By Peter Zulim |
Far infrared (FIR) saunas are well known for their excellent detoxification and pain relieving capabilities. Perhaps just as intriguing, Far Infrared saunas also offer a healthy weight loss solution without exercising! Yes, it’s true. Weight loss is another of the many benefits of regular use of far infrared saunas. This is great news, as a lot of us tend to overeat during the holidays and put on weight. Moreover a lot of us find it hard to get out and exercise in the cold winter months. So imagine relaxing in a warm far infrared sauna while the holiday pounds metaphorically melt away.
Weight loss is accomplished through the use of a far infrared sauna by speeding up the metabolic process of vital organs and endocrine glands which results in a substantial caloric loss during the sauna session. Studies have shown that a 30 minute far infrared sauna session can burn from 200 to 600 calories.
As the body works to cool itself during FIR sauna use, there is a substantial and beneficial increase in heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate. Similarly, studies conducted on whole body hyperthermia have shown that blood flow may rise from 5-7 quarts per minute (normal) to as much as 13 quarts per minute. That’s a good workout!
A moderately fit person may sweat as much as one pound of sweat in a 30 minute far infrared sauna session, equivalent to running 2-3 miles. While it is true that the weight of the water expelled in the sauna may be regained by rehydrating with water, the calories burned up during a far infrared sauna session are real and do contribute to weight loss. Therefore, it is not water loss that causes the loss in weight. The weight loss is from an increase in calories burned due to an increase in the metabolic processes.
When dieting, fasting and/or burning fat, toxins such as PCBs, pesticides, and heavy metals stored in fat tissue are released, sometimes causing intense headaches. Saunas can rapidly help to remove these toxins and to relieve headaches. As skin temperature increases, the layer of fat and oil found just below the surface of the skin liquefies and moves out through the skin’s sweat glands, taking the toxins with it to the surface of your skin. Following a good shower, the body’s toxic load is reduced.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that obesity is the leading and key cause of many serious health problems, including heart attack, diabetes, and stroke. In such cases, a sauna can provide double benefits by aiding in weight loss, and delivering other health and restorative benefits. Repeated far infrared sauna use has been shown to improve blood vessel function in patients with high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Thus saunas may play a preventative role in our good health, as well as reverse damage caused by obesity.
Accessing far infrared saunas is easy today. The most convenient way, of course, is to purchase one for your home. However, another alternative is to purchase a sauna membership or sessions from a far infrared sauna shop. Keep in mind, however that the benefits discussed above are achieved by using far infrared saunas — not all saunas produce the same results. So when shopping for a sauna or a sauna membership please be sure to investigate whether the sauna you are looking at actually produces far infrared heat.
NOTE: It is advisable that anyone with a heart condition, who uses blood thinners, or who may be pregnant, consult with their healthcare advisor before using a far infrared sauna.
In addition, when using a far infrared sauna, it is important to remain hydrated by taking in fluids during and after your sauna session.
References:
1. Ultrametabolism, Dr. Mark Hyman, Scribner, March 2006.
2. A Study of the Health Benefits of Far Infrared Sauna Therapy, Conducted by the University of Missouri, Kansas City, Becky Edwards, M.D., Heather Kort D.O, Faculty Staff Advisor: Dr. John Foxworth, PharmD
3. Sealre, AJ 1982. Effects of the Sauna; Journal of the American Medical Association, 247(1)(Jan 1):28.
4. http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/
For more information, call Rawjuvenation, 775-323-3000.
