Infrared saunas
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Infrared saunas have been discussed by on the in terms of their biological impacts. One of the main points is that infrared saunas generally do not reach high enough temperatures to trigger the extensive benefits associated with traditional saunas, such as the activation of growth hormone and heat shock proteins, which are beneficial for various biological processes, including skin repair and anti-aging effects 1.
Infrared saunas typically reach around 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which means that to achieve similar benefits to traditional saunas, longer sessions might be required. Some studies, particularly from Japan, have shown cardiovascular benefits from using infrared saunas through extended protocols that last about an hour 2. However, traditional saunas tend to reach higher temperatures (around 174 degrees Fahrenheit), which is more effectively linked to benefits such as reduced cardiovascular and all-cause mortality 3.
Additionally, while infrared saunas heat the body through thermal radiation, rather than heating the ambient air like traditional saunas, they still facilitate sweating, which can aid in detoxification by excreting heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and aluminum through sweat 2.
Overall, while infrared saunas do provide some health benefits, achieving the full range of sauna advantages typically requires the higher temperatures reached in traditional saunas.
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