CELEBRATING AMERICAN HEART MONTH FOR HEART HEALTH

Each February we celebrate the American Heart Association’s American Heart Month, a time that reminds us to focus on heart health and overall wellness. It’s the perfect time to kick off a new, healthier lifestyle. Did you know that in the early 1960s, more than 50% of U.S. deaths were the result of cardiovascular disease? It seems that the meat-and-potatoes diet and high rates of tobacco use led to some staggering heart health issues and mortality figures for the average American – with the life expectancy in the United States in 1960 equating to an average of just 66 years for a male, and 73 years for a female.

Today, we see average life expediencies in the 76 and 81 years range for men and women, respectively. Part of this boost in lifespan can be attributed to better awareness of a variety of health factors – cardiovascular health being a big one.

The History of American Heart Month

American Heart Month was enacted in December of 1963 and first celebrated in February 1964. President Lyndon B. Johnson made it so via proclamation #3566, and the Congress issued a joint resolution that requested the standing President issue an annual proclamation designating February of each year as American Heart Month. As mentioned earlier, the rate of death from heart disease was more than 50% in the early 1960s – it is now less than 25%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How to Celebrate American Heart Month

Year-round, but in February especially, consider the following ways to boost awareness of the importance of heart health by making a difference in your community, within your family, or in your own health-related choices. Here are some great ways to celebrate American Heart Month:

1. Schedule an appointment with your doctor

Instead of only reacting to health concerns when they arise, take a preemptive approach and schedule a full check-up with your general practitioner. Ask for a cholesterol test, a full blood panel, and ask your healthcare professional to check you out for any signs of disease or heart-related health concerns.

2. Quit unhealthy habits

If you smoke or use other forms of tobacco, make this the year you kick the habit. The CDC reports that 480,000 people die each year in the US from cigarette smoking, including those who die from secondhand smoke exposure. That accounts for about 1 in every 5 deaths. Even if you don’t smoke yourself, a family member may be slowly reducing your life expectancy potential. In addition to tobacco, the CDC reports 88,000 deaths are linked to excessive alcohol consumption each year in the US. This represents a staggering 2.5 million years of potential life lost. The bottom line? Use this month as a catalyst to put those destructive habits in check.

3. Focus on healthy eating

Heart healthy meals, or those that are nutrient-rich, low in sodium, and contain only moderate amounts of fat and saturated fat, can add years to your life. Try to reduce the number of times you go out to eat each month, pack healthy snacks to carry with you, and minimize the temptation to stop at a fast food drive-thru for a quick bite to eat. Make it a point to cook at home more using fresh ingredients and minimal sodium or fatty additives.

4. Take prescribed medications

One contributor of higher mortality rates in those aged 50 and older is not taking prescribed medications as indicated by the doctor and pharmacist. In fact, the National Library of Medicine reports that approximately 50% of patients do not take their medications as prescribed. This can lead to serious health ramifications, especially in patients with heart-related health concerns, and the adverse effects can be irreversible, if patients don’t begin to adhere to their medicinal regimens.

5. National Wear Red Day

One woman in the U.S. dies every 80 seconds from heart disease, so do all you can to boost awareness of this tragic statistic by wearing red as often as you can in February. National Wear Red Day is usually the first Friday in February, but by incorporating more red into your wardrobe you may be able to spark conversations with others all month long.

6. Exercise is key

If there is one thing that can help improve your overall heart health virtually overnight, it is exercise. First consult with your doctor, then create an exercise plan that includes a few key steps. Step one, make sure you involve plenty of moderate-intensity cardiovascular work in your fitness regimen. Then, add in some weight training to improve your strength and mobility. The better you feel the more you’ll be encouraged to work out and stay healthy.

7. Use a sauna

Saunas are a terrific choice for this part of the exercise equation. Let’s look at infrared sauna health benefits and discover why it can be instrumental in helping you maintain better heart health.

First and foremost, saunas effectively detoxify the body with infrared saunas proving to be the most effective solution for internal cleansing. A Medical News Today report delivered some staggering information, including:

52% reduction in sudden cardiac death among those who spend at least 19 minutes in a sauna versus another group who spent just 11 minutes in the heat, on average
Men who used a sauna at least four times per week had a 48% lower risk of dying from coronary artery disease
Men who used a sauna at least four times per week were 63% less likely to experience sudden cardiac death when compared to those who only used a sauna four times per month

Keep in mind that saunas stimulate the heart rate during use, yet encourage lower blood pressure when resting. The relaxing environment in a sauna is good for the heart, and the social connections made in a sauna room can improve mental health and the overall sense of well-being.

As American Heart Month rolls on, consider all the ways you can support this important observance – it’ll benefit you and those you care about. From National Wear Red Day to working on your own diet, exercise, and wellness ideas, you’ll add years to your life and have more time to spend with the important people in your life when your heart health is in top shape.

CLEARLIGHT INFRARED AND JACUZZI INC. FORM A LICENSING PARTNERSHIP FOR JACUZZI® INFRARED SAUNAS

Clearlight Infrared and Jacuzzi Inc. today announced an exclusive licensing partnership for infrared saunas. Clearlight Infrared will manufacture and market a premium line of infrared saunas under the Jacuzzi ® brand. This will include the Clearlight Sanctuary™ Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna models and the Clearlight Premier™ Far Infrared Sauna models.

“We are pleased to be working with such a great company,” said Dr. Raleigh Duncan, founder of Clearlight Infrared. “Infrared therapy is a natural fit to help people live more vibrant, productive and balanced lives.”

“The partnership fits well with our company’s focus on well-being, and commitment to improving the lives of our customers,” states Jacuzzi Group Worldwide CEO Bob Rowan.

Throughout its 60 year history, the Jacuzzi® brand has maintained its status as an icon and innovator. The Jacuzzi® brand products are legendary for performance, reliability, and ease of use. Jacuzzi® infrared saunas are exceptionally engineered with the best materials to ensure a superior product. With continuous quality checks and outstanding inspection standards, Jacuzzi® infrared saunas continue this reputation for dependability and effectiveness.

The Importance of Greater Health and Wellness

Infrared saunas are effective at improving one’s overall health and wellness by helping to boost the immune system, aiding with detoxification, improving sleep, reducing stress, increasing metabolism, and improving heart health among other health and wellness benefits.

Design, Quality, and Effectiveness. From trend-setting design, exceptional furniture grade sauna cabins and state-of-the-art infrared heater technology, Jacuzzi® saunas deliver the ultimate infrared therapy experience.

