Sweat It Out: Infrared Saunas vs. Traditional Saunas - Which One Reigns Supreme?
Sweat It Out: Infrared Saunas vs. Traditional Saunas
Sweating has long been recognized as a means of detoxification and relaxation. For centuries, people have sought out saunas to promote sweating and improve overall health. In recent years, infrared saunas have become increasingly popular due to their purported health benefits. But how do they compare to traditional saunas?
Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas use infrared waves to penetrate deep into the skin and heat up the tissues, causing the body to sweat. There are three types of infrared waves: near, mid, and far. Near-infrared saunas have a wavelength of 0.75-1.5 microns and are thought to promote skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and immune system function. Mid-infrared saunas have a wavelength of 1.5-5.6 microns and may help with pain relief, improved circulation, and weight loss. Far-infrared saunas have a wavelength of 5.6-15 microns and are believed to be the most effective at detoxification and stress reduction.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health compared the sweat of people using traditional saunas versus those using infrared saunas. The researchers found that the sweat of those using infrared saunas contained more heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic than the sweat of those using traditional saunas. The reason for this is believed to be the ability of infrared waves to penetrate deep into the body and mobilize toxins from fat stores and other tissues. This study suggests that infrared saunas may be more effective than traditional saunas at promoting detoxification.
Another study published in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine looked at the effects of infrared sauna use on people with chronic heart failure. The researchers found that those who used infrared saunas had significant improvements in heart function and exercise capacity compared to those who didn't use saunas. This study suggests that infrared saunas may be beneficial for people with cardiovascular disease.
Traditional Saunas
Traditional saunas heat up the air around you, causing the body to sweat. They typically operate at higher temperatures than infrared saunas and can be more uncomfortable for some people. However, traditional saunas have been shown to have benefits of their own.
A study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology found that regular sauna use was associated with a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease and all causes. The researchers followed a group of Finnish men for over 20 years and found that those who used saunas 2-3 times per week had a 24% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and a 40% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who used saunas less frequently.
Which Is Better?
While the research suggests that both infrared and traditional saunas have benefits, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. Infrared saunas may be more effective at promoting detoxification and have been shown to have benefits for cardiovascular health. Traditional saunas, on the other hand, have been associated with a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease and all causes.
It's important to note that not all saunas are created equal. Look for saunas that use high-quality materials and emit low levels of electromagnetic radiation to get the most out of your sweat sessions.
In conclusion, whether you prefer traditional or infrared saunas, sweating it out can be a great way to promote overall health and relaxation. So why not give it a try? Your body will thank you for it!
References:
Genuis SJ, Beesoon S, Birkholz D, et al. Sweat analysis for biomonitoring of heavy metal exposure in a sauna setting. J