Lose Weight and Extend Your Longevity: Benefits of Infrared Sauna For Weight Loss
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The benefits of using infrared sauna for weight loss are clear
Not only can infrared saunas help you lose weight, but they can also leave you feeling great both physically and mentally.
I made the decision two years ago to finally purchase my infrared sauna after doing a ton of research on the health benefits. Its one of the best investments in my health and longevity that I have made thus far!
How does an infrared sauna work?
Infrared sauna therapy uses infrared light to create heat that penetrates the body’s tissues. Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air around you, infrared saunas directly heat your body, increasing your core temperature and inducing sweating. This sweat contains toxins and impurities that are flushed from your body, leading to weight loss.
In addition to sweating out toxins, infrared sauna therapy has been shown to burn calories. One study found that a 30-minute infrared sauna session can burn up to 600 calories. This is equivalent to running 3-4 miles or doing a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout!
Let’s Look At The Weight Loss Benefits:
- Increased Caloric Expenditure: Infrared saunas may help increase caloric expenditure by causing the body to sweat and work to cool itself down. A 2009 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) stated: “A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off 500 grams in a sauna, consuming nearly 300 kcal, which is equivalent to running 2-3 miles.” Sweating in an infrared sauna can be an additional way to burn calories, but it should not replace regular exercise.
- Improved Cardiovascular Health: Using an infrared sauna can lead to improved cardiovascular function. A study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology in 2017 found that infrared sauna use was associated with a reduction in blood pressure, which may indirectly support heart health during exercise.
- Enhanced Detoxification: Some proponents of infrared saunas claim that they help detoxify the body by promoting sweating, which can assist in the removal of toxins. However, the exact mechanisms and extent of detoxification through sweating are still debated, as the liver and kidneys are the primary organs responsible for detoxification.
- Stress Reduction: Stress and emotional eating can be contributing factors to weight gain. Using an infrared sauna can help reduce stress and induce relaxation, potentially helping to manage emotional eating behaviors.
The benefits of infrared sauna therapy don’t stop with weight loss.
Infrared saunas have also been shown to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who struggle with stress-related eating or who have trouble sleeping due to weight-related health issues.
Another benefit of infrared sauna therapy is that it can help reduce inflammation in the body
Chronic inflammation has been linked to a number of health problems, including obesity. By reducing inflammation, infrared sauna therapy can help improve your overall health and make it easier for you to lose weight.
If you’re considering using an infrared sauna for weight loss, it’s important to do so safely. Make sure to stay hydrated before, during, and after your session. I learned this the hard way! Also, start slowly with shorter sessions and gradually increase the time and temperature as your body adjusts. Always listen to your body and stop if you feel uncomfortable or lightheaded.
Related Posts: The Difference between Traditional Saunas and Infrared Saunas
Resources:
Sauna-Induced Body Mass Loss in Young Sedentary Women and Men
Far Infrared Saunas and Weight Loss – Binghamton University, New York 2014