HOW TO SET UP A HEALTHY DETOX DIET PLAN

If you spend any amount of time reading articles on the Internet or in magazines, or even listening to the radio, you’ll come across some group touting the unbelievable benefits of their proprietary detox diet plan.

“Drink this juice blend for just X days straight and you’ll shed pounds like never before!”

“Ready to clean out your system? It’s never been easier! Just drink water, lemon juice, and Tabasco three times a day for a week!”

These too-good-to-be-true detox diet plans are just that. They may not be healthy for your body and don’t bring any long sustaining results. If you are ready to detoxify your body of toxins the right way, here’s how to create the ultimate healthy detox diet plan, combining smart dietary choices and sauna use.

Step One – Prepare for Your Detox Diet

Jumping right into a detox diet plan can be jarring to the system if you do it too abruptly, so begin the overall detoxification process at least five days prior to the start of your new detox diet. Experts agree that those who skip this step may experience bloating, constipation, headaches, and other painful side effects of such a drastic dietary shift.

Prior to starting any new healthy detox diet plan, try to cut out sugar and alcohol from your normal routine. Artificial sweeteners, wheat-intensive products, overly processed foods, and all fast food should be eliminated during this time. Then, gradually reduce your intake of animal proteins – especially those that are high in fat, like any variety of sausage, pork, or beef. Try to eat as many fresh, raw vegetables as possible, but feel free to eat plenty of steamed veggies too.

This is a great time to declutter your refrigerator and pantry in preparation for your detox. By removing foods that may tempt you to cheat during your detoxification, you’ll have an easier time adjusting to the challenging, albeit temporary, diet plan.

If you’re worried about the side effects of dramatically reducing your caffeine levels during your detox, try to taper off your overall caffeine intake prior to beginning the new diet. Start by blending ½ decaf and ½ regular coffee for a few days, then move to ¾ decaf and ¼ regular two days before the detox diet starts. Then, go caffeine-free the last two days. If you find that a zero-caffeine diet is too tough, consider drinking green or white tea, which is significantly lower in caffeine than regular coffee – and hydrates the body more effectively.

Step Two – Plan Your Healthy Detox Diet Plan

This is a diet detox plan that includes a lot of fresh, healthy foods and a real-world focus on diet, exercise, and hydration – not a starvation cleanse. You’ll feel great and boost your overall wellness when you commit to this diet plan and combine it with heart-healthy exercise. To make the meal planning process easier, let’s break down the foods into seven key groups:

Vegetables

Detoxifying your body is made easier when you commit to eating one healthy salad per day. A salad full of dark leafy greens (like Swiss chard, kale, arugula, spinach, or collard greens), other healthy veggies, and a light dressing of lemon juice and a swirl of olive oil, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, or zero dressing at all is ideal. Snack on vegetables like celery, carrots, cucumber, jicama, lettuce, snow peas, squash, zucchini, yams, and asparagus.

Grains

Since this isn’t a detox diet plan focused solely on calorie control, you certainly can and should include a serving of healthy grains into your meal plan. Integrate the following grains in moderation to give your body an energy boost:

Wild rice
Quinoa
Millet
Tapioca
Arrowroot
Buckwheat
Rice bran
Rice crackers
Oats

Try to work high-quality grains into your meal plan by adding 100% buckwheat noodles to the menu, or quinoa flakes, rice bran, or gluten-free bread.

Nuts/Seeds

Your healthy detox diet should be about all things natural, and nuts and seeds are a great way to get some serious protein in your system without having to eat excessive amounts of meat. Choose unsalted nuts and seeds, and always go raw when feasible. Almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, and pistachios are popular options. However flax seeds, pine nuts, and coconut are quickly gaining in popularity with those who appreciate a little variety in their detox diet, as well.

Fruit

Fruit is a foundational element in most detox diet plans, and for good reason. You’ll get a big kick of fiber, a massive dose of vitamins, and most fruit tastes so good you won’t think you’re on any type of regimented eating plan at all. Fresh or frozen fruit is fine. Some of the top detox fruit choices are: apricots, apples, pears, peaches, papayas, mangos, kiwi, cherries, watermelon, and figs. Juice is fine if it is natural, unsweetened, and contains nothing but fruit. You’ll want to steer clear of dried fruit during a detox – so no raisins, cranberries, dates, or similar fruits.

Oils

You’ll want to use some oil during food prep, but make sure you stick to one of the following: flax oil, cold-pressed olive oil, chia oil, hemp oil, almond oil, walnut oil, coconut oil, pumpkin oil, avocado oil, and hazelnut oil. Sesame, safflower, and sunflower oils should be avoided while detoxifying.

Animal Proteins

Some detox plans prohibit the intake of animal proteins, but part of a healthy, sustainable detox diet plan is maintaining a sense of balance. Try to eat no more than three ounces of animal protein at each meal, and always select the leanest cuts. Turkey, chicken, wild-caught fish, lamb, and most wild game animals are fine during a healthy detox diet.

Drinks

We talk a lot about detox foods, but what you drink is equally as important. Filtered water is the absolute best thing you can hydrate your body with, but coconut water is great as well. Flavor your water with lemon or lime slices if you’re not used to drinking a lot of water. The idea here is to aim for at least 64-ounces of fluid intake per day, but aim closer to 96 ounces if you’re spending time in your sauna on any given day.

The Benefits of Starting a Healthy Detox Diet Plan

Creating a detox diet plan and sticking to it is a great way to shift your metabolism into overdrive and clean out your system for ultimate health benefits. But what really happens when you detoxify your body?

Gut health: You reduce the amount of bad bacteria in your gut and almost immediately improve digestion and minimize bloating. Consuming a probiotic drink during a detox diet can help balance you out, too.

Liver function: After just a day or so of detoxifying, you’ll burn much of the fat in your liver, helping it to work better almost immediately. The body will then excrete stored toxins, and your liver will be optimized to better manage any new toxins introduced to your system.

Skin appearance: A few weeks after the detox diet, you’ll see a marked improvement in your skin tone and complexion. The first week or so of the detox can push toxins through the skin. Cadmium and lead are two that excrete through the skin’s pores.

Your sense of well-being: A healthy detox diet plan is challenging because many of the food items we’ve become accustomed to – and even use as a coping method for stress and anxiety – are now gone from our lives. But after you get over the initial shock of saying no to sugar, high-fat foods, and more, you’ll feel empowered and in control, and the resulting physical changes will likely give you a big boost of confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

A healthy detox diet plan doesn’t have to be a permanent change in your life, but it can help you instill quality eating habits and a sense of purposeful living rather quickly. The detox diet – combined with exercise, plenty of sleep, a lot of hydrating water, and scheduled sessions in your detoxifying infrared sauna – will help you look and feel your absolute best.

