Stress is often perceived as a bad thing – but in some ways, it can actually be helpful. Introducing hormetic stress – a process where your body becomes more resilient to potentially harmful stimuli by first being exposed to them in small, manageable doses. It may sound like a strange concept and an unappealing experience, but it is quite common in nature. Think of it as the “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” principle applied to biology. We as humans already experience this kind of stress in our everyday lives without us even noticing. In fact, deliberate exposure to this kind of stress has been shown to stimulate various mental and physical benefits. Learn more about hormetic stress and how infrared sauna effects help induce this to provide health benefits in this article with the team at Sun Stream Saunas NZ.
Understanding Hormesis and Its Effect on the Human Body
Hormetic stress or hormesis refers to biological adaptive responses to moderate environmental or self-imposed challenges, which improves the body’s functionality or tolerance towards such stressors.
One of its most important functions is achieving homeostasis, or balance in the body’s internal environment. This is an essential factor for optimal health and longevity. Without this, the body is vulnerable to diseases and imbalances that can wreak havoc on your biological systems.
To put it into better perspective, think of hormesis as one of your first lines of defence. Regardless of physical stressors such as physical strain and temperature fluctuations, hormesis allows and strengthens your body to adapt to these challenges while keeping your internal environment constant.
How Do Infrared Saunas Induce Hormetic Stress
When you enter an infrared sauna, the infrared heat increases your body’s core temperature. To prevent overheating, hormesis kicks in by prompting its processes of thermoregulation – causing blood vessels to dilate, pumping blood around the body, and burning calories to stimulate sweating.
Throughout this process, the adaptive mechanisms of the body don’t just learn to adjust but they’re also enhanced by it. The body learns from each stress occurrence, and strengthens its ability to self-regulate. The stronger it becomes, the better equipped your body is to handle certain types of stressors.
That is why it is often recommended for infrared sauna beginners to start with lower temperatures and gradually increase. This trains the body to better regulate its core temperature, improving its adaptability to thermoregulation and thermogenesis.
Benefits of Hormetic Stress from Infrared Saunas
From enhanced longevity to a better immune system response, hormesis has been linked to a wide variety of health benefits. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of one type of hormetic stress – the heat stressor.
- Protects neural functions: Hormetic stress, induced by infrared saunas, positively affects the brain by optimising cognitive function and mental alertness. It also protects neural systems from a variety of metabolic and neurodegenerative risks.
- Diabetes management: Regular exposure to heat stress can help regulate blood sugar levels. This contributes to your overall metabolic health and can potentially aid in diabetes management.
- Improved circulation: As mentioned above, heat stress dilates the blood vessels, allowing better circulation. This ensures the optimal flow of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and cells.
- Positive influence on the behaviour of tubular epithelial cells: These cells are essential for kidney function and maintaining fluid balance in the body. When exposed to mild stressors such as heat stress from an infrared sauna, these cells activate protective mechanisms that enhance their resilience and function.
- Production increase of heat shock proteins: These proteins are important elements in cell repair and protection. Under the controlled heat of infrared saunas, their production increases.
Key Takeaway
The idea of intentionally inducing stress might seem counterintuitive. After all, isn’t stress one of the biggest things doctors recommend people avoid? Hormetic stress differs. Instead of negatively affecting your health, it does the opposite, promoting benefits resulting in better metabolic health, enhanced physical performance, and improved overall health.
To learn more about the details of infrared sauna effects on your health, explore our Sun Stream blog. We also offer top-quality home infrared sauna products, perfect for those who want to enjoy the benefits of this treatment from the comfort of their home. Contact us for more questions or inquiries.