Infrared saunas are an excellent way to detox the body and flush out harmful toxins. A good sauna session will heat your core and trigger a cleansing sweat. This will flush-out harmful chemicals, clean the skin, and detox the body, in as little as 10-15 minutes. This simple guide covers everything you need to know about How to Detox with Infrared Sauna.
SAUNA DETOXIFICATION
The deep heat penetration of an infrared sauna quickly raises the core temperature of the body and induces sweating. The sweating process is key to detoxification during a sauna session. As the pores open the body releases sweat droplets in an attempt to cool down.
Sweat droplets carry toxins and as the sweat is released the toxins are flushed out and the body is cleansed. Infrared sauna detox is a great way of riding the body of pollutants such as BPAs and heavy metals.
Furthermore, scientists have found that sweating can release more persistent pollutants stored in body fat such as pesticides and PCBs.
TOXINS RELEASED DURING INFRARED SAUNA
Sweating is a critical detox function of the body and it uses it to cool down, clean the skin and flush harmful chemicals from the body. Among the toxins identified in sweat released during an infrared sauna detox session are the big three of BPAs, PCBs, and dangerous heavy metals.
BPA (Bisphenol A)
BPAs are industrial chemicals that have been used for decades to make plastics. They are commonly found in the plastics used to make food containers and water bottles.
They are also found in the plastic linings of tinned foods and the pipes of many water supplies.
Research has shown that BPAs can leach into food or drinks that are stored in containers that contain BPA. This is bad news. BPA is a toxin and is not good for your health.
According to the Mayo Clinic, it has a range of harmful effects and can damage the brain, prostate gland, and increase blood pressure. A good sauna session helps release BPAs from the body.
PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)
PCBs were industrial chemicals that were widespread until they were banned in 1979.
They are highly dangerous to humans and are known to cause cancers as well as damage to the nervous system, immune system and endocrine system.
Although the chemical was banned in 1979 it still cycles through the air, water and soil to this very day. The contaminant is regularly found in certain fish, meat, dairy and the water supply.
PCB toxins vary from region to region and levels are monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency. Sweating during a sauna session can release PCBs from the body.
HEAVY METALS
Heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury can be accumulated in the body over the years.
They all are either probable or confirmed carcinogenic elements – meaning they can cause cancer.
They can also cause serious damage to the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and immunological system.
And an infrared sauna detox session can help remove these harmful elements from the body. Heavy metals have been identified in the sweat droplets we release while in a sauna.
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SWEATING CLEANSES THE SYSTEM
Sweating is a vital detox function for us all but most of us just don’t work up a sweat often enough. It allows the body to detoxify itself as it flushes harmful chemicals out through the pores of the skin in sweat droplets. Sweating cleanses the body of toxins such as BPAs, PCBs, and harmful heavy metal.
With so many people working in offices, working from home, and spending time in air-conditioned environments it can be difficult to sweat at levels that cleanse the body.
Sweating is the natural way to cool the body, release toxins, and clean the skin. The body can very effectively flush out harmful chemicals in this way.
And in the absence of going for a run, or going to the gym every day a good sauna session is an excellent way of detoxifying and purifying the body.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SWEAT?
There are a range of health benefits associated with sweating – not just detoxification and body temperature control.
Ritual sweating has played a vital therapeutic role in Scandinavian, Native American, and Celtic cultures for several thousands of years.
CARDIOVASCULAR STIMULATION
When you sweat, your heart begins to work harder. The rate at which it beats speeds up and it begins to pump blood around your body at an increased rate.
This results in increased blood flow throughout the body which helps heal and supply nutrients to your vital organs.
CLEANSES & PROTECTS THE SKIN
Sweating is good for your skin. As you begin to perspire, pores open and sweat passes through the skin flushing out toxins and any waste byproducts.
It has a cleansing effect on the skin. It also protects the skin by forming a surface film of oil that remains in place even after drying off.
This oil film prevents the skin from drying out and shields it from the elements.
NATURAL ANTIBIOTIC
Sweat contains a natural antibiotic called dermcidin that can help protect you from harmful bacteria. It is an anti-microbial component secreted by the eccrine sweat glands that can kill-off germs on your skin.
It is particularly useful in a gym scenario where exercise equipment is used by many different people.
SALT REGULATION
When you sweat your body loses water and salt. Sweat droplets contain a mixture of water, salt, and other molecules.
If you lose too much salt you can become dehydrated and suffer cramps. However, the more often you sweat the better your body becomes at regulating the lose of salt through sweat.
Regular sauna detox sessions mean you will become better able to sweat without suffering dehydration.
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• Health Benefits of Infrared Sauna
HOW DOES SWEATING WORK?