6 WAYS SAUNAS HELP FIGHT CANCER

BeatCancer.org posted this great blog post on their health and wellness blog. We thank them for allowing us to share it with you:

Saunas and sweat baths have been used by various cultures throughout history to flush out toxins and disease and maintain optimal physical and mental health. Saunas, and particularly infrared saunas, can also play a big role in preventing or reversing cancer.

In a 2004 article in the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Lawrence Wilson, MD, wrote, “If I were to single out one method to combat cancer, it is the sauna. It assists removal of chemical toxins and heavy metals, increases oxygenation, enhances the immune system, and reduces the radiation burden in the body.”

Using heat to treat illness is not new. Over 2,000 years ago, the famous Greek physician Parmenides said, “Give me the power to create fever, and I will cure any disease.” Modern medicine has also noted that cancer patients who developed a fever sometimes went into remission. Such an observation prompted New York Memorial Hospital physician Dr. William Coley in 1891 to publish a paper on how inducing a fever in the body of a cancer patient might stimulate the immune response and cause cancer remission. Cancer clinics in Germany and Mexico routinely apply this principle by using both infrared hyperthermia and infrared saunas with their patients. Hospitals in more than 20 of the United States are offering some form of hyperthermia treatment for cancer – either locally, regionally or systemically.

While saunas are not nearly as potent as hyperthermia treatments (which can expose the body to up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit), infrared saunas can heat the body a few degrees and cause a fever. This is a much gentler and slower method, but it is much safer and easier to tolerate and control.

Infrared saunas provide a form of whole-body hyperthermia that boosts health in many ways. Dr. Wilson noted that infrared sauna therapy for cancer offers a combination of healing mechanisms that act simultaneously and synergistically to support the fight against cancer.

1 – Direct Cancer Cell Death: The principle of hyperthermia is that cancer cells are much more sensitive to and intolerant of the effects of excessive heat than normal cells. Tumors have an impaired ability to adapt their blood circulation to the effects of high temperatures. Said simply, because cancer cells are weaker than normal cells, they are more susceptible to damage from heat. In fact, high temperatures can actually kill cancer cells, usually without damage to healthy cells.

According to the National Cancer Institute, “Hyperthermia (also called thermal therapy or thermotherapy) is a type of cancer treatment in which body tissue is exposed to high temperatures. Research has shown that high temperatures can damage and kill cancer cells, usually with minimal injury to normal tissues. Many studies have shown a significant reduction in tumor size when hyperthermia is combined with other treatments.”

In a clinical study published in 2009 in the Journal of Cancer Science and Therapy, scientists studied far infrared’s effects on human cancer cells in vitro and on cancer cells in mice. Far infrared therapy reduced tumor volumes 86% in just 30 days.

In another study, researchers in Japan discovered that whole-body hyperthermia with far infrared strongly inhibited the growth of breast cancer tumors in mice without deleterious side effects. Researchers believe this therapy is a promising noninvasive treatment for breast cancer.

2 – Improved Circulation: Infrared saunas boost circulation, which helps to bring essential nutrients, oxygen and other substances to the cells of the body. Since cancer often grows in tissues with poor circulation – and thus poor nutrition and oxygenation — and since cancer cells do not thrive in a high oxygen environment, improving circulation can help reverse the cancer process.

During a sauna, the pulse rate jumps by 30% or more, allowing the heart to greatly increase the amount of blood it pumps each minute. Most of the extra blood flow is directed to the skin. Saunas powerfully shunt the blood from the internal organs to the periphery of the body in an attempt to get rid of the heat. They also increase circulation to the lungs, improving oxygenation. This combination can be of great benefit for cancer patients, many of whom cannot or should not exercise much, especially older or physically impaired patients.

3 – Elimination of Toxins: Without efficient circulation, not only do health-promoting nutrients and oxygen not get into our cells, but also waste materials cannot get out. Saunas help purge the body of hundreds of toxins, such as heavy metals, chemicals, and pesticides. Sauna treatments can help remove lead, copper, mercury, arsenic and cyanide and help to balance the body’s pH by neutralizing excessively acid body chemistry.

The heat that saunas produce creates perspiration which cleanses the skin from the inside out. Although the skin is designed to be a major organ for eliminating body wastes, in most people, it’s inactive because they don’t sweat enough. The deep penetration of infrared heat releases toxins from the fat layers just beneath the skin and flushes out those toxins through the sweat. The dry heat of a sauna can cause skin temperature to rise to about 104° F, and many persons – especially those who drink several glasses of water before entering the sauna — will pour out a pint of toxic sweat during a short stint in a sauna.

In addition to cleansing the skin, infrared saunas also help decongest and eliminate toxins from the internal organs. The liver, kidneys and other internal organs can become burdened with estrogen, chemicals, and toxic metals. Overload, sluggishness, and congestion of these eliminatory organs greatly inhibits the detoxification of all toxic substances in our bodies. This is a very critical problem for cancer patients. Saunas move blood away from the center of the body toward the extremities to get rid of the heat. By causing blood to move toward the body surface, infrared saunas help to decongest the body’s internal organs as well.

To see how this works, researchers analyzed the sweat from both traditional and infrared saunas. Sweat from traditional saunas was about 97% water and 3% toxins. Infrared saunas produced a sweat that was only 80-85% water. The remaining 15-20% was made up of heavy metals, sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia, uric acid and fat-soluble toxins.

4 – Weight Loss: According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, obesity is a known risk factor, not only for cancer, but also for cancer death. There are many reasons for this, among them the fact that cancer-promoting hormones and carcinogens are lipophylic – they hang around in fatty tissue and have a tough time metabolizing out.

Infrared saunas have been clinically shown to help burn fat and dramatically aid in weight loss. A 2009 study showed that infrared saunas provide significant results in lowering weight and waist circumference in just three months. And for those who are sedentary due to medical conditions such as cardiovascular or respiratory problems, results were even more profound. Dr. Stephen Sinatra, a well-known integrative cardiologist, states in his article on the many benefits of far-infrared saunas: Their penetrating infrared rays increase blood circulation, which helps speed up your metabolism and burn calories — up to a few hundred calories per session. During a 30-minute sauna session, core temperature increases, and the body works hard to cool itself, often burning 300-500 calories in the process.

