!!DID YOU KNOW!!

Spending 2-3 days/week in an infrared Sauna can:

-lower your risk of sudden cardiac death by 22%

-Lower your risk of death from Cardiovascular disease by 27%

-lower your risk of dying from all causes by 24%

-lower your risk of developing dementia by 22%

-lower your risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease by 20%

-lower your risk of developing psychosis by 19%

Spending 4-7 days/week in an infrared Sauna can:

-lower your risk of sudden cardiac death by 63%

-Lower your risk of death from Cardiovascular disease by 50%

-lower your risk of dying from all causes by 40%

-lower your risk of developing dementia by 66%

-lower your risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease by 65%

-lower your risk of developing psychosis by 77%

Infrared training, specifically referring to the use of infrared saunas or infrared therapy, has gained attention for its potential benefits for heart health. While research in this area is ongoing and evolving, there are several proposed mechanisms through which infrared training may positively impact your cardiovascular health. These include:

Improved circulation: Infrared training enhances circulation by causing blood vessels to dilate, leading to increased blood flow. This effect helps deliver oxygen and nutrients more efficiently to the heart and other organs, thereby reducing the workload on the heart.

Enhanced cardiac function: Regular infrared sauna use has been associated with improvements in various markers of cardiac function, such as increased heart rate variability (HRV) and improved endothelial function. HRV refers to the variation in the time interval between heartbeats and is considered an indicator of autonomic nervous system balance, with higher HRV generally associated with better cardiovascular health.“The endothelium is a thin membrane that lines the inside of the heart and blood vessels. Endothelial cells release substances that control vascular relaxation and contraction as well as enzymes that control blood clotting, immune function and platelet (a colorless substance in the blood) adhesion.” (3)

Improved endothelial function, which relates to the health of the inner lining of blood vessels, can contribute to better cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Reduced blood pressure: Some studies suggest that infrared therapy may help lower blood pressure. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart disease, and by promoting vasodilation and improving blood flow, infrared training may contribute to blood pressure regulation.

Stress reduction: Infrared saunas are known for their relaxing and stress-relieving effects. Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on heart health, as it may contribute to increased blood pressure, inflammation, and other risk factors. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels, infrared training may indirectly support heart health.

It's also important to note that an infrared sauna environment can stimulate the brain as well.  According to best selling wellness author Dr. Joseph Mercola, sauna bathing promotes brain health.  Dr. Mercola cites research from Finland which found that those who use a sauna four to seven times per week for at least 15 minutes per session had a 66% lower risk for developing dementia and a 65% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s.  He points to other research that “has shown sauna use increases levels of norepinephrine, a stress hormone that increases focus and attention, as well as prolactin, which may promote myelin growth, helping your brain to function faster and repair nerve cell damage” (2).  Myelin is the insulating sheath around nerve fibers that increases impulse speed.

Mercola also explains that researchers have found a link between heat exposure and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which activates brain stem cells to convert into new neurons. BDNF also triggers numerous other chemicals that promote neural health.

According to another study, Dr. Mercola shows how exercising in heat increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) more so than training in lower temperatures indicating that sauna workouts could be beneficial to the brain.

Researchers “found that exercising in heat increased the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, which is thought to stimulate cerebral output of BDNF.”

Power up your brain with hot exercise!

Please keep in mind that while infrared training shows promise for heart health, it should not be considered a standalone solution or a replacement for conventional medical care. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and following medical advice are all crucial elements of a comprehensive approach to heart health. It is critical to ensure that there are no pre-existing heart conditions prior to launching any exercise program.

(1) https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/10/20-minutes-yoga-brain_n_3404766.html

(2) https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/09/benefits-of-sauna-therapy.aspx

(3) https://www.cedars-sinai.org/programs/heart/clinical/womens-heart/conditions/endothelial-function-testing.html#:~:text=The%20endothelium%20is%20a%20thin,substance%20in%20the%20blood)%20adhesion.