7 Benefits of Sauna Therapy

Our bodies have natural detoxification pathways and processes, but they weren’t designed to handle the volume of toxicity we are exposed to today. Research has determined that infrared saunas can help stimulate cells to release and mobilize accumulated heavy metals for elimination through sweat. Researchers have found intentional sweating to be an effective elimination method for arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury Research has also shown that sweating in saunas can mobilize BPA (a toxin found in plastics) stored in fat tissue, leading to enhanced excretion in sweat.

The heat generated by a sauna can help to relax muscles and ease tension and soreness throughout the body. Additionally, increased blood circulation aids in detoxification and delivers oxygen-rich blood to muscles so they can recover faster.

Infrared saunas promote relaxation by helping to balance the body’s stress hormones. Additionally, similar to exercise, sauna use increases endorphins, the happiness hormones!

The skin is our largest detoxification organ. An infrared sauna session can help cleanse the skin by improving circulation and shedding toxins like heavy metals and urea through sweat. Increased blood circulation has also been shown to improve acne, eczema, psoriasis, burns, and cuts.

Infrared sauna therapy increases body temperature which then requires your body to work harder to lower your core temperature. As a result, your body will burn calories in the process, resulting in weight loss when coupled with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Sauna causes us to sweat, which helps to strengthen the immune response. Several studies have documented that the deep elimination of toxins and waste improves overall immune function and resistance to illness. This study, for example, found increased numbers of white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and basophils after a sauna session.

Dr. Laukkanen and other researchers in Finland discovered that frequent sauna use is associated with a reduced rate of acute and chronic disease. Most notably, the long-term study shows that middle-aged to elderly men and women who use saunas frequently have a substantially reduced risk of future stroke and coronary heart disease. Evidence from this study also found massive reductions in dementia and all-cause mortality in those who consistently used the sauna.

Beyond that, it’s thought that you may start to reabsorb some of the toxins you’ve released.

This helps remove toxins that have been released from your skin!

While you’re sweating out toxins in a sauna, you’re also losing electrolytes. We recommend drinking at least a liter of water in a glass bottle infused with a dropperful of a multi-mineral liquid like SpectraMin.  

ROBIN FOROUTAN, MS, RDN, HHC

Robin is a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in Integrative Medicine, Functional Medicine and holistic healing modalities. She helps her clients address complicated conditions and return to wellness.

STEPHANIE MANDEL, NC, HEALTH COACH

Stephanie is a Holistic Nutrition Consultant and Emotional Freedom Technique practitioner with a passion for helping her clients fulfill their potential through both emotional and physical optimization.