5 – Immunity Activation: While conventional cancer treatments often suppress immune function, hyperthermia can actually enhance it — through a whole cascade of immune cell responses. According to German professor Rolf Issels, MD, PhD, of the University of Munich, hyperthermia produces ´heat shock´ proteins on the surface of the cancer cells, making them more prone to attack by the immune system.

Doctor Gurdev Parmar, of the Integrated Health Clinic in Fort Langley, British Columbia, agrees. He explains that heat makes cancer cells look distinct from healthy cells, thereby generating an immune response that is both immediate and long-lasting. Because the damaged proteins on the surfaces of tumor cells look very different from healthy cells, the immune system is alarmed, and natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages are immediately sent to the tumor. These cells then activate dendritic cells (DC), which in turn present the heat-damaged proteins to T cells. Hyperthermia promotes the maturing and migration of the DCs to the lymph nodes, where T cells become activated against the cancer cell proteins. The activated T cells, called Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes, then attack and kill tumor cells.

Doctors at Clifford Hospital Hyperthermia Center in Guangzhou, China — possibly the largest hyperthermia center in the world – concur that heat treatments, in particular whole body hyperthermia, “can stimulate and reinforce the function of the body’s immune system.” At a core temperature of 41.8 ℃ (about 107 degrees Fahrenheit) it can activate long-acting T-lymphocytes. At body temperature of 39.8 ℃ (about 104 degrees Fahrenheit) maintained for a period of six hours, whole body hyperthermia “can increase the activity of T- and B-lymphocytes and the anti-tumor activity of…NK cells, and can facilitate the redistribution of the body’s white blood cells to improve the monitoring function of the body’s immune system.”

Although there are many techniques for generating hyperthermia, infrared sauna is definitely one of the easiest and safest. In an article published in the International Journal of Biometeorology, the authors conclude that “materials emitting electromagnetic radiation in the far infrared range, which are widely used in Japan for cosmetic [and] therapeutic… purposes, appear capable of potentiating leukocyte functions without promoting oxidative injury.”

6 – Stress Reduction: Inside a sauna, there is peacefulness. One can easily shut out daily cares and interruptions from the world outside. One can read, listen to music, meditate or pray without interruption. But saunas do more for your nerve system than make you feel good.

Saunas have the ability to powerfully reduce the activity of the sympathetic nerve system. Excessive activity of the sympathetic nervous system is a contributing factor in many cancer cases. The sympathetic branch of the body’s autonomic nervous system activates the brain, muscles, thyroid and adrenal glands in its fright – fight – flight response to stress. However, it also strongly inhibits digestion, immune response and eliminative organ function. Cancer patients desperately need more immune, digestive and eliminative activity.

Therefore therapies such as infrared sauna that inhibit the sympathetic nervous system are helpful for cancer recovery. The body heals when it is in parasympathetic dominance, the part of the nerve system that promotes rest, relaxation and recovery.

Saunas can support parasympathetic activity in several ways. Sauna heat greatly slows normal heat production, a sympathetic function. To dissipate heat, saunas draw blood from the center to the periphery of the body. This opposes an important sympathetic nervous system activity, which is to draw blood to the central part of the body as a protection against attack. Furthermore, saunas eliminate toxins that irritate the body’s tissues and keep it in a sympathetic state. Inhibiting the sympathetic nervous system can also promote cancer healing by helping to reduce excess acidity in the body. Cancer, as we know, thrives in an acid environment.

The effect of saunas on the nerve system can also potentially impact appetite loss, pain and depression, all of which are common among patients with cancer. A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine looked at a group of 28 mildly depressed patients. Half of the patients utilized an infrared sauna once a day for four weeks and the other half had just bed rest for four weeks. The sauna group showed a significant improvement compared with the control group.

FINNISH SAUNA VS. INFRARED SAUNA: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Finnish Sauna Vs. Infrared Sauna: What’s the Difference?

Two primary choices exist when selecting a sauna – Finnish (traditional) or Infrared… Which one is right for you?

The health and wellness community seem to unanimously agree that spending time in a sauna delivers real, tangible health benefits. Saunas have been used for hundreds of years by communities all over the globe to detoxify and cleanse the body, as well as provide a sense of calm, relaxation and boosted vitality.

Today’s sauna enthusiasts have a choice to make between the traditional sauna, called a Finnish sauna, or an infrared unit. Let’s look at both and uncover why an infrared sauna is generally the preferred choice for today’s health-conscious individual.

Traditional Finnish Steam Saunas Vs. Infrared Saunas

Space Considerations

If you’ve spent much time looking at the size variances between Finnish saunas and infrared saunas, you’ll probably notice that most infrared saunas can vary in size from small to quite large. Some can accommodate a couple of people or may be large enough to practice hot yoga in, but infrared units tend to have a smaller footprint than a traditional sauna. The reason being, Finnish saunas tend to devote a lot of space to the actual heating element. This can make them quite ungainly for home use.

Maintenance

Infrared saunas (and their heaters) require almost no maintenance versus the traditional heating elements in a Finnish sauna. Unlike Finnish saunas, infrared saunas don’t employ excessive amounts of heat and steam to create the sweat-inducing environment inside the space.

Finnish saunas generally consume about three times as much energy to operate as an infrared sauna, as they require to 45 – 60 minutes to just reach their optimum temperature. Infrared saunas only require a warm up time to allow the infrared heaters to come up to their optimal temperature (usually about 15 minutes). Infrared saunas use about ⅓ of the electrical as compared to a Finnish sauna.

Finnish saunas utilize great quantities of steam and heat to create the sauna effect. This proves to be the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, germs, and mold, all of which pose a greater risk of infection and illness. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, are dry saunas and have been shown to reduce the level of surface contaminants on the sauna bather’s skin, while clearing up blemishes and improving overall complexion.

Temperature Tolerance

If you’ve ever used a Finnish sauna, you’re well aware of the intense heat. Most experts recommend a temperature setting between 180 degrees and 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Throw in a serious dose of humidity and this environment can be quite unmanageable for many of us.

A dry infrared sauna operates differently, producing a therapeutic effect via the infrared waves generated from the heating element, all without the heat and humidity of a Finnish unit. Infrared sauna temperatures usually range from 110 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, much lower than a traditional Finnish unit. You’ll still produce plenty of cleansing perspiration, but without the discomfort of the oppressive heat of the Finnish design.

