Infrared Sauna: A Detox & Weight Loss Powerhouse

Guess what!  You can lose weight and detox just by sitting around for 30 minutes doing absolutely nothing.  What’s the secret?  Infrared Sauna.  This is an exciting post because tried the sauna only because I was curious how it felt.  I wasn’t going for a specific purpose. However an unintended consequence of my visit resulted in discovering things about my health that I did not know were there.  I will cover all of this and more so you can enjoy the benefits of infrared sauna as well.

What is an infrared sauna?

An infrared sauna uses light to create heat compared to a traditional sauna that uses heat to warm the air that then warms your body.  In the infrared sauna heats your body directly by the light without warming the air around you.  The light spectrum allows you to get the results at a lower temperature than a regular sauna.  Therefore some people with heat intolerance may be able to tolerate and infrared sauna better.

You will hear terms “near” and “far” this refers to where the light wave falls on the spectrum.  Each wavelength has different functions.   Near Infrared is best for healing wounds and increasing immune function.  Middle is best for circulation and relaxation.  Far is best for detoxification.

Infrared Spectrum Functions:

• Near: heal wounds, anti aging, increase immunity
• Mid: circulation, relaxation
• Far: detoxification

When you body is in the sauna the internal reaction is similar to exercise in the sense that you are sweating and you heart rate speeds up.  Additionally the heat increases circulation and inhibits the sympathetic nervous system (see HRV post for explanation on sympathetic nervous system).

What are the benefits of infrared Sauana?

• Detox: The skin is the largest organ in the body and sweating is the body’s natural way to eliminate toxins.
• Immune Boosting: A sauna session increases the number of white blood cells which is a boost to your immunity.
• Weight Loss: The sauna causes you body temperature to rise which then increases you heart rate.  Your body has to work to lower your temperature thus working harder and burning more calories.
• Increases Recovery: Infrared saunas reduce inflammation by increasing circulation.  This can result in faster recovery after a workout, reduced joint pain and other aches.
• Relax: Helps with cortisol balance by increasing the storage and release of norepinephrine.
• Improves Circulation:  Optimized blood flow to the heart, muscles, and skin by increasing plasma volume.
• Increase Insulin Sensitivity:  Insulin is the endocrine hormone that regulates glucose.  Specifically how the body takes glucose into the muscles/cells.   (Remember:  Insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance have an inverse relationship.  You want high insulin sensitivity and low insulin resistance).
• Brain Strength:  By increasing prolactin which enhances myelination and helps repair damage neurons.   In creases brain derived neurotropic factor  (BDNF) which grows new brain cells and can help decrease depression and anxiety.

Infrared Sauna and Electromagnetic Frequency (EMF)

Beware not all Sauna’s are created equal.  You want to make sure the sauna you are using is low electromagnetic frequency (EMF).

Low EMF sauna brands:

Clearlight
Sunlighten

Infrared Sauna and Heavy Metal Poisoning

The skin is the bodies largest detoxifying organ.  The infrared sauna allows the body to heat up to a level that is typically not achieved by exercise alone.  Because of this the skin perspires at a faster rate and at a greater volume.  Because of this it is not only a great way to rid the body of toxins but it makes it one of the best channels for a heavy metal detox.

My personal story,  i went to the infrared sauna because I listened to Ben Greenfield’s podcast on infrared sauna.  I was intrigued so I looked up an infrared sauna near me, making sure it was a low EMF sauna, I booked an appointment.  After two visits I lost about 5 pounds and started feeling great.  I hadn’t changed my diet or exercise but the pounds kept coming off.  I started to get concerned and went back to review the benefits of the sauna and one of the major benefits is Heavy Metal Detox.  Then I was wondering if I had heavy metal poisining, where would I be getting heavy metal poisioning… I filter my water, I eat organic.  Then I realized the heavy metal poisioning was in my mouth.  I had one amalgam filing, these are exteremely toxic.  I learned a lot about almalgam fillings, after this and just how toxic they were.  This led me to book an apointment to get my filling out.  PLEAS NOTE:  YOU NEED TO GET AMALGAM FILINGS TAKEN OUT BY A PERSON WHO SPECIALIZES.  DO NOT GO TO AN ORDINARY DENTIST.  SEE OUT POST HERE ON AMALGAM FILING AND MERCURY TOXICITY.

Infrared Sauna Getting Started:

Start off slow.  For your first session maybe only do 15minutes at 155-175 degrees.  If that works for you then the next time increase your time by 5-10 minutes.  Eventually working your way up to 30 minutes.

Pre-sauna preparation:

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before.  You will sweat a lot.
• Eating:  Go in with a realatively empty stomach.  Similar as you would for yoga.
• Skin Brushing:  Helps increase the lymphatic flow and jump start the detox process.

You should not go in the sauna if any of the below apply:

• Have Amalgam Fillings:  The sauna heats the metal in the mouth causing the mercury to release at a rapid rate.  If you do go to the sauna drink ice water so your mouth does not heat up.
• Alcohol: This should go without saying but don’t drink alcohol before or during the sauna you could die.  Also don’t go to the sauna if you are hungover.  You won’t sweat out the toxins it doesn’t’ work that way.
• Have your period: If you have your period the heat can increase the blood flow.  If it is a heavy day you could feel dizzy afterward.
• Pregnant:  Avoid sauna.
• Existing Medical Issues: Consult your doctor if you have any medical issues to see if the sauna is safe.

The sauna is a great tool to add to your performance and wellness arsenal. Try it out google to find an infrared sauna near your, remember to make sure they use a low EMF brand.

Get outside your comfort zone! Get hot!