Saunas have been a staple of spas and gyms for years, used and advertised to relax and enjoy a little “me time”. But, did you know that routine use of a sauna is one of the most effective ways to detoxify your body?
In today’s lifestyles, many of us don’t actively sweat on a daily basis. Deep sweating has multiple health benefits. In the heat of a sauna, the core body temperature begins to rise, and the blood vessels dilate, causing increased blood flow. As heat from the blood moves toward the skin’s surfaces and the core body temperature rises, the body’s nervous system sends signals to the millions of sweat glands covering the body. As the sweat glands are stimulated, they produce sweat. Sweat production is primarily for cooling the body and is composed of 99% water—but deep sweating in a sauna can help reduce levels of lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury and chemicals—all toxins commonly picked up from our environment.
It is said that 95% of people have been exposed to mold and Dr. Sinatra stated: “Another benefit of sauna therapy is that it can help to mitigate the effects of mold exposure. Mold and the buildup of toxins in your body can cause numerous health symptoms, even mimicking diseases like chronic fatigue, Lyme disease, and neurodegenerative conditions.”
If you use a sauna and experience that deep sweat we’re talking about, getting enough salt is very important. So, which type of salt should you use? I am not a fan of sea salt because the oceans are all extremely contaminated with thousands of toxins including microplastics. I prefer mined salt like Himalayan or Redmond salt.
If you aren’t sure whether you are getting enough salt in your diet, here is a simple test to try. Toss a bit of salt in your mouth. If it tastes bitter and terrible then you have enough in your body. If it tastes neither good nor offensive, then you are about right. If it tastes good, then you are deficient.
Remember that potassium and sodium are both needed in balance. The RDA for potassium is about 5 grams. Most sauna users should be supplementing about 2-3 grams a day. 97% of us are deficient in potassium because the levels in our food are so low.
German medical research shows saunas significantly reduced the incidence of colds and influenza. As the body is exposed to a sauna’s heat, it produces white blood cells more rapidly—which in turn help fight illness and help kill viruses. And raising one’s body temperature to just 101 degrees for a short period greatly improves immune function of natural killer cells for up to one week. These natural killer cells have been found low in those with mold sensitivity and have been shown to have a powerful appetite to remove mold from the body. They are also powerful killers of viruses and cancer. There is a lot of logic behind using a sauna for achieving a short-term elevated body temperature.
Did you know that our community has a business with an infrared sauna to help you detox? Contact Mindy of Just Breathe Wellness at (330) 723-3388. Tell her you read about saunas in the Medina Weekly News – she will be happy to be part of your sauna journey!
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