Picture this: you’ve just achieved a big milestone in your workout goals. You’ve been coming to the studio consistently for months now and you are finally noticing the progress. You’re feeling motivated and ready to push for the next big goal. Nothing can stop you. Except, there’s a tickle in your throat. You try to ignore it but before you know it your stuck in bed binging tv and trying to keep hydrated as best as you can stomach. You can’t make it to the gym for two weeks. There goes all your great progress.
We’ve been there. And unfortunately, we likely all will again. Being sick seems to be part of being human. But, that’s not to say there’s nothing that can stave off those illnesses. There’s plenty of ways you can prevent illness and keep your fitness goals and day to day life on track. One of our favorite low effort ways to do so is simply taking a class in an infrared heated studio. How does this help? Far infrared can strengthen our immune systems. In fact, according to Dr. Cory Hewoko, far infrared sauna therapy is one of rhe best ways to do so.
The immune system is our body’s way of fighting off viruses and other bacteria. A major part of this system is our white blood cells, known as “the body’s primary defenders” as explained by Rocky Mountain Saunas. Infrared heating helps increase the amount of both white blood cells and killer-T cells we have by raising our bodys temperature and triggering the production of heat shock proteins which protect cells from damage.
Infrared heat is thought to help fight sickness by inducing an “artificial fever” to encourage our body to fight off intruders. Fevers help the body fight off pathogens, which makes our bodies less hospitable for infections, as explained by Degree Wellness. Fever temperatures also teach your body to remember the germs so that they’re more prepared to fight them off in the future.
Even beter, infrared heating keeps on helping our immune system after we leave the studios. Sleep psychologist Dr. Michael Breus explains a “steep drop in temperature” can help you sleep and better sleep leads to a strong immune system. Far infrared heat specifically is able to penetrate further into our bodies than other options for similar therapies, allowing it more ability to affect our immune system, as shared in National Geographic.
Our immune system isn’t the only thing far infrared can affect either. Different types of infrared heating are used in many areas of healthcare. Far infrared radiation has been found capable of fighting various diseases and is currently being studied for use in regenerative medicine.
Want to give your immune system a leg up? Stop by a class at your local studio soon!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Far infrared heat may offer various benefits, but weight loss is a complex process influenced by diet, exercise, and individual metabolism. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a medical doctor before starting any new health regimen, especially concerning weight loss or medical conditions.