Do Infrared Saunas Work for Weight Loss? Answered According to Research
Fat burns are among the most popular reasons people use infrared saunas. However, people still wonder and look for the answer to the question, “Do infrared saunas work for weight loss?”
Yes, infrared saunas work for weight loss. The sauna session relaxes our autonomic nervous system and improves the endocrine system, causing fat burns.
Continue reading this guide and learn how to use the infrared sauna safely for weight loss.
Do Infrared Saunas Work for Weight Loss?
Most people in the world want to be fit and healthy.
Are you someone who tried many things to reduce weight and ended up with a broken heart?
Then you should try an infrared sauna. You can enjoy a healthy and fit life by attending infrared sauna sessions regularly.
Wondering about science proof?
Binghamton University in New York did a study on a group of people. The people continuously participated in infrared sauna sessions for four months. At the same time, their diet and exercise remained constant.
The result?
They lost approximately 4% of their body fat.
There is another study in Finland where ten healthy people started taking an infrared sauna an hour, two times a day, for seven days. The researchers found that the body temperature of the people increased by 1.4-2 degrees Fahrenheit during the session. Simultaneously, their body weight was reduced to 1.5-2 lbs. (avg.)
More importantly, there are a few long-term studies done by researchers. The motto of the study was to find the effect of infrared sauna on weight loss. The good news is that scientists have found a positive impact of infrared saunas on reducing weight.
So, it is evident that infrared saunas work for losing weight.
How Infrared Sauna Helps You Lose Weight?
Infrared sauna sessions work in five ways to reduce your body fat.
Calorie Burning
Our body receives calories from the food that we consume. When we don’t burn calories or energy, it gets stored in our body as fat cells.
The Journal of the College of Cardiology found that an infrared sauna burns calories 2X times faster than 30 minutes of cardio exercise.
Infrared sauna sessions promote mitochondria production in our body cells. Hence, ATP production increases in our body, which supports nitric acid synthesis. The entire process maintains an increased heart rate and relaxes you in an infrared sauna session.
This process is similar to intense exercise. Thus, your body burns calories, and you don’t need to do any physical exercise.
Autonomic Nervous System Relaxation
We are busy in the modern world, causing stress in our lives. Scientific research found that stress disrupts weight loss. When our body stays in survival mode, it creates a negative impact by gaining energy from food. This way, the unused energy gets stored as fat in the body cells.
Undoubtedly, an infrared sauna session is relaxing. When you feel relaxed, your body will release more toxins. As a result, your body cells will burn fats instead of storing them. Finally, you will experience weight loss.
Endocrine System Improvement
Excessive stress can cause endocrine system failure. The endocrine system consists of a set of glands that regulate metabolism. This system is incredibly susceptible to stress.
Many people tried to reduce weight by doing intense exercise and maintaining a diet but experienced zero outcomes. In that case, a poor endocrine system can be the prime reason.
By attending a hot yoga sauna session in Franklin, TN, you are reactivating the endocrine system. Thus, your body functions properly and reduces weight.
Human Growth Hormone Release
As said, an infrared sauna session increases body temperature, releasing human growth hormones.
The prime responsibility of this hormone is to transform fat into muscles. So, when you attend sauna sessions regularly, your body constantly releases growth hormones constantly releases growth hormones. Therefore, you lose weight at the same time.
Detoxification
Infrared heat waves promote detoxification by releasing water from glands. Also, our body releases minerals to ions out of the skin's pores.
Since you sweat a lot during a sauna session, your body will eliminate pollutants and toxins, improving the kidney condition. The entire process will help you shed extra weight.
How to Safely Use Infrared Sauna for Weight Loss
You must attend an infrared sauna session holistically to get the most out of it. So, the sessions must be maintained with balance and consistency. You must maintain a healthy diet while attending an indoor infrared sauna session.
At the same time, safe use is crucial. Here are a few tips to ensure a relaxing and safe time in an infrared sauna.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water before and after the sauna session. Since you will sweat a lot, your body may become dehydrated if you don’t drink at least 3 liters of water daily. Less drinking may lead to adverse side effects.
Avoid Drinking Alcohol
No chance! Avoiding alcohol is mandatory during or before the sauna. It can lead you to death, even.
Don’t Use Sauna Before Exercising
As you already know, an infrared sauna can dehydrate you, so it would be best if you don’t attend the sauna before exercising. You can enjoy the best result if the sauna is taken after the exercise.
Build Tolerance Slowly
Identify your comfort level first. Then, increase the tolerance level gradually. Once your body tolerates the sauna sessions, increase the timing.
Take Care of Your Body
Listen to your body, always. If you feel unpleasant, have a headache, or have other health problems, exit the sauna without being late. Consult a doctor and follow the advice.
Wrapping Up
Your question, “Do infrared saunas work for weight loss?” is answered in this comprehensive guide with much scientific evidence.
Weight loss with the help of an infrared sauna is possible. Your body fat and calories will be burned when you take an infrared sauna. Infrared heat has been used for overall well-being for many years, and it is for some good reasons. Combine sauna with a balanced diet and exercise to get the best result.