Heating Action

Traditional Finnish saunas, like those that have been in use for hundreds of years, incorporate a basic heating design that is simple, yet not as efficient as infrared sauna design. A Finnish design will often draw about 6 kw to maintain its high temperatures, while an infrared sauna draws roughly 1-2 kw of power.

When you consider how long you must pre-heat the Finnish sauna, which also draws about three times as much energy, it’s obvious the infrared design has won the war on efficiency. The most compelling difference between the two heater designs is the temperature at which they operate. Infrared saunas, as stated earlier, don’t subject the individual to as much heat as the Finnish sauna, therefore enhancing the overall experience.

Health Benefits

The excessive heat and humidity of a Finnish sauna triggers profound perspiration, which further triggers detoxification and weight loss (though often temporary). An infrared sauna works in a similar fashion, but instead, incorporates IR waves that penetrate the body to raise the core temperature from within. These waves are totally safe, and measure from 6 to 12 microns in wavelength, ideal for absorption by the body. Additionally, infrared units are more efficient at warming the muscles and joints of the body.

From a scientific standpoint, it has been proven that an infrared sauna produces sweat comprised of 80% water and 20% toxins, while the traditional Finnish sauna produces sweat consisting of 97% water and just 3% toxins. When weighing the detoxifying benefits, there is no comparison. The infrared unit wins every time.

Convenience Factor

Undoubtedly, many are fans of the more social aspect of Finnish saunas, as they can sometimes accommodate as many as 10 – 15 people. But there is no denying the convenience of an infrared sauna. You simply turn on the heater and step inside, and there is no need to preheat the sauna. Infrared saunas warm the body from within, therefore, splashing water on heated rocks or managing steam levels is a thing of the past. From a maintenance standpoint, Finnish saunas require preventative measures and vigilant cleaning to keep mold and bacteria at bay. This is not required with an infrared unit.

When shopping for a sauna, for home or light commercial use, definitely consider all the practical applications of the infrared sauna. While the iconic Finnish sauna has greater social potential due to its larger sizes, the infrared sauna outranks all other models when it comes to efficiency, affordability, performance, and comfort.

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER TREATMENT WITH SAUNAS

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) was officially named in 1984 by Norman E. Rosenthal and his contemporaries at the National Institute for Mental Health. Since then, the condition has transformed from an easily-discarded mood issue to a commonly accepted disorder that now resides in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It tends to affect those that reside in areas that have more pronounced seasons. Only about 1.4% of Florida residents report a prevalence of SAD where Alaskans are diagnosed with SAD at a rate of 9.9%. As winter approaches, it’s important to know Seasonal Affective Disorder treatment options.

The simple math shows that as you stray farther from the equator you see increased cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Knowing this, individuals who want to improve their mood and overall sense of wellbeing should consider infrared saunas as an effective and healthy way of treating Seasonal Affective Disorder.

What Causes SAD?

Most researchers point to several causes for Seasonal Affective Disorder, but even after 30+ years of research, most theories are still just theoretical. There is a lot of research on the topic, but most of them point to a disruption in our circadian rhythms due to changes in atmospheric lighting. When the winter months arrive, the days tend to get shorter, sunlight is in shorter supply, the environment is colder, and Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms arise. These natural habitat changes reinforce the correlation between location and Seasonal Affective Disorder prevalence.

Woman-experiencing-Seasonal-Affective-Disorder

Some researchers point to the fact that we may be hard-wired to experience the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder due to early human’s need to conserve energy during the food-scarce winter months. A lack of food and substantially colder temperatures may have caused our ancient relatives to go into a sort of hibernation mode, where a low mood and lack of desire to complete tasks may have been a life-saving temperament.

Other researchers talk about the depression that comes from the amount of serotonin in our systems. Melatonin production is essentially regulated by our circadian clocks, but it can be affected by exposure to bright light. Seasonal Affective Disorder is, by most accounts, a direct correlation to the amount of light we’re exposed to, and at what specific duration.

What are Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatments?

Most therapists agree that the safest and most effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder is light therapy. While there are drug-based options and cognitive-behavioral therapy steps that can be taken, light therapy for SAD is often considered to be the safest and quickest way to shake the symptoms of this seasonal depression.

So you may be asking yourself, how exactly does light therapy work? Can I simply stand outside and increase my exposure to the sun? Or, do I need to go to a doctor’s office to receive treatment? While standing outside in the sun can increase levels of Vitamin-D production, mainly due to exposure to UVB rays, employing this method increases your risk of skin cancer. As a result, this should be done in moderation. Going to a doctor’s office isn’t really a viable option unless you have a lot of time on your hands and have no access to light therapy equipment. A great option for most people is to spend time in a sauna that has chromotherapy lighting. This is generally considered to be a great way to address Seasonal Affective Disorder and its related side effects.

Have the Blues? Consider Red or Green!

Toward the end of December each year, our days get to their shortest point and some major cities in the US see only 9-10 hours of sunlight per day. Barrow, Alaska sees none! This is the time of year when most symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder develop, and understanding the value of light therapy can truly help to stave off the most debilitating side effects of SAD.

According to researchers at Harvard Medical School, bright light can stimulate cells in the retina that connect directly to the hypothalamus, a portion of the brain that controls circadian rhythms. By using light therapy to stimulate this part of the brain, a normal circadian rhythm can be obtained and Seasonal Affective Disorder will be minimized.

How Can a Sauna Help?

Many of today’s better saunas come equipped with built-in lights that are designed to deliver a calming and therapeutic effect. This process of light therapy for SAD is called chromotherapy, and refers to the use of lights to create changes in mood in the person using the sauna. If you find that Seasonal Affective Disorder is a reality for you or a loved one, try to find time to get in an infrared sauna with LED color lights that can help in a variety of ways. Each color has been shown to help elicit specific changes in the body and mind:

Red: Shown to boost energy and promote faster healing when used in tandem with infrared sauna therapy.
Orange: Sparks greater mental activity and can induce an uplifting sense of cheerful emotions.
Yellow: Shown to create feelings of optimism, good humor, and positivity.
Green: One of the best light therapy hues for combating Seasonal Affective Disorder, as it can calm one down quickly and directly counteract the side effects of SAD.
Blue: Minimizes the feelings of anxiety and depression. Blue light has even been shown to improve the look and health of one’s skin!
Purple: Delivers a calming effect that can even help to overcome feelings of pain. Purple is a tranquil color that stimulates white blood cell production.
White: By combining red, green, and blue, white light delivers a triple-threat of healing power.

