Infrared Sauna does what?

As more people are looking for ways to improve their health and overall well-being, one therapy that has gained popularity in recent years is the infrared sauna. Unlike traditional saunas that use high temperatures to sweat out toxins, infrared saunas use infrared light to generate heat that penetrates deep into the body’s tissues. Here are some of the benefits of using an infrared sauna:

1. Detoxification: Infrared saunas have been shown to help detoxify the body of harmful toxins and heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. As the body heats up, the infrared rays penetrate into the tissue, promoting increased blood flow and oxygenation. This enhances the body's natural detoxifying processes and helps to flush out toxins through sweat.

2. Improved circulation: Infrared saunas encourage better blood flow by increasing the production of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and improves circulation. This increased circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues and organs, which can help to improve overall health and promote healing, as well as muscle recovery.

3. Pain relief: Infrared saunas have been shown to provide relief for a variety of chronic pain conditions, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The heat produced by the infrared light penetrates deeply into the body, promoting relaxation and reducing pain and inflammation.

4. Improved skin health: Infrared saunas can help improve overall skin health by stimulating collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Additionally, the increased circulation and sweat production can help to improve skin tone, texture, and clarity.

5. Stress relief: Infrared saunas have been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress by increasing the production of the "feel-good" hormone's serotonin and dopamine. Additionally, the warmth of the sauna can help to ease tension in the muscles and promote relaxation.

6. Infrared Saunas have also been shown to reduce oxidative stress.

While the benefits of infrared saunas are numerous, it’s important to note that not everyone may be able to use them. People with certain medical conditions or medications that can affect heat tolerance should check with a healthcare provider before using an infrared sauna.

That includes some people with Lupus - if you notice you are heat intolerant, but are still interested in trying a infrared sauna - feel free to try for a shorter period of time (5-10 minutes instead of 30+) or keep the sauna at a lower temperature. You can even get the benefits of infrared sauna using small infrared light panels.

Additionally, it’s important to stay hydrated before, during, and after a sauna session to avoid dehydration.

Overall, infrared saunas can provide numerous benefits for those looking to improve their health and well-being. Whether you’re looking to detoxify, reduce pain and inflammation, or simply relax and destress, an infrared sauna may be worth considering as a part of your overall health and wellness routine.

xoxo,

The Lupus Dietitian