Far Infrared Sauna Benefits During Cold and Flu Season

Between the cold weather and influx of germs, you're much more likely to get sick at this time of year due to a weakened immune system. In addition to the typical cold-preventing remedies, far infrared saunas have many wonderful benefits that help strengthen the immune system, especially at this time of year. Read on to learn about the many ways our sauna can help prevent you from getting sick this autumn and winter. 

An Increase in Body Temperature

As uncomfortable as fevers may be, the raise in body temperature is what helps fight off pathogens that cause you to become even more sick. A far infrared sauna raises your core body temperature and although it doesn't mimic the way a fever increases temperature, it still results in the same benefits of a fever. These benefits include improved immune functions and properly preparing your body for this season. A raise in body temperature also helps your immune system remember specific germs that you have been exposed to, to help better fight them off next time you encounter them. 

The increase in body temperature also causes something known as heat stress. This low level of heat stress generates a production of heat-shock proteins which help prevent an individual from getting sick. 

Stress Reduction

Cortisol is a hormone that works with the body's stress response, and is also known to weaken the immune system. Far-infrared saunas assist in the reduction of cortisol when you are in a relaxed state, which in-turn helps decrease the chances of becoming sick.

Improved Sleep

We all know how important sleep is, but did you know it helps play a role in strengthening our immune system? Specifically, deep sleep helps build the antiviral immune system, which means getting a good night of deep sleep will help decrease your chances of becoming sick. A drop in body temperature is what cues the body that it's time to sleep. Spending time in a sauna, specifically in the afternoon, will help your body relax and wind down, allowing the body's temperature to drop naturally to improve sleep quality and therefore keeping your antiviral immune system strong.

How Can I Make the Most of My Sauna Experience?

The immune strengthening benefits of the far infrared sauna are so important to keeping your body strong in the winter. To get the most out of your sauna experience, it is important to be consistent with your sauna use. One session a week is a great place to start. We're here to help you stay warm and healthy all season long! 

References

“Sunlighten. How Infrared Saunas Can Boost Your Immune System During Cold and Flu Season”. Retrieved from https://www.sunlighten.com/blog/fighting-cold-flu-season-infrared-sauna-therapy/?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fall%20wellness%20content%20-%20customers&utm_id=1665221&dlv-ga-memberid=65244236

Back on Track: Detoxifying from Summer

With the joy, warmth, socialization, festivals and fun of summer~ comes more unhealthy eating, drinking, stress, fatigue, and skipping routines.  Our bodies LOVE routine, so the waning of summer also brings back the steadiness of structure.  As we get back to our roots and recover from the summer holiday, we can use this transitional time to prepare our bodies for a healthy autumn.

heal your gut: Before your body can handle a real effective detoxification, the digestive tract needs to be addressed. Are you feeling bloated after eating? Do you get cramping or see changes in your bowel patterns? For baseline indigestion, bloating, belching and flatulence a daily dose of fermented foods and probiotics may do the trick.  If you are struggling to get digestion under control- invest in your health! Our nutritionist will get to the root of the problem with you and help you find the right foods to heal your gut.

sweat it out : Studies have shown that perspiration contains trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, mercury and arsenic.  A well-hydrated work out or sauna session can activate your lymphatic system and help you sweat out some of that bad stuff.    

go green : Green vegetables have a high inventory of nutrients.  Many of the body’s detox processes are linked to having adequate levels of vitamins and minerals.  Start cooking with generous amounts of spinach and cruciferous vegetables to maximize your detox nutrients.

citrus boost : Vitamin C is an immune booster.  It helps the body produce an antioxidant that neutralizes toxins and also enhances digestive enzymes.  Because we cannot produce our own vitamin C in the body, eating adequate sources in whole foods or supplements is vital to better immune health. Start and end each day with a glass of warm lemon water!   (strawberry, acerola cherry, citrus fruits, papaya, black currant, kiwi, bell peppers, brussels sprouts, melons, and dark leafy greens are great food sources)

controlled breathing : Oxygen is a critical component of natural detoxification.  Controlled breathing: a deep, 5 second inhalation through the nose followed by a long exhalation through the mouth- you will achieve a full oxygen exchange, swapping incoming oxygen for outgoing carbon dioxide.  This supercharges your lymphatic system to ward of toxins, pathogens, and waste. Integrate this controlled breathing practice several times per day.

drink more tea : Green tea leaves are withered and steamed, rather than fermented, so it produces a beverage that is rich in compounds that eliminate free radicals.  Start your day with a cup of green tea and a squeeze of lemon. 

assess your water quality: It is not just about quantity! Ditch plastic bottles of commercially packaged water and invest in a stainless steel bottle.  Update your water filters or start using one for all of you water needs at home.  Tap water can be full of chemicals used to clean the water- but also add more to the chemical load in your body.  Drinking filtered, cleaner water will help your body flush out waste at the cellular level and also support the GI tract and kidneys as they flush out those toxins. How much water? At least 1/2 to 3/4 your body weight in ounces.