If you find that Seasonal Affective Disorder has become a reality in your life, don’t suffer any longer! You’ll discover that the wellness and health benefits of infrared saunas with chromotherapy can help as an effective Seasonal Affective Disorder treatment and improve your quality of life in no time. That, plus the extensive list of other health benefits related to consistent sauna use, makes spending time in the warm, cozy confines of an infrared sauna a practical and intelligent idea.

BEYOND DETOX: UNCOVERING INFRARED SAUNA HEALTH BENEFITS

Detoxification is a well-known health benefit of infrared saunas, but did you know that you can dramatically improve your overall health, wellness and sleep quality all at the same time. When using your Clearlight Infrared sauna you may experience the following benefits: raising of your core body temperature, increased heart rate, improved blood circulation and profuse sweating. As a result, saunas are quickly gaining in popularity as the health benefits have been proven to make a dramatic difference in the lives of dedicated sauna users. For instance, many people say that stress relief is one of the first benefits they receive. Here are a couple other infrared sauna health benefits you can expect to see with regular infrared sauna use.

Detoxification of the Body

The body naturally accumulates toxins through a process called “toxic bio-accumulation,” and these toxins are generally maintained in fatty tissues where they can re-enter the bloodstream when individuals feel stressed or anxious. Sitting in a heated sauna actually places gentle controlled stress on the body, which then allows for the release of these stored toxins through body sweat. Saunas detoxify incredibly well, and far infrared saunas have been shown to do an exceptional job at removing toxins from the body due to their deep-penetrating infrared waves.

Improving the Immune System

Many experts believe that direct exposure of the skin to the warming heat of a sauna helps stimulate the rapid production of infection-fighting white blood cells that can strengthen the immune system. Medical research in Germany has recently shown that incidents of colds and the flu can be reduced by up to 30% by using a sauna regularly. The benefits to the immune system are significant, and with the number of people we come in contact with each day, it simply makes sense to guard against infection and illness.

Enhanced Sleep

Saunas help you sleep better, producing positive benefits for your overall health and wellness. Your body is relieved of tension or fatigue as sauna use may lower cortisol levels. Also endorphins are released into the body, which create a calming, almost tranquilizing sensation that can lull virtually anyone into sleep. To add to the overall effect, you can use deep nasal breathing techniques to deliver the utmost in relaxation – you’ll be ready for bed in no time. Just make sure to cool down adequately with a lukewarm shower to keep your body prepped for bed.

Stress Relief

Stress relief is another one of the key health benefits of infrared sauna sessions. Studies repeatedly show that hyperthermia, or the higher, safe heat levels endured by the body when in a sauna, can prevent protein degradation and muscle loss when the body is subjected to harmful stress or external stimuli. Heat shock proteins are produced when an individual spends time in a sauna, and these substances are used by your body’s cells to counteract the impact of toxins, extreme heat or cold, or stress brought on by exercise.

Infrared Saunas have also been shown to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) relaxing the body and allowing your body to heal. This is a necessary break from the sympathetic mode (fight or flight) we are all in these stuck in traffic or always connected on your phone.

Heart Health

Heart health is an important concern for many of us, and spending time in an infrared sauna can help virtually anyone strengthen their heart and cardiovascular system. A research study by the University of Eastern Finland that spanned more than 20 years and included thousands of study participants showed a reduction in life-threatening cardiac events among participants who regularly used a sauna. Those who took sauna 2 to 3 times per week showed a 23% lower risk of fatal events, while those who completed 4 to 7 sauna sessions per week indicated a 48% lower risk. The amount of time spent in the sauna was deemed important, too, with longer-duration users seeing increased heart health benefits.

Increased Metabolism and Weight Loss

In a comfortable 35 minute sauna session one’s heart rate can reach an aerobic state. Consistent aerobic cardiovascular workouts lead to a healthier heart and increased metabolism. This boost in metabolism burns calories and can trigger weight loss in individuals who have a little extra weight. Just as jogging increases heart rate and burns calories, infrared sauna use can trigger the same cardiovascular stresses by simply sitting in the sauna. An added plus – we are also seeing infrared saunas the world over as a comfortable effective way to help minimize cellulite.

Minimizing Joint Pain

Another big health benefit of infrared saunas is the minimization of joint pain and inflammation. This type of radiant heat therapy is used around the world to effectively treat patients suffering from bursitis, neuralgia, muscle spasms, stiff joints, and arthritis. From customers of all levels of fitness and health, we hear about lasting relief from soreness, aches, and pains with consistent sauna use.

Athletic Recovery

Athletic recovery is made easier, too. Growth hormone is naturally and safely increased when sauna sessions are combined with consistent exercise routines, and blood flow is boosted. This means the skeletal muscles are better fueled, and are more easily flushed of lactic acids and calcium ions – two fatigue-inducing substances.

There is no doubt that infrared saunas provide serious and lasting wellness boosts. Like with normal exercise, the extent to which these health benefits prevail depends on the time spent per session as well as consistency of use. Whether you’re looking to use infrared saunas for detoxification, weight loss or as a sauna stress relief technique, one thing is certain – your overall health and well being is improved!

HOW TO BUILD A SAUNA: 4 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF FIRST

How to Build a Sauna: 4 Questions to Ask Yourself First

Adding a sauna to your home can be incredibly beneficial for you and your family. The overall sauna health benefits – long recognized by cultures around the world, can deliver a therapeutic and relaxing way to sweat out the stresses of the world. However, are you knowledgeable in how to build a sauna?

Think long and hard about the pros and cons, if you’re considering building your own sauna as you really need to sweat the details! Ask yourself: Should you buy a pre-assembled sauna? Is a pre-fab kit the way to go? What about a custom builder? Or, should you attempt to build your own sauna to save money? There is no simple or quick answer, but let’s take a look at what to consider before getting started.

To Build or to Buy or Sauna?

Are you a confident builder?

If you’re considering building your own sauna, you can attempt the project by purchasing the lumber and general building materials, or you can opt for one of the better pre-fabricated kits on the market today. If you have a good understanding of common building practices, have access to a range of hand and power tools, and are confident creating something from scratch, you can give it a shot.

If you’re like most of us however, you would be better off buy a sauna kit.

You might be able to save some money by following a set of blueprints and using your own materials and tools, but building a sauna from basic lumber is quite a bit harder than crafting a bookcase or other simple piece. You’ll be working with expensive pieces of cedar, and any mistakes can be costly. If you’re not 100% confident in your building skills, elect a kit – with instructions on how to build your sauna – instead of building from scratch.

What size do you need?

