Infrared saunas have been growing in popularity as a detoxification method. Proponents of this type of sauna say that it can help rid the body of toxins, chemicals and heavy metals.
But does the evidence support these claims? And are there any risks associated with using infrared saunas?
In this article, we’ll look at the research on infrared saunas and explore the potential benefits and risks related to their use.
Introduction to infrared saunas detoxification
Detoxification is the natural or artificial process of cleansing the body of toxins. Toxins can come from a variety of sources, including environmental pollutants, processed foods, and alcohol.
Some proponents of detoxification believe that it can help improve overall health by removing toxins from the body. They claim that infrared saunas in particular, can provide a number of benefits, including weight loss, improved circulation, reduced stress, and even pain relief.
But does this work?
There is some scientific evidence to suggest that infrared saunas may provide some benefits for detoxification.
For example, a study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found that it can be an effective way to remove toxins from the body.
The study looked at the effects on a group of people who had been exposed to mercury.
After eight weeks of infrared sauna therapy, the participants showed a significant increase in mercury excretion through their sweat.
This suggests it can help the body get rid of toxins that have accumulated over time. Before we look at infrared saunas, let’s explain the body’s natural detox pathways of the lymphatic system.
What you need to know about the lymphatic system
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that helps rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials.
But what exactly is the lymphatic system, and what does it do?
The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland and tonsils, and they all work together to help the body fight infection.
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs that are located throughout the body, including in the neck, armpits and groin. They act as filters, trapping bacteria and other particles in the lymph fluid as it flows through the nodes.
The spleen is a large organ in the abdomen that also filters out bacteria and other particles from the blood. The spleen also acts as a reservoir for red blood cells and produces white blood cells.
The thymus gland is located in the chest and produces T-cells, which are a type of white blood cell. T-cells help to fight infection and disease.
Tonsils are small, round pieces of tissue that are located at the back of the throat. Tonsils help to trap bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the nose and mouth. The tonsils will usually flare up during periods of colds and are noticible whith sore throats.
Together these make up the lymphatic system and play an important part of the immune system in preventing infection.
9 signs that your lymphatic system is blocked
If you’re experiencing any of the following signs, it may mean that your lymphatic system is blocked:
1. Swelling in the extremities, especially the legs and ankles
2. Impaired immune system function
3. Frequent infections
4. Persistent fatigue
5. Joint pain and stiffness
6. Digestive problems
7. Skin problems
8. Respiratory difficulties
9. Mood swings or irritability
5 ways to boost your lymphatic system
When the lymphatic system is working properly, it can help keep the body healthy and free from disease. But without a healthy lymphatic flow, it can be a major contributor to inflammation and other health problems.
So, how do you keep your lymph flowing? Here are 5 things you can do:
1. Exercise regularly
Exercise is one of the best things you can do to help unblock lymphatic congestion and aid in the removal of toxins.
2. Eat a healthy diet/cleansing or detoxification program
A healthy diet is also important to support healthy lymphatic flow. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for some fat soluble vitamins, and limit processed foods, saturated fats, and refined sugars like sugar laden soft drinks or processed juices.
3. Drink plenty of fluids
Fluids are essential. Water is one of the best things you can drink for lymphatic health because it helps to flush toxins from the body. It will maintain the fluid balance in the body, which is important for lymph congestion. You can also drink herbal teas and freshly squeezed juices.
4. Get a lymphatic massage
Getting a lymphatic drainage massage can also help stimulate lymphatic vessels. By stimulating the movement of the lymphatic fluid, massage can help to reduce swelling, inflammation, and blockages to keep your lymph moving freely.
5. Use an infrared sauna
Finally, using an far infrared saunas can also help to improve lymphatic function. The heat helps to increase circulation and promote the movement of the lymphatic fluid. It can also help to detoxify the body by eliminating fat stored toxins through sweating.
So, if you’re looking for ways to boost your lymphatic system, make sure to include these five things in your routine.
An infrared sauna detoxification protocol
Detoxification programs can include a variety of methods, including dietary changes, supplements, and cleanses. A detoxification sauna protocol has been created by Clearlight Infrared Saunas with the guidance of sauna expert and renowned reasercher Dr. Marc Cohen, that can help rid your body of toxins, chemicals and heavy metals.
Here are the five-steps of the Clearlight detoxification protocol:
1. Ensure you are well hydrated during this protocol as dehydration can block your lymphatic channels. Avoid too much caffeine beforehand as this will propel fluid away from where it needs to be for this complex network to function properly.
2. Enter your pre-heated far infrared sauna, heating the body gently and warming the underlying tissues of the human body, such as the abdominal muscles, to support natural revitalization. The heat will stimulate lymph flow and the circulatory system and if you can, mindfulness practices such as deep breathing exercises will help to manage stress.
3. Enter the point that you are comfortably uncomfortable. This will signify your limit to the heat and you’ll notice your heart rate to peak. Feel your diaphragm and abdominal muscles as you breathe through your elevated heart rate. For more experienced users, try using a dry brush to encourage movement of the lymp naturally, and help to remove dead cells for vibrant skin. Physical movement is also good here, such as the use of an exercise ball, to help move around any additional metabolic burden stored in muscles.
4. Once you can’t handle the heat anymore, enter an ice bath or a cold shower. Your blood vessels will constrict and all of the toxic buildup that has been stored in muscles will flush through your lymphatic system, liver, and kidneys. Stay until you feel the cold loose its shock value – roughly 1-2 minutes.
5. Repeat these steps three to four times. You’ll find that the cold gets less extreme the more you repeat this process, and you’ll heat up quicker as you re-enter your sauna.
The detoxification program outlined in the article can help you adopt healthy ways of living by ridding your body of harmful toxins, chemicals and heavy metals. By following the five-step process, you can help improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Lymph system and digestion
The intestinal lymphatic system is the part that helps to filter out bacteria and other toxins from the intestines. When the lymph flow is impaired, it can also impair the digestive tract with built up toxins, causing a sluggish digestive tract and poor waste removal.
Therefore the intestine and the lymphatic system have a symbiotic relationship, as the intestine depends on the lymphatic system to transport nutrients to the cells and remove waste products, while the lymphatic system depends on the intestine to help filter out bacteria and other toxins.
There are many environmental toxins that can affect digestion. Some of the most common toxins that can cause digestive problems include:
– Pesticides
– Herbicides
– Heavy metals
– Chemicals
Toxins can cause stagnant lymph flow by clogging the lymphatic vessels and preventing the flow of lymph fluid. Toxins can also accumulate in the lymph nodes, causing them to swell and impair function, in some cases resulting in chronic sinusitis.
To avoid lymphatic congestion from occuring, keep your intestinal lymphatic system healthy by following the 5 steps above.
So do infrared saunas detoxify?
While studies suggest saunas support the detoxification pathways, the research in this feild is limited. We do know that the benefits associated with infrared saunas do support the lymph naturally, and anecedotal evidence would suggest this.