Detoxification and Saunas – Rid Your Body of Harmful Toxins

Are you worried about the amount of harmful substances in food, water and air? Detoxification is fast becoming a necessary part of healthy living because of all the pesticides and environmental contaminants in our daily lives.

The food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink contain impurities that can affect our wellbeing. Our cells will hold on to these pollutants - unless they are eliminated.

Detoxification and saunas go hand in hand. Home saunas are an effective and pleasant way to renew from the inside out - by promoting healthy skin and getting rid of accumulated toxins.

Detoxify and clean out your whole system

The people of Finland and Russia as well as Native Americans have made the regular use of steam saunas a ritual. Over hundreds of years they have learned that the heat and steam of traditional saunas will purge the body of harmful substances that would otherwise be stored in fat cells.

About 10% of the elimination of toxins happens through the skin as it works together with the kidneys, colon and lungs to cleanse the body of wastes.

Detoxifying infrared saunas

Infrared sauna detoxification happens as far infrared rays penetrate over 1.5" deep, increasing the rate of blood circulation and cellular activity. The resulting fever-like symptoms cause the immune system to kick in and the heart rate to increase.

Most detoxification therapy programs combine exercise and nutrients with the low temperature and long exposure to heat in a sauna. Work out first for 20-30 minutes - circulation is stimulated and the toxins stored in fatty tissues are more easily excreted.

One sauna benefit = allergy relief

Detoxification in the hot environment of a sauna is a natural and effective way to take care of pollutants that increase sensitivities and aggravate allergies.

Clean air filters are one step in the treatment of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). But because debilitating toxins continue to compromise our body's systems, something else is needed.

Contaminants such as amphetamines, copper, mercury and other heavy metals appear in human sweat. Volatile hydrocarbons are also released. The sweating caused by high sauna temperatures accelerates the process so that the toxins are released and carried to the skin where they are eliminated.

Getting the most out of a sauna

Depending on how often you use a sauna and the condition of your health, the length of time recommended for a therapeutic sauna session can range from 15 to 45 minutes.

For longer periods of sauna detoxification the temperature must not be too high. It is important to remain hydrated with enough water and minerals. Heavy sweating after 10-15 minutes is an indication that the sauna is too warm.

Detox for damage control

With regular sauna treatments you can expect less stiffness and muscular and joint pain from injuries. It's not uncommon to notice a marked improvement in chronic conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. Other claims include cardiovascular conditioning, improved metabolism and lower levels of stress.

Sauna health and safety

Consult a health care practitioner before starting on a detoxification program, especially if there are pre-existing medical conditions, pregnancy or nursing.