The Science Behind Infrared Sauna Weight Loss and How it Can Help You Achieve Your Goals

When it comes to the topic of weight loss, infrared sauna treatments have been popping up in conversations more and more recently. Saunas, in general, have been associated with losing weight, often representing the ever-popular idea of getting slimmer without bearing the discomfort of intense exercise and dieting. But can you lose weight in infrared sauna, and if so, how does infrared sauna help lose weight?

The answers to those questions are more complex than they may initially seem. Understanding the relationship between infrared saunas and weight loss requires delving deeper into how infrared sainas work. Plus, you need to know what effect this sauna type has on your body. This article will explore those topics to help you learn how to use infrared sauna for weight loss.

How Infrared Saunas Work

As the name implies, infrared (IR) saunas emit infrared light, i.e., electromagnetic radiation of a particular wavelength. Infrared means the frequency is beyond that of the color red, which is the last wavelength in the visible spectrum. Thus, infrared waves start after the frequency of red, and their band stretches to microwaves.

Interestingly enough, getting infrared light isn’t complicated. All it takes for an infrared sauna to work is a set of lamps made to give off this type of light, and those lamps can be set to emit near and far IR light or, in some cases, cover the entire range of infrared. Understanding near and far infra red saunas is simple: “near” refers to frequencies closer to red, while “far” means IR frequencies closer to microwaves.

Infrared Light and Body Heat

Infrared light is interesting when talking about body heat. This type of electromagnetic radiation can heat your body directly rather than using air as a medium. The generated heat has numerous benefits in terms of wellness and health, but that’s not the only effect of infrared light.

Namely, this type of light penetrates the skin and affects tissues and metabolism. This way, infrared can boost bodily processes like healing and anti-inflammatory action. To that end, it may be possible to utilize an infrared sauna to lose weight, too. Let’s explore how you could achieve weight loss with infrared sauna.

The Science Behind Weight Loss in Infrared Saunas

There are several aspects that connect infrared sauna and weight loss, with the heat increase being the primary effect. When your body heats up, two important things happen: You start sweating, and your metabolism increases. The first effect is there to help you cool off, while the second happens due to a boost in blood flow.

Sweating or perspiration is a natural reaction to higher temperatures in which specific glands secrete a salty liquid – sweat. The liquid goes to the skin’s surface and evaporates, cooling down the body. In terms of weight loss from infrared sauna, this process makes the body lose water weight and may increase fat burning. However, the second effect may play a larger role in infra sauna weight loss.

Increased temperature boosts circulation and improves blood flow. As a result, your metabolism starts working at a higher rate, which can help the body burn fat more efficiently. An added benefit is that muscles and other tissues get more nutrients, allowing them to heal and recover faster. This means that infrared sauna benefits weight loss indirectly by helping you stay active and maintain a workout schedule.

Studies and Evidence

When it comes to studies on infrared sauna weight loss, the area still requires more research. However, there’s some evidence that implies the benefits of infrared sauna temperature for weight loss. One study that shows this effect comes from Binghamton University in New York.

The study was done in two phases, the first lasting for 16 weeks and the second for eight weeks. During the first phase, participants had three 45-minute sessions in an infrared sauna with a temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit. To confirm fat loss, researchers measured the levels of serum glucose in all participants.

The first phase produced promising results, with a body fat loss of up to 4% in participants who went to the sauna regularly. The rate of fat loss was connected to core body temperature – higher temperatures yielded better results in that regard.

In the second phase, the sauna sessions were shortened to 30 minutes, with the temperature remaining the same. However, this time, the sessions were scheduled for the afternoon due to an interesting find from the first phase: Participants who had their sessions later during the day recorded more fat loss.

The results of the second phase were quite fascinating. Here, participants also lost 4% of body fat on average, but the fat loss rate doubled since the phase was 50% shorter than the first one. On the other hand, observation of a control group during the second phase showed no changes in body fat in this period.

While the mentioned study isn’t enough to determine the benefits of infrared sauna for weight loss, it’s an excellent foundation for further research. Furthermore, the study can serve as a guide to infrared sauna weight loss in some regards.

For instance, the study indicates how often to use infrared sauna for weight loss, as well as which temperature range provides results. If you plan on using a home sauna for weight loss, the data from this study can serve as a good guideline. Regular sessions three times a week at 110 degrees Fahrenheit could be the optimal way to go.

Comparing Infrared and Traditional Saunas

So far, this article has discussed “How does infrared sauna help with weight loss?” and “What helps people using an infrared sauna lose weight?” Yet, you might rightfully ask: “What about other sauna types?” After all, the concept of saunas is far older than infrared lamps.

Classic saunas seem to achieve a similar effect as IR saunas, but the devil is in the details. Firstly, a traditional sauna uses steam to heat the air around you, which means your body gets heated indirectly. As a result, many effects take place on the surface rather than affecting core body systems.

Regarding fat loss and slimming, infrared sauna sessions provide more efficient heat generation. Also, infrared saunas tackle the body’s toxins more efficiently.

Water Weight vs. Fat Loss

Whether you’re using a public or at home sauna for weight loss, it’s important to know what kind of weight you’re losing. Since a traditional sauna increases humidity along with the temperature, it will make you sweat more. As a result, the weight you lose will mainly be from your body being depleted of excess water.

Conversely, in an infrared sauna pod, weight loss comes as a combined result of sweating and increased metabolism. In other words, you’re not only losing water – you’re burning fat to a greater extent compared to a steam sauna. This alone makes infrared the best sauna for weight loss.

Health Benefits Beyond Weight Loss

It’s worth noting that while it may help you lose weight, infrared sauna comes with other health advantages, too. Some of the greatest benefits include better healing rates for wounds and scars and improved skin health. Additionally, a quality IR sauna like what you can find with Komowa Wellness can increase your overall well-being by boosting circulation. Increased blood flow is known to have a positive effect on health and is one of the main factors for how sauna promotes faster recovery.

Wellness and Mood Boost

Better circulation means more nutrients go through your body and reach all organs and tissues. At the same time, infrared sauna treatments can help you get rid of accumulated toxins, which is always a good thing.

A surprising effect of regular IR sauna use is mood improvement. There are indications that regular sessions may alleviate depression, making you feel better physically and mentally. Thus, you can utilize infrared light for health in more ways than one.

Safety Precautions and Considerations

When it comes to safety, two aspects require your attention: how often should you use an infrared sauna for weight loss and how to stay hydrated during the process.

The first is a simple matter. If you’re only starting, limit your sessions to up to 10 minutes at a time. Alternatively, you could opt for lower temperatures and have longer sessions like those described in the Binghamton University study. It’s best to keep an eye on infrared sauna time limits.

When it comes to hydration, drink at least two glasses of water before entering the sauna. After you’re done, have another two glasses to replenish the lost liquid.

When to Exercise Caution

Saunas, infrared or otherwise, aren’t the optimal solution for everyone. If you’re feeling ill or have heart or blood pressure problems, you should consult your doctor before starting the sauna treatment. Likewise, pregnant women should be cautious with saunas, although IR saunas haven’t shown adverse effects on pregnancy.

The Reality of Infrared Sauna Weight Loss

Weight loss as a result of infrared sauna use is possible, at least to some extent. The research done so far shows the potential of IR saunas in helping you burn fat, but more proof is needed before this can be considered a reliable weight loss method. Finally, it’s worth noting that IR sauna treatments aren’t a magic pill, even if they prove efficient. If you want optimal results, combine sauna sessions with regular workouts and a healthy, balanced diet.