Before reading this article, please note that this information should not be seen as medical advice and that you should talk to your healthcare practitioners prior to lifestyle changes.

You may have come across the popular belief that “sweating out” a cold is the way to go. However, this approach isn’t necessarily the most effective when dealing with cold or flu viruses.

The advantages of infrared saunas in promoting health are becoming more recognised. But, do saunas boost the immune system? This article delves into whether frequent infrared sauna sessions bolster the immune system and how they contribute to enhanced health.

Are Infrared Saunas Good For Your Immune System?

Yes, regular sauna use has been shown to improve overall health given the many different benefits regular users experience. Studies have shown that sauna bathing stimulated the immune system to a higher degree in the group of athletes compared to the untrained subjects. 

The immune system comprises a complex web of organs, tissues, and cells, with white blood cells at the forefront. These cells play a pivotal role in neutralising viruses and bacteria. Regular sauna usage can bolster the immune response by increasing your internal temperature thereby simulating a fever – the body’s natural defence mechanism. As a result, this makes it hard for pathogens to thrive and encourages the body to produce more white blood cells. Moreover, it also stimulates the release of heat shock proteins (HSP), which are crucial for cell protection and repair.

This means that, as part of a healthy lifestyle (including a healthy diet, regular exercise and good sleep), infrared saunas can be very good for the immune system. However, it’s important to note that factors like fatigue, stress, obesity, and sleep deprivation can detrimentally affect our health and, by extension, the immune system. Regularly incorporating infrared saunas, coupled with positive practices like a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and consistent exercise, helps your body achieve its peak performance. These key factors are discussed further below to show how an infrared sauna can be pivotal for general health and the immune system.

1. Enhanced Immune Response

Utilising an infrared sauna elevates your core body temperature, an action proven to amplify immune system efficacy. Pairing this with cold treatments (like chilly showers or ice baths) can also accelerate metabolism while alleviating inflammation, puffiness, and muscular pain.

2. Combating Stress And Fatigue

Infrared saunas offer an exemplary avenue for relaxation. The infrared light directly warms the body, facilitating a more enjoyable and mild temperature, allowing for genuine relaxation. Add a session of light therapy with Found—Space’s LED Colour Module, and you have a perfect relaxation ritual – an ideal conclusion to any day.

3. Weight Regulation

Infrared saunas provide a subtle cardiovascular workout, leading many regular users to witness enhanced weight management and results from their dietary and exercise routines. Moreover, infrared saunas stimulate Cytochrome C Oxidase and escalate ATP, thereby energising and invigorating your exercise sessions.

4. Restful Sleep

The warmth from infrared saunas escalates your heartbeat, subsequently activating your parasympathetic nervous system which in turn relaxes the body. This relaxation fosters deeper sleep. Additionally, in-sauna light therapy, particularly red light, can be beneficial. 

Red light synchronises the circadian rhythm and aids relaxation. This is because our natural environment exposes us to red light frequencies at sunset, prepping our body for rest. Furthermore, red light stimulates melatonin, the sleep hormone.

Optimal Sauna Duration for Immunity Boost

For boosting immunity, individuals should aim for at least 15-minute sauna sessions, with a frequency of at least 3 times per week. There are benefits to sauna sessions if you have less time, but 15 minutes is a commonly referenced optimal time in recent studies.

Infrared Saunas and Autoimmune Diseases 

Many individuals with autoimmune diseases are continually seeking health improvement strategies. Infrared saunas can potentially be beneficial for these individuals by helping:

• Easing skin irritations: Autoimmune disorders can alter skin responses to environmental factors such as sunlight, leading to rashes or inflammation. While ultraviolet light can exacerbate these issues, infrared saunas offer a controlled environment where the skin benefits from improved oxygen flow, texture enhancement, and collagen production.
• Boosting core temperature and circulation: Autoimmune diseases, like Lyme disease, can drain energy levels. Infrared therapy enhances cellular energy production by boosting mitochondrial efficiency. Additionally, the relaxing heat of infrared saunas helps reduce stress, tension, and pain.
• Improving blood flow and enhancing white blood cell count: Some autoimmune diseases can hinder peripheral blood flow. Infrared sauna therapy expands blood vessels and enhances blood circulation, delivering more white blood cells to essential areas, and helping alleviate pain, joint issues, and muscle spasms.

Infrared Saunas and Cold/Flu Viruses

Contrary to popular belief, saunas aren’t recommended for those with colds or the flu. This is due to the potential risks, like dehydration, dizziness, and skin irritation. Given the importance of hydration in combating illnesses, losing more fluids than you’re taking in could compromise your immune system’s functionality.

Therefore, it’s essential to understand that saunas aren’t a cure for colds or flu. While they can bolster the immune system and may aid in preventing colds or flu, they shouldn’t replace treatments from your healthcare practitioners.

Embark On Your Found—Space Infrared Sauna Journey

Now we know that the quality of your health is largely influenced by your daily activities. Incorporating an infrared sauna in your living space marks a transformative phase in your wellness journey, reshaping your health rituals.

Enquire today to consult with our sauna experts and understand how a Found—Space infrared sauna can revolutionise your health.