Aside from the refreshing effects on your skin, the numerous heart-related benefits, and the ability to support weight loss, using an infrared sauna may also strengthen your body’s immune system––the defense against viruses, infections, and other invaders that can lead to the common cold and more severe issues.
An infrared sauna can strengthen immunity by helping your body remove toxins that may otherwise increase the risk of disease and chronic health problems.
Sweating is a bodily process necessary for controlling core body temperature and reducing the risk of becoming too hot, which poses serious health risks. One issue with sweating is that it leads to fluid and electrolyte loss (e.g., potassium and magnesium).
But the good news is that, in addition to helpful nutrients, sweat causes you to excrete toxins that may otherwise lead to chronic inflammation and increase the risk of disease. Simply put, sweating helps your body eliminate toxic compounds and may improve your health in the long run.
According to research, harmful compounds we lose through sweat include mercury, arsenic, and lead.
We don’t have any scientific evidence to suggest that we can sweat out a virus or bacteria in the same way. However, controlled heat exposure (such as sitting in an infrared sauna) can create an artificial fever, making your body less habitable for such external invaders.
Your body produces heat shock proteins found in many cells and necessary for bodily processes. A crucial role of these proteins is to prepare your body for impending stress, such as exposure to cold or hot temperatures.
Some data shows that abnormally high body temperature (such as when having a fever) can cause heat shock proteins to activate and protect healthy cells from stress. These proteins can also strengthen the body’s immune system, helping protect against external invaders like viruses.
This is an indirect benefit but one that’s still worth noting. Sitting in an infrared sauna can be a great way to unwind and manage your stress. Researchers think that one reason for the calming effect of sauna is the release of endorphins.
Endorphins are hormones that primarily suppress pain but can also lead to relaxation, pleasure, and fulfillment.
The reason why that matters is that stress plays a role in immunity. When someone is more stressed, their immune system may become impaired, making the person more likely to catch the common cold (or even suffer more serious health issues).
Another indirect benefit of using a sauna for immunity is that it can lower anxiety levels, calm the mind, and help you sleep better. Similar to the previous benefit, this one is also indirect.
While sleeping, the body releases cytokines, which are proteins that further improve sleep and are involved in immune system function. Sleep deprivation can reduce cytokine production, directly impairing immunity.
Sitting in an infrared sauna can be highly beneficial on several fronts. Exposing your body to controlled heat stimulates numerous processes that lead to stronger immunity and better protection from bacteria, viruses, and other invaders.
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.
