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Infrared saunas are great prevention for Colds and Flus.
TL;DR: Studies show that the use of a sauna could result in a stronger immune system. However, this does not mean that you are immune to infection just because you use a sauna, it’s just a possible helper in the prevention of colds and flus.
What are Colds and Flus really?
The flu and the common cold are both respiratory disorders brought on by viral infections. The rhinovirus, which typically causes the common cold, can result in symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and headache.
The influenza virus, on the other hand, is what causes the flu, which can bring symptoms that are similar to those of the flu but potentially more serious complications including pneumonia.
Both cold and flu viruses are highly contagious and can be spread through the air by coughing or sneezing, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
The best way to prevent the spread of these viruses is to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly, avoiding close contact with sick people, and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
While there is no cure for cold and flu viruses, there are various treatments available to alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery. These include over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, decongestants, and cough suppressants, as well as rest and plenty of fluids.
Infrared saunas have gained popularity as a potential cure for cold and flu symptoms in recent years. Infrared saunas heat the body directly using infrared light, which can help to improve circulation, strengthen the immune system, and reduce inflammation.
Infrared saunas may provide some health benefits, according to some studies, but there is little information on how well they work to alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
In this article we will go over how Infrared Saunas relate to Cold and Flu, studies showing how it can possibly help with Cold and Flu victims and just overall how the 2 topics link together, enjoy the article!
The Immune System and Cold and Flu
The immune system is essential for defending the body against the flu and cold viruses. The immune system responds to a virus invasion by creating antibodies that aid in the defence against infection. The recognition and elimination of viruses and infected cells are also greatly aided by white blood cells like T and B cells.
Yet, a very potent or unusual virus, like the flu virus, might occasionally overwhelm the immune system. In these circumstances, the virus can reproduce quickly, produce severe symptoms, and cause consequences including pneumonia.
Supporting the immune system and lowering the chance of contracting the cold or flu virus can be done in a number of ways:
- By stimulating the immune system to create antibodies against particular viruses, vaccinations can help to lower the risk of infection and severe symptoms.
- Maintaining excellent hygiene can help to stop the transmission of viruses. Frequent hand washing, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and avoiding close contact with ill people can all help.
- Consuming a balanced diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can give you the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs to strengthen your immune system.
- Obtaining enough sleep and rest can help the body feel less stressed and support immune system function.
- Finding techniques to regulate stress and lessen its effects on the body is crucial since chronic stress can damage the immune system.
It’s crucial to remember that while there are many strategies to support the immune system, no one strategy can entirely reduce the chance of contracting a cold or the flu virus.
However, we think Infrared Saunas can play a role in the prevention and possibly even cure of colds and or flus. Here’s what we have to say about it;
How Infrared Saunas combat Colds and Flus
There have been several theories about how infrared saunas might help treat cold and flu symptoms.
Some supporters think they can aid in promoting the creation of white blood cells, which are an important component of the immune system, enhancing the immune system’s capability to combat cold and flu viruses.
In addition, the infrared light used in saunas has the ability to penetrate the skin and heat the body directly, which may assist to lessen inflammation, a condition that can aggravate cold and flu symptoms.
Infrared saunas may also aid in the reduction of stress, which can impair immunity and increase susceptibility to cold and flu viruses.
The usefulness of infrared saunas in reducing cold and flu symptoms, however, requires further study.
It is also important to use infrared saunas safely and responsibly and to seek advice from a healthcare professional before using them as a treatment for cold and flu symptoms.
Here are some studies on this topic,
This study was conducted by the Medical Journal of Australia
In this study 157 participants with common cold and flu symptoms were split into 2 groups, one group was put in a sauna while the other group were left in normal room temperatures.
- The participants in the sauna were exposed to 90 degrees celsius at 20% humidity while wearing a winter coat.
- The control group were inhaling the room air through a face mask.
For some reason, the group in the sauna were only exposed to 3-minute sessions for 3 consecutive days, it’s hard to imagine that this little amount of heat therapy would have any difference on the participants’ health, no differences were found.
This study was conducted by the Bioethics Committee for Clinical Research at the Regional Medical Chamber in Cracow, Poland to see whether sauna use helps with the increase of white blood cells in athletes and non-athletes.
The participants in this study consisted of 9 trained middle-distance runners and 9 non-athletes. Each group participated in 15-minute sauna sessions until their core temperature rose by 1.2°C with a 2-minute cooldown. The results are as follows;
- Sauna bathing caused higher body mass loss and plasma volume in the athletes compared to the group of non-athletes.
- After the sauna session, an increased number of white blood cells, lymphocyte, neutrophil and basophil counts was reported in the white blood cell profile.
- Higher increments in leukocyte and monocyte after the sauna bathing session were recorded in the group of athletes compared to untrained subjects.
The obtained results indicated that sauna bathing stimulated the immune system to a higher degree in the group of athletes compared to the untrained subjects.
As we said previously the increase in white blood and everything within them helps strengthen the immune system and therefore reduces the risk of infection, this study could show that the use of a sauna could result in a stronger immune system. However, this does not mean that you are immune to infection just because you use a sauna, it’s just a possible helper in the prevention of colds and flu.
Lastly, a 1990 report found in the Annals of Medicine
Regular sauna bathing and the incidence of common colds
This trial was to test the hypothesis that sauna bathing can reduce the incidence of common colds. Twenty-five volunteers were submitted to sauna bathing, with 25 controls abstaining from this or comparable procedures.
In both groups, the frequency, duration and severity of common colds were recorded for six months.
There were significantly fewer episodes of the common cold in the sauna group.
This was found particularly during the last three months of the study period when the incidence was roughly halved compared to controls. The mean duration and average severity of common colds did not differ significantly between the groups. It is concluded that regular sauna bathing probably reduces the incidence of common colds, but further studies are needed to prove this.
Not very helpful I know, but based on these studies, we can assume that Infrared Sauna use possibly reduces the probability of getting a cold, but more research is needed in order to find out.
Can Infrared Saunas cure Cold and Flu symptoms?
It’s important to recognize that infrared saunas are not a cure for the common cold or the flu.
While they might help with some cold and flu symptoms, they shouldn’t be used in place of more conventional treatments like rest, fluids, and medicine when necessary.
Also, it’s critical to use infrared saunas ethically and safely. Avoid using infrared saunas if you’re pregnant, have certain medical conditions including high blood pressure or heart disease, or take certain drugs. When using an infrared sauna, it’s also critical to maintain hydration and prevent overheating.
There is currently no known treatment for the typical cold or flu. It is advised to obtain medical advice and utilize infrared saunas in addition to conventional treatments rather than in place of them.
Conclusion
Even though infrared saunas might have some health advantages, they shouldn’t be utilized instead of over-the-counter cold and flu medications.
The best treatments for these disorders continue to be rest, fluids, and medication when necessary.
Yet, research suggests that using an infrared sauna can help prevent the flu and cold symptoms. Although further research is required to discover whether infrared saunas are useful for reducing cold and flu symptoms, they can be used responsibly and safely as an addition to conventional treatments.
Although there is no known therapy for the common cold or the flu, you can reduce your symptoms and aid in your body’s recovery by taking the proper measures and care.