Now that we know all about the detoxification benefits of sweating, let’s take a look at how sweating occurs. The skin is the largest organ in the body and the average human has approximately 2.6 million sweat glands spread across it.
Sweat glands are located in a layer of skin called the dermis. There are two types of sweat glands – eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands are spread out all over the body while apocrine are concentrated around the armpits, anal, and genital areas. These two types of glands produce sweat of different compositions.
ECCRINE SWEAT GLANDS
These glands begin producing sweat from birth and create a sweat that is free of fatty acids and proteins.
APOCRINE SWEAT GLANDS
The apocrine glands become active during puberty and secrete sweat that contains fatty acids and proteins.
INTERSTITIAL FLUID
The amount of sweat we create is affected by our levels of activity and our emotional state. The water that is used to generate sweat is drawn from the fluid that exists between cells – in the interstitial spaces.
This interstitial fluid is sourced from the blood supply through capillaries in our blood vessels. As we sweat, droplets form on the skin and have a cooling effect as they evaporate.
TEMPERATURE REGULATION
This is how the body regulates its temperature and cools itself whenever it begins to heat up – like during a sauna detox.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE A SAUNA TO DETOX
There is no rule set in stone saying how often you should use an infrared sauna for detox. However, experienced sauna users generally use them up to 3 to 4 times a week for detoxing to the system.
Regular sauna detox sessions cleanse the skin, flush out toxins and refresh the body. Beginners are advised to start out with a lesser frequency and work their way up.
BEGINNERS – ONCE OR TWICE PER WEEK
Maybe once or twice a week to begin with and as you become used to the heat, gradually increase frequency. Typical detox sauna sessions last 30-45 minutes for the experienced user.
A beginner would be advised to start with 10-minute sessions. Always remember to stay properly hydrated and take regular breaks to prevent over-heating. Interested in discovering home sauna for yourself? Check out your options below.
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• SAUNA BLANKETS – click here
• INFRARED MATS – click here
• SAUNA TENTS – click here
OTHER ADVANTAGES OF SAUNA
Saunas aren’t just used for detoxification purposes. They offer a wealth of healing and relaxation benefits. A wide range of additional health benefits will be experienced while enjoying an infrared sauna detox. Among them are – see below.
RELAXATION
Saunas are an excellent way to unwind and relax after a long day. Great for Recovery After A Workout.
STRESS RELIEF
Working up a sweat in a sauna will relieve stress and anxiety.
JOINT & MUSCLE PAIN RELIEF
The deep heating effects on infrared sauna relieve joint pain and relax stiff and tightened muscles.
BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEM
Infrared sauna therapy boosts the immune system.
THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS
Can treat the symptoms of a number of conditions including Treating Arthritis, Lyme Disease, and Psoriasis & Eczema with infrared heat therapy.
CLEANSES & HEALS SKIN
Opening the pores and releasing toxins cleanses the skin and can help heal and repair skin tissue.
BOOSTS CIRCULATION
Heart rate increases as the body heats up, increasing circulation and blood flow throughout the body.
STAYING SAFE
When it comes to using a sauna, always err on the side of caution. If you have an underlying medical condition or are pregnant, you should consult your doctor before using an infrared sauna for detox.
Make sure you stay properly hydrated by regularly sipping water to replace fluids lost through sweating.
Remember, take regular breaks to avoid overheating. Beginners should start out with short sessions of non longer than 10 minutes before building up a tolerance to the infrared heat.
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• INFRARED SAUNA SAFETY – click here
• SAUNA TIPS – click here
About the Author
JAKE RAOUL
• Sauna Specialist
Meet Jake, a man with a passion for sauna therapy. Jake’s background is in science and his passion is wellness and fitness. Growing up in Orlando Florida, Jake enrolled in Florida International University where he graduated with a BS in Biological Sciences.
As a young man, he worked in the spa and wellness center at the renowned Breakers Palm Beach luxury hotel. Here he developed his skills and understanding of client-centered wellness delivery. Upon graduating from Florida International University he took up a research position focusing on the application and practical effects of steam therapy.
His research has contributed to advancing the understanding of steam sauna therapy and how it can be applied in the occupational health environment. His work in this area has been officially recognized for its impact on the field.
Jake is a devoted fan of the Orlando Magic basketball team. When not working and advancing his research he enjoys attending games at the Kia Center in downtown Orlando. He also likes to remain active in his local sports community and volunteers as a basketball coach for his local youth team.
With his background in scientific research and passion for wellness, Jake is a valuable addition to the Home Sauna Heaven writer’s team where he shares his knowledge and understanding of sauna therapy, steam sauna therapy, and how they can be used for best effect.
