My Favorite Way to Detox – Infrared Sauna Detoxification
As you learned from our last article, our modern environment continually exposes us to toxins. The US regularly uses over 80,000 toxic chemicals. The body can store more than 500 of these poisons, and the average person has at least seven pesticides detectable in their urine. Adopting a daily detoxification routine is essential to eliminate these unwanted toxins.
One effective method is using infrared sauna technology, which offers remarkable health benefits. I have been watching the research on infra-red saunas and evaluating the companies that sell them for years. Last year, I made my purchase, and I wish I had done it sooner. It is amazing.
The Body’s Detoxification System
The body’s primary detoxification organs include the liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, gastrointestinal system, and urinary tract. The principal elimination processes are respiration, urination, defecation, and perspiration. Given the sheer volume of toxins in our environment, maintaining the optimal function of these eliminatory channels is crucial.
For years, controversy has existed about whether our bodies eliminate toxins through sweating. Today, research shows that it can expel heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, as well as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and phthalates (plastics). These findings underscore the importance of activities that promote sweating, such as using an infrared sauna, to reduce the body’s toxic burden and improve health. Infrared saunas enhance the body’s ability to eliminate toxins through sweating.
Let’s look at the fantastic merits of infrared sauna, including its benefits for your mitochondria.
Infrared Sauna Detoxification
Mitochondria and Infrared Saunas: Mechanisms of Action
Infrared saunas enhance mitochondrial function using a photoreceptor on mitochondria that captures red and near-infrared light. This process, particularly with light in the 600-700 and 800-1,000 nanometer ranges, helps mitochondria produce energy more efficiently. This energy boost improves cell function in the skin, thyroid, muscles, and other tissues. Additionally, the heat from infrared saunas increases pathways that strengthen the body’s antioxidant defenses and promote the growth of new mitochondria.
Infrared light therapy also affects gene expression through mitochondria, which sense environmental changes and promote cell repair, regeneration, and growth. For instance, it increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain, collagen production in the skin, and muscle protein synthesis. Infrared light also boosts nitric oxide (NO) release, benefiting metabolism. Additionally, some research suggests that this light can help recycle CoQ10, enhancing energy production, especially when combined with a diet rich in plant chlorophyll.
Understanding Infrared Technology
Infrared technology is a non-invasive light therapy that can penetrate the body up to three inches deep! Optimal wavelengths range between 5.6 and 20 microns. This process heats muscle tissue and internal organs without significantly heating the surrounding air, helping tissues push toxins into the bloodstream and eliminating them through perspiration.
Infrared wavelengths can stimulate several detoxification pathways in the body, including liver detoxification, kidney filtration, and fat cell mobilization. Infrared technology also helps kill pathogenic organisms, improves the immune system, reduces stress, and stimulates metabolism, which enhances healthy weight loss.
Steam Rooms versus Infrared Saunas
Perspiring is one of the best ways to eliminate toxins from the body. While all saunas and sweat rooms induce deep, toxin-eliminating sweats, the unique elements of infrared technology allow for significantly greater toxin elimination.
Infrared sauna heaters emit radiant heat, which helps the body perspire with an average composition of 80% water and 20% waste and toxins. In contrast, traditional air and steam saunas release 97% water and only 3% toxins. This comparison indicates that infrared saunas are seven times more effective at clearing toxins than traditional saunas.
Additionally, since infrared saunas use light to heat deep, they can be used at a much lower and pleasant temperature. You probably know what I am talking about if you have been in a steam shower sauna.
Red Light Therapy: Overview and Benefits
Modern red light and near-infrared light therapy build on past therapies that utilized sunlight to treat various diseases, including tuberculosis. Over the past few decades, more than 5,000 studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of red and near-infrared light therapy for a wide range of conditions.
These include:
reducing wrinkles and cellulite
promoting hair regrowth
enhancing sports performance
accelerating injury recovery
increasing muscle strength
and, of course, detoxification
The therapy amplifies fat loss, improves insulin sensitivity, and significantly reduces thyroid antibodies in patients with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism when combined with exercise. Additionally, it helps with diabetic ulcers, arthritis pain, chronic pain, joint health, and tissue and bone healing.