Average custom home saunas measure between 25 and 80 square feet, though some can go significantly bigger if designed for a high number of occupants. If most of your sessions will be solo or with just one other person, try to keep the sauna on the compact side with a one person sauna or two person sauna.

You don’t want a lot of wasted space, as you’re going to spend money heating the entire sauna each time. You’ll also want to be conscious of the height of the unit, since heat lofts up to the ceiling and you don’t want it sitting higher than the occupants. We generally recommend a maximum ceiling height of 7 feet.

In terms of building versus buying, you certainly do have more control over the specific size of the sauna if you build it yourself. That said, there are a wide range of kits available today that can be adapted to an existing space with ease. Most sauna kits are pre-tested, run for a specific amount of time to ensure proper functionality of the unit, and then disassembled for easy shipping. Better kits require nothing more than an allen wrench and screwdriver to assemble. You can also order custom-sized sauna kits that are designed to work within an existing space – using your particular room dimensions. This option enables you to personalize your sauna to your home or commercial facility.

What sauna style are you considering?

While traditional saunas use large amounts of heat and steam to create the sweat-inducing environment within, modern saunas tend to favor an infrared heating system. These radiant heat units are considered superior to standard saunas for three main reasons. First, they offer more therapeutic benefits than a traditional sauna, they are more comfortable to use as they run at lower temperatures, and they are dry saunas so they don’t have the bacteria and upkeep issues related to using water and steam.

If you are considering building your own sauna, an infrared sauna is the preferred choice because it is generally easier to install than a wet-dry sauna system and uses about 1/3 of the energy as compared to a traditional sauna. Infrared heaters simply mount to the wall of the sauna and most plug into a standard 110V/220V outlet.

The better kits on the market today include the wood panels and interior fitments, infrared heating unit, digital keypad (some with a smartphone app controller!) and the power supply, making it easy to get started.

Once assembled, you’re ready to experience a host of important health benefits. Infrared saunas:

Helps to create a stronger immune system
Assist dieters to more easily lose weight
Flush toxins from the body through sweating
Make your hair look incredible
Keep muscles and joints loose to aid recovery from workouts
Keep the skin looking great

Adding a sauna to your home or business isn’t difficult and with the availability of numerous kits on the market today, you’re bound to find the perfect model for your unique needs. By contacting Clearlight Saunas®, you can speak with sauna experts and learn how to build a sauna using a pre-fabricated kit, perfect for transforming your home into a therapeutic spa in no time!

KNOWING YOUR SAUNA: NEAR INFRARED VS. FAR INFRARED HEAT

You’ve made the wise decision to add a sauna to your home or business, and now it’s time to consider the details. What size sauna will best fit you? Where should you place the sauna? What style will fit most elegantly with your existing décor? And, what heat source do you want to use for your new sauna. While that last one seems like a no-brainer, this consideration is probably the single most important element to decide upon before purchasing the sauna. Sauna heat sources can take many forms, but we’ll focus on the differences between near infrared and far infrared heating elements, as infrared is truly the new standard in sauna heating systems today.

What Exactly Does Near Infrared Mean?

Near infrared light is contained within the spectrum of natural sunlight. The sun emits nearly half of its total energy in the near infrared (NIR) spectrum. We are biologically wired to use near infrared energy, much like sunlight is needed to produce vitamin D. Our bodies require this energy from sunlight to survive and to thrive.

Near infrared systems are effective at rejuvenating the skin, help raise core body temperature, improve circulation and can provide pain relief.

What Is a Far Infrared System?

Far infrared, now considered to be one of the leading heat sources for contemporary therapeutic saunas today operates in a similar manner to near infrared but differs in terms of wavelength. Science aside, the tangible benefits of far infrared are significant, as this system heats the body from within and produces the kind of profuse sweating normally only seen with traditional wet-dry sauna systems.

Most clinicians who recommend infrared saunas for healing or wellness purposes will tout the health benefits of a far infrared system. The additional benefits of far infrared saunas are detoxification, increasing your metabolism, weight loss and stress reduction just to name a few.

How Do Benefits Compare for Near vs. Far Infrared?

Detoxification

While both near and far infrared systems can detoxify the body, they go about it quite differently. Near infrared systems provide topical relief for skin issues and shallow body pain. The results are often less dramatic than what one would expect to see when using a far infrared system.

Far infrared systems can detoxify the body as much as seven times more effectively than standard sauna units because they produce heavy natural sweating that moves harmful elements out of the body quite quickly and also mobilizes toxins by inducing a fat based sweat.

Relaxation

Many sauna users report relaxation is one of the biggest reasons they purchased their new unit or visit their local sauna. Infrared sauna therapy, especially far infrared heating units, promote relaxation by balancing the body’s levels of cortisol – an important hormone in the body that regulates stress. The infrared heating units help muscles to relax and loosen, and since far infrared wavelengths mimic the body’s own emissions, they tend to impart a sense of rejuvenation in most individuals.

Weight Loss

According to an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association entitled Effect of Sweating, researchers discovered a simple half-hour sauna session could burn as many as 600 calories. This study was conducted using an infrared sauna system.

Near infrared saunas effectively raise your core body temperature to help burn calories. Far infrared saunas stimulate your metabolism, lower cortisol levels and slightly raise HGH to help with weight loss as well.

Due to the fact that far infrared sauna units tend to more effectively increase the body’s core temperature and safely increase heart rate, they may burn calories more easily than a near infrared unit or traditional sauna.

Skin Rejuvenation

One of the most exciting benefits of using a sauna is the glowing skin you’ll witness after just a few sessions. Two basic things have to happen in order to rejuvenate the skin – improving the body’s circulation and eliminating toxins from the pores of the skin.

Saunas, especially those using infrared technology, accomplish both of these. A near infrared system will effectively improve the topical surface of the skin, while the far infrared units help to promote toxin release through profuse sweating. Most sauna users will find that the sweating component helps to cleanse the skin quite effectively, thereby improving skin tone from the inside out.

Improved Circulation

While all saunas can therapeutically improve circulation and enhance blood flow to key areas of the body, infrared saunas do an impressive job of boosting circulation, all while keeping the user comfortable. Middle to far infrared heating units penetrate deeply and help to stimulate blood flow, minimize pain, reduce inflammation, and enhance muscle recovery.

Are Near & Far Infrared Saunas Safe?

The answer is – yes! Think about it this way, hospitals use infrared heating lamps to warm newborn babies. Unlike exposing yourself to UV rays from the sun or a tanning bed, you cannot burn yourself with infrared heat. There are no known dangers to using an infrared heat source in your sauna.

