The fact that saunas have been a staple of healthy living for generations may speak volumes about their worth and utility. However, it's also crucial to be aware of the dangers related to infrared saunas.
What is infrared sauna all about?
Similar to a regular or dry-heat sauna, an infrared sauna employs heat to induce sweating, ease painful muscles, promote rest, and induce relaxation. The technique employed makes a difference. While infrared saunas employ electromagnetic radiation to heat the air in the room, traditional saunas use a temperature range of 150–190 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a dry sauna, heat is produced using electricity and free of moisture, and humidity levels as low as 10 to 20 percent. In other saunas, water is thrown onto heated rocks to create steam. Traditional saunas are quite warm, with temperatures averaging between 180 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
The body is heated directly in an infrared sauna using infrared sheets that emit infrared rays. Near-infrared and far-infrared saunas both produce a little amount of red, orange, and yellow light, which is used in red light therapy.
The fact that infrared saunas can heat the body by penetrating the tissue rather than just heating the air like regular saunas is only one of the many reasons they have grown so popular.
You can buy your own infrared sauna or use one from a health or fitness facility. You can put up a portable infrared sauna at home, or for additional flexibility, install a permanent sauna there.
Dangers of Infrared Sauna
There are still some possible concerns even though infrared saunas are typically regarded as safe and without any adverse effects.
The risks of using an infrared sauna include the possibility of overheating, dehydration, or lightheadedness. Generally speaking, you can prevent this by consuming adequate fluids before and after. Additionally, when utilising a sauna, stay away from drugs and alcohol.
Some people should exercise caution when using an infrared sauna. Although they are thought to be safe and even helpful for those with heart problems, infrared saunas should not be used by anyone who has recently experienced a heart attack or has unstable angina, a condition that restricts the quantity of blood flow to the heart.
Who should be cautious of using Infrared Sauna?
Despite the fact that infrared saunas have many advantages, some people shouldn't use them.
Pregnant women shouldn't use saunas since they may feel warmer overall and may be more prone to overheating as a result. Use of an infrared sauna is not recommended during the first few weeks of pregnancy since a considerable increase in body temperature could be harmful to the unborn child. Children shouldn't use a sauna since they are unable to control their body temperature through sweating like adults can.
Before utilising a sauna, anyone who is on prescription medicine, or who has hypertension, a chronic illness, or cardiovascular disease should speak with their doctor. Similar to this, anyone considering utilising an infrared sauna should consult their doctor first if they have any kind of metal or silicone implant.
While some claim that using an infrared sauna helped their flu symptoms, it makes sense to avoid high temperatures when suffering from a fever or the flu.
Verdict
Infrared saunas can be an excellent tool for lowering stress levels, promoting healing, and promoting relaxation. Although there is little information on its long-term advantages, numerous tiny studies indicate it might actually be superior to its conventional, dry-sauna cousin. An infrared sauna sweat session might be beneficial for your body, provided you don't have any health issues that would put you at risk.