Protocols for Using the Infrared Sauna
When using an infrared sauna, start slowly to allow your body to adapt to the detoxification process gradually. Here are some guidelines to follow:
1. Start Slowly: Begin with a session lasting about 5 minutes. Gradually increase the duration by 30 seconds per session until you reach 15-30 minutes.
2. Stay Hydrated: Hydration is crucial. Drink plenty of water before and after your sauna session to support detoxification.
3. Healthy Diet: Maintain a diet rich in minerals and antioxidants. This intervention supports your body’s detoxification and overall health.
4. Optimal Temperature: Most infrared saunas operate at temperatures between 110-150 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to typical steam saunas, which run at 150-200 degrees.
5. Post-Sauna Routine: After your sauna session, take a hot-cold cycled shower. This contrast improves detoxification, closes pores, tones the skin, and invigorates the body.
By following these protocols, you can maximize the benefits of infrared sauna sessions while ensuring your safety and well-being.
Here are a few strategies to enhance your benefits:
Exercise before using your infrared sauna to start heating your body, sweating, and detoxing. Activities that cause vibration or impact, such as bouncing, are great for lymphatic and cardiovascular benefits.
Use it in the evening to help you sleep or in the morning to start your day relaxed and rested. You may fit two sauna sessions into your day if you have time.
Take a shower before to heat up your body and remove any external toxins.
Dry brush before your sauna therapy session to stimulate the lymphatic system and remove dead skin cells.
Eat a nutrient-dense organic diet, lower toxic exposure, exercise, reduce stress, and make healthy lifestyle choices to support detoxification, cellular repair, and rejuvenation.
Due to the amount of toxins in the 21st century, health is dependent on optimal eliminatory channels. Infrared sauna help the body maximize toxic elimination through perspiratory channels.
Purchasing an Infrared Sauna
When considering an infrared sauna purchase, knowing several common issues within the industry is crucial. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
1. Toxic Materials: Many saunas are constructed using chemically treated wood, toxic glues, and other harmful substances. These materials can release toxins during use, negating the benefits of detoxification.
2. Dangerous EMF Levels: Some infrared saunas produce high levels of electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs), which can harm you. Look for saunas that have low EMF emissions to ensure a safer experience.
3. Lack of Certification: Many saunas on the market lack third-party testing and official certification. Without these credentials, verifying the safety and effectiveness of the sauna is difficult.
4. Poor Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is crucial for maintaining air quality within the sauna. Inadequate ventilation can lead to increased CO2 levels, reducing the effectiveness of detoxification and potentially causing discomfort.
5. No Warranty: Some saunas come without a warranty, meaning you purchase at your own risk. A good warranty indicates that the manufacturer stands behind their product and provides protection against defects or issues.
By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision and choose an infrared sauna that is safe, effective, and reliable.
A Recommendation: Sunlighten Saunas
If you are looking for a reliable and high-quality infrared sauna, Sunlighten offers a range of options that might suit your needs. Their three lines of cabin saunas are well-regarded, but if you do not have room for a cabin sauna, consider their Solo System. The Solo System provides the same detoxification and relaxation benefits in a more compact form.
Purest Frequency
Only Sunlighten technology delivers specific infrared wavelengths dialed in to what the body absorbs best, like tuning the radio to the clearest channel or choosing supplements that are pure and free of extra fillers.
Personalized
One size does not fit all, and only Sunlighten’s technologies give you options to choose the experience you want for yourself. From the simplicity of a single button in a Signature or Amplify to the world’s only sophisticated Smart Sauna with 6 pre-set wellness programs.
Science-Backed
Sunlighten led the infrared sauna industry by being the first to combine light science with published studies of how infrared affects the body; other companies followed them. They have patents on heaters and NASA-inspired LED panels, meaning only theirs emit precise wavelength combinations.
There is something uniquely relaxing about sweating it out and naturally detoxing the body. Plus, the glow that follows a good sauna session is a bonus. You can find additional information here to learn more and take advantage of a special offer.
For your health,
Dr. Pat
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