As always, you’ll want to monitor your body temperature to ensure you don’t overheat. Keep adequately hydrated, too. And, check with your doctor to make sure you are medically cleared to use a sauna and that you don’t have any preexisting conditions that would make sauna use inadvisable. Saunas are incredibly safe, and infrared units provide real therapy without the oppressive heat of a traditional sauna.

Now that you have a good understanding of near infrared vs. far infrared heat, which sauna type do you feel will serve you best? Near infrared units tend to promote topical healing and mild pain relief quite effectively, but far infrared heating units are incredibly effective at removing toxins, improving circulation, and relaxing the muscles. Most experts agree that if you’re really looking to get the maximum therapeutic benefits from your sauna session you’ll want to go for a unit that offers all three spectrum. These are called Full Spectrum saunas and offer near, mid and far infrared.

WHAT ARE TOXINS AND HOW CAN YOU GET RID OF THEM?

We often hear a lot about detoxing, but exactly what are toxins? Just the word alone sounds frightening and instantly strikes up worry. According to the dictionary definition, a toxin is a poisonous substance that is the result of metabolic activities. Simply put, a toxin is something harmful to our bodies. The definition of a toxin tends to be vague because of the different types of toxins. Toxins are generally classified as either an internal toxin or an external toxin. It’s important to understand what toxins are so that you know how to identify and get rid of them in your body.

What are Internal Toxins?

Internal toxins are naturally produced by our bodies as part of our daily functions. Our bodies are constantly using energy to rebuild body tissue and replace worn out cells. Throughout this process, they’re also producing waste or internal toxins. These toxins need to be broken down, recycled, and eliminated. While our bodies have automatic processes to carry out these tasks, they can’t always address built-up toxins. Without proper detoxification, these toxins can clog your system and cause damage to surrounding tissue, organs, and cells.

What are External Toxins?

External toxins are the toxins outside of our bodies that can be ingested or absorbed. Whether chemical or microbial, external toxins enter the body through food, water, air, or physical contact with skin. These toxins can affect your overall health and wellness.

What are the most common external toxins?

• Bisphenol A and Phthalates, commonly referred to as BPA, are toxic substances that exist in cheap plastic drinking bottles. While most bottles with BPA have been phased out, some still use them and should be avoided. A 2015 study confirmed that about 44% of canned food producers still use BPA-lined cans.

• Environmental toxins like smog, airborne particulates, and smoke can wreak havoc on our eyes, lungs, and sinuses. They can remain in our bodies for an extended time after exposure.

• Environmental toxins can be transferred to common indoor spaces like homes, offices, or commercial buildings.

• Household chemicals are also guilty of introducing toxins into indoor living spaces. Common surface cleaners can emit dangerous fumes that may concentrate in small, enclosed areas. Even pet products may contain toxic elements that can harm both you and your pet.

Common Signs of Toxins in Your Body

You may want to consider a detoxification routine if you see any of the following indicators:

• You have trouble losing weight especially inches in a particular area. Many toxins naturally gravitate toward the fatty areas of the body. These toxins are called lipophilic and can include PCBs, dioxins, and pesticides.

• You’re tired all the time even though you’re getting enough sleep. Toxin overload can cause problems with the adrenal glands and that often manifests as unexplained exhaustion. A long-term effect of toxin build up is chronic stress, which can trigger feelings of sleepiness and overall fatigue.

• Frequent headaches can also be a sign of toxicity, especially those that are unexplained or don’t stem from a normal source. MSG, artificial sweeteners, and various food preservatives may trigger headaches due to their inherently toxic properties.

• Moodiness can indicate that your body hormones are out of balance. A proven contributor to hormone disruption is toxic chemicals like BPA, PCBs, and phthalates. Minimizing exposure to plastics can help reduce harmful toxic loads.

• Aches and pains can indicate a high toxic load in some individuals. Various toxins act to stimulate pain receptors in the muscles. This can lead to spasms, aches and pains, muscle knots, and general discomfort.

Detoxification – How Does it Work?

In its simplest terms, detoxification is a process that removes poisonous or harmful substances from your body. Impurities are removed from the liver, which is where the body’s toxins are stored and processed prior to elimination. A good detoxification will also cleanse the intestines, kidneys, lungs, lymph nodes, and skin. Detoxification is important because it effectively removes or greatly eliminates the harmful toxins that can accumulate inside our bodies. Whether these toxins are internal, external, or acquired from toxic behavior, better health is often just a few weeks away when an appropriate detox method is used.
Here are several ways to cleanse the body and minimize toxins in your system:
Hydrate
One of the most important ways to minimize harmful elements in the body is to stay hydrated. You should drink at least two quarts of water per day. This amount should increase if you’re exercising a lot or using a sauna on a regular basis.
Eat fiber
Your diet should include plenty of fiber in it. Fiber enables your body to process and move waste products through your system as efficiently as possible. Organically grown fruits and vegetables both introduce fiber into your diet and limit the amount of pesticides in your system.

Exercise regularly
An hour of cardio exercise every day can help detoxify the body. Any physical activity that gets your heart pumping is a great detoxification option. Exercising regularly will help detox and cleanse your system from the inside out.
Sauna
Using a sauna can remove toxins from your body quicker than any other method available. A good sauna session will promote profuse sweating. That sweat acts as a transport vehicle for getting harmful toxins out of the body.

Using a Sauna for Detoxification

Sweating is a natural process for the elimination of toxins in the body. While we can’t avoid all harmful toxins out there, we can encourage the removal of toxins from our systems through our skin – and sweating is a great way to do it! Using an infrared sauna on a regular basis can help to remove heavy metals and toxins quite quickly. To do so, begin by using a sauna at least twice a week for 15-20 minutes. Gradually increase the amount of time you’re able to remain in the sauna until you can comfortably complete five 30-minute sessions each week.

Woman using an infrared sauna for detoxification

Research shows that far-infrared saunas work better than traditional saunas because they deliver deep infrared energy into the body. Infrared sauna detoxification helps remove toxins more effectively than traditional steam saunas. IR units are also generally more comfortable to use than steam-based saunas, so you may be more likely to actually detox your system as often as possible.
Just remember, don’t stay in the sauna more than 30 minutes. Take it easy f\or at least 10 minutes after exiting the sauna. And, be sure to drink lots of water after the sauna session.
With everything our bodies go through each day, detoxing should be a top priority for everyone. Using a sauna can make the detoxification process enjoyable and, it offers a variety of other health benefits.