All things....Infrared Sauna: usage tips, reasons to use, how to choose a low tox sauna & my top picks

For the last 2 years I have started incorporating infrared sauna into my weekly routine. I can feel and see the positive side effects ; my inflammation markers have dropped, my toxicity tests ( post fire and more recent) are back to normal and I feel such a sense of stress relief and emotional well-being after a sauna session that I now actively seek these sessions out, especially when I’m feeling extra stressed ( to be clear I have also been working with a naturopathic doctor and taking supplements and leading a healthy lifestyle all of which influence! ).

But beyond my experience, there are studies that have shown the benefits of both sauna use and infrared sauna use. Here is what we know:

• Boosts immune response – Infrared heat raises your core temperature like a mild fever, increasing white blood cell activity ( Hussain & Cohen, 2018, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine)) which helps boost your immune system

• Lower inflammation: Frequent sauna bathing is associated with reduced C-reactive protein (Laukkanen et al., 2018, European Journal of Epidemiology).

• Cardiovascular Health: Studies show that infrared saunas can help boost heart health and reduce blood pressure. Researchers equated the physical response of an infrared sauna session to walking at a moderate pace. ( Beever R. Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: summary of published evidence. Can Fam Physician. 2009 Jul;55(7):691-6. PMID: 19602651; PMCID: PMC2718593.)

• Detox via sweat: Studies show sweat can contain measurable levels of heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury (Genuis et al., 2011, Archives of Environmental and Contamination Toxicology).... but - believe it or not because I know a lot of people swear on social media that this is a fact - it is still up for debate on whether” sweat out toxins”

• (General sauna use not specific to infrared) : In a long-term Finnish study, people who used a sauna 4–7 times per week had significantly lower risks of fatal cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality compared with those who used a sauna only once a week ( this was done in Finnish dry saunas where Air temperature typically 80–100°C (176–212°F)... both types of saunas Produce similar increases in core body temperature, but through a different mechanism so both are believed to have similar health effects)

How do I use the sauna?

1. never wear plastic based clothing in sauna ( ie: leggings/ underwear/ bathing suits made with plastic based fabrics like polyester or nylon ) - only organic clothing or no clothing at all. if you want to wear an organic cotton bathing suit, pure earth collection makes adults sets.

2. try to use organic towels inside the sauna ( to sit on)

3. you should always start at a lower temperature so as not to overheat. Currently I am comfortable at around 145F for about 30 minutes

4. drink plenty of water before, during and after

5. avoid bringing my phone or any Wi-Fi enabled gadget into the sauna. If the sauna you’re using is low MF it’s probably because it has some good shielding panels that protect the inside from EMF on the outside. If you use a phone inside, you will be stuck inside with all the Wi-Fi radiation ( like a faraday cage)

6. shower or wipe off sweat after sauna session: in theory, if there are any toxins in your sweat, you would reabsorb them if you leave the sweat on your skin

7. I do not have a sauna in my home right now so I go to a sauna location however I am trying to work my way up to four times a week. Right now it’s usually three times a week.

As I mentioned, I do not have a sauna and likely will not be able to purchase one until we purchase a new home, but if you’re thinking of purchasing a sauna here are things to consider

( ps for those wondering the main difference between infrared sauna and conventional sauna: infrared saunas are heating your body up directly (using electromagnetic waves) and traditional saunas are heating the air around you up.)

1. Wood Type: only choose solid, untreated, or hypoallergenic wood (like Basswood, Canadian Hemlock, or Cedar. The natural phenols coming from the cedar can be too much for sensitive person BUT also make the wood mold resistant. Cedar is the most expensive of the softwoods).Avoid formaldehyde off-gassing from plywood or any composite wood

2. Choose saunas with FSC certified wood coming from certified sustainable foresty practices

3. avoid Vocs by choosing only water-based finishes/ varnishes or Canadian beeswax finish for natural protection

4. Avoid glues of anytype

5. low-EMF (electromagnetic field) ratings. ALL saunas, because they’re plugged in and many have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities will emit some level of EMF. However, better brands will go the extra mile and lower EMF exposure by grounding and shielding you from those EMFs by using shielded wiring or cabling in conduits

Brands that stand out