Do Infrared Saunas Actually Do Anything?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Key Takeaways. Infrared use a (safe) kind of radiation to

create heat

instead of steam or hot air. Infrared sauna won't help you lose weight, “detox” your body, or prevent disease. Infrared sauna may help reduce joint pain and stiffness, improve mood, reduce oxidative stress, and support cardiovascular health.

Are infrared saunas bad for you?

Although infrared saunas are generally considered safe with no side effects, there are still some potential risks. As with any sauna, the dangers of infrared saunas include the

risk of becoming overheated, dehydrated

, or dizzy. You can generally avoid this by drinking enough fluids before and after.

Are infrared saunas legit?

Key Takeaways. Infrared saunas use a (

safe

) kind of radiation to create heat instead of steam or hot air. Infrared sauna won't help you lose weight, “detox” your body, or prevent disease. Infrared sauna may help reduce joint pain and stiffness, improve mood, reduce oxidative stress, and support cardiovascular health.

Do infrared saunas really detoxify your body?


Far infrared saunas are believed to be more effective in moving toxins through the skin than traditional saunas

because in a far infrared sauna only 80 to 85% of the sweat is water with the non-water portion being cholesterol, fat-soluble toxins, toxic heavy metals, sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia and uric acid.

Can infrared saunas cause cancer?

Using a near infrared sauna or a full spectrum infrared sauna (which also outputs near infrared) can cause cataracts, accelerated aging of the skin, and

an increased risk of skin cancer

.

Who shouldn't use an infrared sauna?

4. Medical Conditions. Those who are diagnosed with certain types of medical conditions should refrain from using an infrared sauna for safety reasons. Some of these medical conditions include

diabetes

, brain tumors, angina pectoris, aortic stenosis, lupus, and several others.

Why do I feel worse after infrared sauna?

Typically, individuals feel worse after an infrared sauna session

due to being dehydrated

. When the body is dehydrated, one issue when using the sauna is a lack of proper sweat production. Being dehydrated can cause many problems in general, and incorporating additional heat can only expedite things.

Why am I not sweating in infrared sauna?

You many wonder if you are still receiving the sauna detox benefits. The answer is yes! Even though your body is not drenched in sweat,

your body is still detoxifying from harmful toxins

, just feel your skin. Your skin will feel a little moist or possibly sticky.

Should I shower right after infrared sauna?

After you're done in the sauna,

take a warm to cool shower to remove sweat and toxins from your skin

. If possible, avoid putting soap and especially lotion on your skin, which will only clog the pores you just cleansed.

What toxins do saunas remove?

In summary, numerous clinical studies have shown that utilizing an infrared/steam sauna is able to remove many toxins through sweat; these include but are not limited to,

heavy metals, phthalates, flame retardants, Bisphenol A, pesticides and PCBs

.

What are the disadvantages of sauna?

  • Experiencing burns. While not very common, there are instances of people using the sauna and ending up burnt. …
  • Reproductive issues. …
  • Avoid drinking the water. …
  • Exposure to harmful organisms. …
  • Dehydration. …
  • Exposure to health risks. …
  • High core body temperature. …
  • Avoid the polar plunge.

What are the dangers of infrared light?

Prolonged exposure to IR radiation causes a

gradual but irreversible opacity of the lens

. Other forms of damage to the eye from IR exposure include scotoma, which is a loss of vision due to the damage to the retina. Even low-level IR absorption can cause symptoms such as redness of the eye, swelling, or hemorrhaging.

Does infrared sauna help with inflammation?

Infrared saunas stimulate cardiovascular circulation with oxygen-rich blood flow, producing white blood cells to

reduce inflammation and calm swelling

to alleviate chronic pain.

Is it safe to use an infrared sauna everyday?

There is no one answer for the amount of sessions per week, but

infrared saunas are safe to use every day

. In fact, you will see wellness improvements sooner if you use it daily. On average, most people partake in 30-45 minute sessions, 3-4 times a week.

What is the healthiest type of sauna?

As impressive as a steam sauna is health-wise, an infrared sauna has just as much benefit, if not more. An infrared sauna uses light to create heat. This is done through far-infrared rays.

What do you wear in an infrared sauna?

You can go nude or wear clothing in the infrared sauna pod.

Men typically wear workout or swim trunks

; women typically wear workout shorts and a tank top or sports bra. Going nude vs. wearing this body wrap will not alter the effectiveness of your sauna session.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.