The Science behind Infrared Sauna Detoxification. (Studies included)

TL;DR: Based on the results from the studies we found, it’s safe to say that Infrared Sauna Detox is a real thing and it does work.

Welcome to this article about the benefits of detoxing in an infrared sauna! I was intrigued when I first learned about the advantages of utilizing an infrared sauna for detoxification because I’m constantly looking for natural and practical ways to improve my health. If you are the same, look no further!

There are several advantages to utilizing an infrared sauna for detoxification, from better skin health and pain alleviation to lowered stress levels and increased sleep. I’ll go over the science of infrared sauna detoxification in this article, talk about my own experience, and give advice on how to get the most out of your own infrared sauna sessions. We’ll be learning everything about the beautiful world of infrared sauna detoxification, so sit back, unwind, and get ready!

The Science behind Infrared Sauna Detoxification

Infrared sauna detoxification is a method that utilizes the heat generated by an infrared sauna to stimulate the body’s natural detoxification process. Compared to typical saunas, the heat from an infrared sauna penetrates more deeply into the body’s tissues, increasing body temperature and inducing sweating.

The body naturally expels contaminants such as heavy metals, chemicals, and environmental pollutants through sweating.

Through the pores of the skin, the body releases toxins as it perspires. The removal of toxins from the body’s cells is supposed to be aided by infrared heat, which is thought to help with circulation.

By removing toxic compounds from the body and fostering the body’s natural healing processes, infrared sauna detoxification is thought to enhance general health and well-being. Combining infrared sauna detoxification with additional detoxification techniques including dietary adjustments, water, and exercise is common and is thought to make the process much more effective.

However, there is limited research to prove that detoxification is effective.

We found 2 studies conducted on Infrared Sauna Detoxification and the results were conflicting, we will go over them now, although it’s hard to see which study is preferable.

Study #1

NCCIH funds sauna “detoxification” study at naturopathic school

In this study, the NNCIH completely debunks Infrared Sauna detoxification, saying “Sweating definitely won’t help clear the body of mercury or other metals, Almost all toxic metals in the body are excreted through urine or faeces, he says. And less than 1% is lost through sweat. In other words…

According to Smith, “you’ll do far more detoxifying in the bathroom than you ever could in a sauna.”

They then go on to say

“While subjects may literally sweat out small amounts of chemicals, the heat treatment’s chief benefit will most likely come from lipolysis — breaking down fat, where toxic substances are stored. That would allow them to move through the bloodstream to the kidneys and liver, which are the primary organs of excretion.”

However, this study was never completed and there are no results available.

The only information we could find is that in the pilot feasibility study, “low dose” participants got 1 hour of sauna a day, 3 days a week, for 3 weeks, or 9 sessions. The “high dose” participants got a whopping 30 hours of sauna over the 3-week period, coming in for 2 hours of sauna 5 days a week.

To conclude this study, the naturopathic physicians at NNCIH say that pretty much all toxins are released in the excretion of urine and faeces and if this was true, this would completely debunk Infrared Sauna Detoxification.

Yet…, we found a conflicting study with actual results to debunk the debunker! 

Study #2

Human Excretion of Bisphenol A: Blood, Urine, and Sweat (BUS) Study

In this study, 10 healthy participants and 10 participants with assorted health problems were collected and identical levels of blood, sweat and urine were extracted from each individual.

These fluids were then tested for various environmental toxicants including BPA. The purpose of this study is to figure out where toxicants are released from the body.

We will analyse it to see if it proves Infrared Sauna Detoxification is a valid health benefit for these saunas. We will do this by analysing the toxicant levels in the extracted sweat.

Results:

” BPA was found to differing degrees in each of blood, urine, and sweat. In 16 of 20 participants, BPA was identified in sweat, even in some individuals with no BPA detected in their serum or urine samples, this proves that induced sweating appears to be a potential method for elimination of BPA.”

To conclude this study:

It’s safe to assume, that based on the results, heavy sweating from an Infrared Sauna does result in wasteful toxins being extracted from the body.

Study #3

Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury in Sweat: A Systematic Review

In this finding, 24 records were analysed from various different studies, these records were researching arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in different body fluids.

Results:

Populations and sweat collection methods and concentrations varied widely. In individuals with higher exposure or body burden, sweat generally exceeded plasma or urine concentrations, and dermal could match or surpass urinary daily excretion.

Arsenic dermal excretion was severalfold higher in arsenic-exposed individuals than in unexposed controls. Cadmium was more concentrated in sweat than in blood plasma. Sweat lead was associated with high-molecular-weight molecules, and in an interventional study, levels were higher with endurance compared with intensive exercise. Mercury levels normalized with repeated saunas in a case report.

So, to conclude this study,

It’s just more proof that these toxins are released in heavy sweating and directly lead to the proving of Infrared Sauna Detoxification.

Conclusion

Although further investigation is required to completely comprehend the mechanics and long-term effects of infrared home sauna detoxification, existing studies indicate that it is effective and can have a number of positive health effects.

Infrared sauna therapy can aid in the removal of toxins and heavy metals from the body, promote immune system function, increase circulation, lessen stress, and enhance skin health by encouraging sweating.

Infrared Sauna Detoxification can provide an improvement in life quality and health, however, maintaining hydration, limiting sauna time, and speaking with a healthcare professional before beginning a new fitness regimen are all crucial safety precautions to follow, particularly for people with particular medical concerns.

To wrap up this article, we can assume that based on the results from the studies, it’s safe to say that Infrared Sauna Detox is a real thing and it does work.