Beyond the rejuvenating effect on the skin, the positive impact on cardiovascular and circulatory health, and the numerous weight loss benefits, an infrared sauna can also strengthen your body’s immune response, warding against infections, viruses, and the pesky common cold.
An infrared sauna’s benefits for immunity revolve around the fact that it helps the body remove toxins that can otherwise promote chronic inflammation, which can have long-lasting consequences.
Sweating is your body’s neat way of controlling its core body temperature and keeping you from overheating. The drawback is that sweating causes you to lose fluids and electrolytes, such as magnesium and potassium.
Fortunately, sweating also causes you to excrete toxins that can otherwise promote inflammation and lead to illnesses. In essence, sweating promotes detoxification that boosts your health in the long run.
Some harmful compounds that have been shown to be lost through sweat include arsenic, lead, and mercury.
While no evidence suggests you can ‘sweat out’ a virus and treat the flu or cold, sitting in a sauna can provide another benefit. Exposure to heat causes an ‘artificial fever,’ making your body less habitable for viruses and bacteria that may make you ill.
Heat shock proteins are found in many cells in the body and are involved in various processes necessary for good health. One of their primary functions is to prime cells in the body to respond to external stressors, such as exposure to heat or cold.
Research suggests that hyperthermia (higher than normal body temperature) can trigger heat shock proteins to act and protect cells from stress, as well as upregulate immune system function to defend the body against viruses and other external invaders.
A somewhat indirect benefit of sitting in a sauna is that it can be a fantastic way to manage stress and feel more at ease. One reason for the calming effect people experience is the release of endorphins, similar to when working out.
Endorphins make you feel more relaxed and might even bring pleasure and fulfillment. But why does that matter?
Research suggests that stress plays a major role in immune system function. Chronic stress may lower the body’s defense abilities, making people more susceptible to the common cold and more serious conditions.
In addition to the calming effect, sitting in an infrared sauna can lower anxiety and lead to better sleep at night. Similar to stress management, this can indirectly contribute to stronger immune system function.
The body releases cytokines during sleep. These proteins can further support sleep and are important for overall immunity. Sleeping less could limit cytokine release, lowering the body’s immune response.
Using an infrared sauna can positively affect the body and mind. As you can see, controlled exposure to heat can stimulate various processes in the body that strengthen the immune system, protecting against viruses, bacteria, and other potential threats.
Plus, given the stress management and sleep benefits, an infrared sauna could be beneficial for far more than just the body’s defense.
Disclaimer:
This information is not intended to prescribe a particular health issue or course of action. We are not medical professionals, so please contact your GP or health practitioner for medical advise.
