Is dry sauna or infrared sauna best

The decision between using a dry sauna and an infrared sauna depends on specific goals and preferences, with unique benefits associated with each type.

Dry Sauna

• Temperature: Dry saunas typically reach higher temperatures, around 174-212 degrees Fahrenheit (80-100 degrees Celsius) 1 2.
• Health Benefits: These higher temperatures can trigger significant increases in growth hormone and heat shock proteins, essential for various health benefits like cardiovascular improvements, stress relief, and potentially even all-cause mortality reductions 3 4.
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    Sauna Benefits

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    Sauna Science

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    Sauna Benefits Explored

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    Heat and Health

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• Sweat and Detoxification: Promotes intense sweating, which can be beneficial for detoxifying through sweat excretion, including heavy metals like cadmium and lead 3.

Infrared Sauna

• Temperature: Infrared saunas typically operate at lower temperatures, around 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit, and might not be sufficient to trigger the same extent of biological effects as traditional saunas 3.
• Mechanism: Infrared saunas heat the body directly through thermal radiation instead of heating the surrounding air, which can provide comfort at lower temperatures 2.
• Access and Safety: Infrared saunas can be more accessible, cost-effective, and pose less fire hazard risk. They can still promote sweating and offer some cardiovascular benefits, especially through prolonged sessions 3.

Overall, most of the research supporting the robust health benefits of saunas focuses on dry saunas due to their higher temperatures. However, infrared saunas can still provide certain benefits, particularly when high temperatures are uncomfortable or inaccessible. The choice should depend on personal tolerability, goals (like detoxification), and available resources.