When you take a holistic approach to health and fat loss, different approaches are important. For example, you may not have considered the benefits of an infrared sauna when it comes to fat loss.
Infrared (IR) saunas use infrared lamps to warm your body directly rather than heating the air the way traditional saunas do. The lamps used in an infrared sauna provide radiation beyond the visible light spectrum which penetrates the skin and heats up your body.
They can be used at a lower heat than traditional saunas which makes them more comfortable than traditional saunas. This also means they can be used for longer.
What are the benefits of an IR sauna ?
They mimic the effects (and benefits) of exercise. They increase heart rate, widen blood vessels and increase blood flow. Infrared saunas provide similar heart health benefits to walking.
Like exercise, they improve heart health and reduce blood pressure. They’ve been shown to improve heart function in patients with heart failure.
Metabolism is increased and calories burned. The rise in core body temperature causes an increase in metabolism. You use energy to cool your body. Your metabolism will stay higher for a period of time after you leave the sauna.
Infrared saunas may also help to your body to break down stored fat, increasing fat loss. They also help with fat loss indirectly by reducing stress and improving sleep.
Pain Relief. They may help to provide relief for people suffering from chronic pain, arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
Exercise recovery. They increase blood flow to sore muscles which can help with recovery after exercise.
Improved relaxation and better sleep. Use of infrared saunas can help to relax you and improve your sleep. They may also help to improve symptoms of depression.
Immunity boost. They can help you to increase your production of white blood cells which helps to strengthen your immune system and lower your risk of infection and illness.
Are there any dangers to an IR sauna?
Since the temperatures are lower, infrared saunas are safer than traditional saunas. However there are some precautions that you should take, and there are certain instances when infrared saunas should be avoided.
Precautions to take:
Start slowly. Start with a lower temperature and only spend about 5 minutes the first time, especially if you’re not used to saunas
Don’t use a sauna of any kind if you’ve been drinking alcohol. This can cause dehydration, low blood pressure, heart issues or injury.
Drink lots of water before and potentially during sauna use to avoid dehydration.
Avoid sauna use if you have skin conditions like eczema.
Pay attention to how you are feeling in the sauna. If you feel light headed you’ll want to stop.
Get clearance from a medical professional, especially if you have any of the conditions listed below.
Who should avoid IR sauna use?
You should avoid infrared saunas (or check with your physician to see if saunas ar right for you) if:
You have hypotension (low blood pressure). The heat of the sauna can cause your blood pressure to drop more and cause light headedness
You are taking blood pressure lowering drugs which can also cause dizziness
Avoid using a sauna if you are pregnant unless your physician has cleared it.
If you have multiple sclerosis you’ll want to avoid saunas. Increased body temperatures can make MS symptoms worse.
I can help
Infrared saunas are one tool that can help you to improve your health and increase fat loss. With my holistic approach to fat loss you will combine tools like infrared saunas, personalized eating plans and lifestyle changes to reach your goals. Book a free nutrition assessment to find out how I can help.
Warm wishes,
Vicki Witt | Clinical Nutritionist | Holistic Coach | Reiki Master | Certified LEAP allergy therapist Over 25 years of successfully helping you achieve optimal health and weight loss 🍏| www.vickiwittweightloss.com
About Vicki:
Vicki Witt is a Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Coach, and Reiki Master. She has been practicing over 25 years and specializes in holistically customizing diet and lifestyle plans to each individual for weight loss and hormonal control. Her clientele often report they feel the best they have ever felt and wish they had started sooner. One of the USA and Australia's top Nutritionists, she has won multiple awards for her services in the industry.
Certified and Registered Nutritionist
