30 mW/cm² readings when measured directly over the LEDs, aligning with their official numbers. The readings are more straightforward since this pad uses continuous light (no pulsing).

CeraThrive acknowledged the discrepancies and emphasized the importance of measuring directly over the center of the LEDs. They also mentioned conducting an independent test, which they’ll share when complete.

Latest interview with Sarah Turner

Exploring the App

Setting up the CeraThrive app requires account creation—a bit of a pet peeve—but it’s simple enough. Once in, you get:

  • Guided meditations (~10 minutes long)
  • Session calendar for planning and tracking
  • Educational videos explaining usage and benefits

The app is intuitive and well-designed, allowing complete control of the headset. And yes, you can disable Bluetooth to eliminate any wireless exposure.

There are six preset programs:

  1. Energy
  2. Balance – uses 7.83Hz (Schumann frequency) to calm the medial prefrontal cortex.
  3. Perform – 40Hz gamma waves for learning and performance
  4. Resilience – a continuous pulse to the prefrontal cortex
  5. Meditation – 100Hz targeting both left and right prefrontal cortex
  6. Focus – 10Hz alpha waves targeting the default mode network

Switching modes is simple: connect the device, pick a mode, and hit start. The abdominal pad is even simpler with a single power button.

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My team and I have extensively researched the benefits of red light therapy. Be sure to check out the articles on my website. Here's one article: Red Light Therapy For Upgrading Your Brain Health

Price, Warranty & What’s Included

The complete CeraThrive System retails at USD 1,294. With my discount code ALEX, you’ll save 10%, bringing it down to $1,164. That includes free worldwide shipping, a one-year warranty, and a 30-day return period.

Inside the box:

  • Comprehensive user manual (a great beginner’s guide to red light therapy)
  • The abdominal pad with a velcro strap
  • The headband
  • USB-C charger
  • Travel case

What I Like

  • Specialized Design: This is the first product specifically targeting the gut-brain axis with both a head and abdominal component.
  • Preset Modes: Options for focus, meditation, and performance make it a versatile tool.
  • Well-Designed App: Easy to use and informative.
  • Comfortable & Portable: Both devices are lightweight and don’t interfere with daily activities.
  • Upgradeable Potential: Because control comes from the app, future research could lead to the addition of updated protocols.

Though designed for the gut, the abdominal pad can also be used on other body parts, such as the face or joints, adding versatility.

What I Don’t Like

  • Low Irradiance Readings on Headband: Still unclear if this is due to spectrometer limitations or actual device output.
  • New Company Risk: A gamble with early products, though Sarah Turner’s involvement gives confidence.
  • Price vs. Output: At this price point, some may wonder if they’re better off buying a small, high-powered panel or handheld device.
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Check out this epic new Shopping Tool, years in the making! You can filter products by price, number of LEDs, total power, irradiance, height, width, warranty, company, the company's location, warehouse, class, year released, pulsing, flicker, modular support, EMF, built-in timer, multi-chip LEDs, stands included, specific wavelengths, shipping, value, noise level, and more! 

Who Is It For?

This is for you if you want a focused, tech-forward red light therapy device that tackles the gut and brain. If you like meditation modes, tracking sessions, and app integration, you’ll love it.

If your focus is more on treating advanced cognitive issues or severe brain disorders, consider competitors like Vielight or Neuronic. They’re more expensive but have stronger clinical backing.

The App

Final Thoughts

The CeraThrive System is a groundbreaking step into specialized red light therapy, with impressive design and thought behind it. Is it perfect? No. But it’s a bright, promising start in a space that will only keep evolving.

Items Mentioned In This Article:

✅ Get the CeraThrive CERA product here: https://aferg.co/cerathrive - code ALEX saves!
✅ Grab a Vielight product here and use discount code ALEX10 for 10% off: https://aferg.co/vielight
✅ For a Neuradiant use use discount code ALEXF5 and the following link: https://aferg.co/neuradiant
✅ Buy a PlatinumLED BioMax panel or accessories, use the following link for a discount: https://aferg.co/redled

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Make sure to join my Facebook group. We have more in-depth discussions there. I hope you’ll join us in the interesting conversations. Members share their ideas, observations, experiences, questions, and review requests. It’s an interactive group!

📰 Found This Interesting? Look At These Articles:

⭐ Red Light Therapy Wavelengths Benefits: The Ultimate Guide
⭐ Red Light Therapy For Traumatic Brain Injury Science: Speed Up Recovery Significantly!
⭐ Red Light Therapy For Eye Health: Very Impressive Science
⭐ Red Light Therapy Pros & Cons: The Complete List

🎥 Consider These YouTube Videos As Well:

⭐ Red Light Therapy For Brain Injury & Function: EPIC Science!
⭐ Brain Red Light Therapy: Neuroscientist's SECRETS!!
⭐ Neuroscientist Dr Beck: Brain Light Therapy SECRETS
⭐ Sunlight Vs Red Light Therapy: EXCITING Experiment!

Alex's Bio

This blog post was written by Alex Fergus. Alex is a ISSN Sports Nutrition Specialist, Fitness Professional and certified Superhuman Coach who continues to expand his knowledge base and help people across the world with their health and wellness. Alex is recognized as the National Record Holder in Powerlifting and Indoor Rowing and has earned the title of the Australian National Natural Bodybuilding Champion. Having worked as a health coach and personal trainer for over a decade, Alex now researches all things health and wellness and shares his findings on this blog. 

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