Sweating is a notable path of detoxification, and a range of metabolites from heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemical products can be found in human sweat. Infrared Saunas are used to support detoxification via sweat, to maximise the excretion of these burdensome substances.
This blog aims to investigate which compounds are expelled via the skin, and how this is helpful as a preventative health modality and/or to patients with cancer.
Compared to intensive exercise as a process to build up a sweat, which is not always possible or practical (particularly for someone with a chronic disease or undergoing cancer treatment), an infrared sauna can be used as a more passive process to attain this desired detoxification response without having to exert the body through exercise.
According to the research, infrared saunas are the best for this innovative heat therapy. Infrared saunas offer more than just relaxation, they provide health advantages that impact overall well-being and can be an effective support modality for patients who are undergoing cancer treatment.
In this blog I will investigate the many advantages of using infrared saunas, exploring the science behind how sweating can be beneficial to the body, the mechanisms detoxified through sweat, and the clinical evidence supporting the practice of using infrared saunas.
The science behind sweating:
Sweating is a biological bodily function that plays a critical role in maintaining ideal health. The human body uses sweat as a device to regulate the bodies temperature and eliminate toxins. Traditional saunas induce sweating through high temperatures, but infrared saunas take a unique approach by using infrared light to directly heat the body, advocating a deeper and more efficient sweat process.
When we sweat, our bodies discharge a combination of salts, water, and toxins. In a controlled environment like an infrared sauna, the heat promotes the sweat glands, helping the removal of heavy metals, chemicals, and other impurities. Elements like mercury, lead,d and environmental pollutants are expelled through the skin, providing a natural detoxification process.
Sweating is an important pathway of detoxification, and a range of metabolites from heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemical products can be found in human sweat. Saunas have been used for centuries to support detoxification via sweat; in order to maximise the excretion of these burdensome substances - this blog post aims to explore which compounds are indeed excreted via the skin, and how is this helpful as a preventative health intervention and/or to patients with cancer.
Saunas have long been regarded as a wellness therapy, and in recent years there has been a renewed surge in popularity for these cozy, sweat-inducing chambers. Compared to intensive exercise as a method to build up a sweat, which is not always possible or practical (particularly for someone with a chronic disease or undergoing cancer treatment), a sauna is a more passive method to achieve this desired detoxification response whilst relaxing.
There are many varieties: dry saunas, steam rooms, salt rooms etc, but what we are particularly interested in is the Infrared Sauna. According to the research, this particular type of innovative heat therapy chamber offers more than just relaxation: they provide health benefits that contribute to overall well-being and may support patients who are undergoing cancer treatment.
In this blog post, we'll delve into the many advantages of using infrared saunas, exploring the science behind sweating, the components detoxified through sweat, the rich history of saunas, and the clinical evidence supporting the use of infrared saunas.
The science of sweating:
Sweating is a natural bodily function that plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal health. The human body uses sweat as a mechanism to regulate temperature and eliminate toxins. Traditional saunas induce sweating through high temperatures, but infrared saunas take a unique approach by using infrared light to directly heat the body, promoting a deeper and more effective sweat.
When we sweat, our bodies release a combination of water, salts, and toxins. In the controlled environment of an infrared sauna, the heat stimulates the sweat glands, facilitating the elimination of heavy metals, chemicals, and other impurities. Components like lead, mercury, and environmental pollutants are expelled through the skin, providing a natural detoxification process.
Cardiovascular Health
For cancer patients undertaking treatments that may impact cardiovascular function, the potential cardiovascular benefits of infrared saunas are particularly significant. Research published in the Journal of Cardiology (2012) advocates that the frequent use of infrared saunas can lead to increases in blood pressure and vascular function, contributing to overall cardiovascular health. For individuals steering through the challenges of cancer treatment, maintaining cardiovascular health is crucial, and the therapeutic effects of infrared saunas in this domain are indicating favourable outcomes.
Recent research has found that just 15 minutes of daily infrared therapy over a 2 week period, resulted in a drop in systolic blood pressure and improved markers of oxidative stress, improving vascular endothelial function and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
Pain relief, energy, and quality of life
Pain is very common with cancer patients, and this compromises their quality of life. Regular infrared sauna therapy has been shown to reduce patients' pain levels and give them a better quality of life. In the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology (2016), it is reported that a significant reduction in pain and stiffness among patients was recorded, suggesting an improved quality of life for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.
Detoxification and benefits for patients with cancer
The fact infrared saunas can enhance the body's natural detoxification processes holds significance for patients with cancer. Therefore, detoxification is a critical aspect of supporting the body during cancer treatment, and the findings suggest that infrared sauna therapy may contribute to this process. With the sweating process helping to eliminate heavy metals and environmental toxins it is feasible to say from the research that infrared sauna sessions can play an important role in a patient’s cancer treatment journey.
Reference
Imamura, M., Biro, S., Kihara, T., Yoshifuku, S., et al (2001). Repeated thermal therapy improves impaired vascular endothelial function in patients with coronary risk factors. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 38(4), 1083-1088.
Masuda A, Miyata M, Kihara T, Minagoe S, Tei C. Repeated sauna therapy reduces urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F(2alpha). Jpn Heart J. 2004 Mar;45(2):297-303. doi: 10.1536/jhj.45.297. PMID: 15090706.
Tei C, Imamura T, Kinugawa K, et al. Waon therapy for managing chronic heart failure - results from a multicenter prospective randomized WAON-CHF study. Circ J 2016; 80: 827-834.
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