Benefits of infrared saunas on weight loss

Beautifully in contrast with traditional saunas that make the air hot, infrared saunas use infrared heaters to make radiant heat that is absorbed by the skin directly hence penetrating deeper into the body. These types of saunas usually operate at lower temperatures between 50°C to 65°C which makes it much more comfortable during longer sessions. Some proponents state that using an infrared sauna can help relieve pain, promote relaxation, detoxify the body and improve blood circulation as well as enhance skin health but some of these claims are not scientifically substantiated.

How do infrared saunas work?

Infrared saunas, as the name suggests, release infrared light, at a very controlled and specific wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. The term “infrared” refers to a frequency higher than red, the final visible wavelength. As a result, infrared waves have a frequency spectrum that extends to microwaves and begins after red light.

Surprisingly, getting infrared light in a sauna isn’t difficult. An infrared sauna just requires a set of lamps designed to create this kind of light, which may be adjusted to emit both near- and far-infrared light as well as, in some situations, the full infrared spectrum. It’s easy to understand what near and far infrared saunas entail: “near” infrared frequencies are those that are closer to red, while “far” infrared frequencies are those that are closer to microwaves.

What are the benefits of infrared saunas on weight loss?

Infrared saunas could support weight loss by providing a method through which the heart rate and metabolic activity increase, similar to moderate exercise and possibly inducing calorie burning. The sweating induced as a result of the exposure to infrared heat would help to temporarily lose water weight.

Also, the relaxing effect and stress relief from sauna use may support better lifestyle choices by improving sleep and reducing cravings for unhealthy foods. It is important to emphasize that, though infrared sauna treatments can support a weight reduction program, they should never be used as an instrument on which one relies for losing weight.

Other benefits of infrared Saunas

As weight loss is considered to be the main advantage of infrared saunas, they offer additional health benefits for their users; which are;

Skin health
Pain and sore relief
Relaxation
Cardiovascular health
Immune support

How much fat can be lost in a single session of infrared sauna?

Sweating in an infrared sauna may cause you to lose water weight, but the actual fat loss during a single session is minimal and not directly measurable. Based on individual characteristics and length, some studies indicate that a sauna session may cause a temporary loss of 1 to 5 pounds of water weight.

But this weight is mostly gained back when you rehydrate, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and food is necessary to lose fat. On the other hand, other studies support the fact that people who regularly used infrared saunas and were exposed to infrared heat lost an acceptable amount of stored fat through a process called lipolysis. During lipolysis, the body needs to cool itself down due to infrared heat in the sauna and ultimately it needs to tap into the stored fat to recover the required energy.

How many sessions of infrared saunas are needed to get the best result for weight loss?

The number of infrared sauna sessions required for the best possible weight reduction may differ depending on personal characteristics including, but not limited to; exercise levels, food, and general health. For the best outcome, 3 to 4 sessions per week lasting thirty to forty-five minutes each are often advised by numerous specialists. However, to achieve optimal results, it’s crucial to combine sauna use with a healthy diet and frequent exercise.

Steps to consider before and after taking an infrared sauna

There are a few steps and cautions to keep in mind before and after taking infrared saunas. Some of these tips are as follows:

To avoid going into an infrared sauna session if the individual drank alcohol
To skip a session if feeling ill or having a fever,
To make sure being fully hydrated before using the infrared sauna,
To monitor the average temperature for each session,
To prolong the use time from a shorter duration up to a maximum of 15-20 minutes per session,
To take time for cooling down and not to cool the body immediately after the session,
To keep things in a relaxed manner by reading, meditating, or listening to soft music.

Do infrared saunas cause skin irritation and redness?

Although infrared sauna treatments do not often cause any side effects, some people, especially those with sensitive skin or with specific skin conditions, might experience skin irritation or even redness following an infrared sauna treatment. This redness can be temporary because of blood vessel dilatation from the heat, in which blood flow increases, and is actually a good thing. It is suggested that people start off with shorter sessions and then see how their skin reacts to the treatment.

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Infrared sauna conclusion

By helping the body to get relaxed, improve blood circulation, and assist in muscle repair, infrared saunas can be considered as a complementary weight reduction strategy. Most individuals nowadays conclude that this type of heat therapy is an effective method that needs to be considered in their weight loss program. Adding an infrared sauna session into one’s weekly routine will help individuals to achieve their lifestyle and weight loss goals smoothly.