So, you need to detox. Whether you want to flush your system of pharmaceuticals or are worried about exposure to PFAS or phthalates, your body is eager to do so. The good news is that your liver and kidneys do a great job of expelling many toxins. Phthalates and parabens will flush out over time as you urinate. PFAS and heavy metals…may take a little longer.
What if you’d like to expedite the process? Or you’re concerned about the buildup of environmental toxins in your tissues?
Thankfully, there are many complementary therapies that support the body’s natural detox organs, including the liver, kidneys, lungs, and skin. One of my favorites is sauna therapy, which induces sweating that can flush out more pollutants. Here’s what I found out about saunas and the benefits of heavy sweating.
Why You Should Break A Sweat
Sweating is one of the best ways to detox your body. Or more precisely, sweating facilitates the processes that help your body expel waste and pollutants.
First, when you sweat, you’re encouraged to hydrate. Obviously, you should be drinking lots of water (ideally filtered and out of a BPA-free bottle or glass!) But sweating does trigger your thirst as it technically dehydrates you. Don’t worry, though: it’s easy to re-hydrate. And the benefits of breaking a good sweat outweigh any temporary dehydration.
Second, your sweat seems to expel the toxins that would otherwise be filtered by our livers and kidneys. While our natural detox system is amazing, you may not want to force it to handle all pollutants. Some substances cause damage to liver and kidney cells. And because sweat appears to release more BPA, PCBs, and heavy metals such as cadmium and mercury, it supports our detox organs.
Every time we sweat, we are flushing out the toxic substances, e.g. certain synthetic chemicals, that we all encounter in everyday life. One study found that those who exercised regularly had lower blood levels of heavy metals.
But what if you’re not able to exercise or you don’t fancy jogging in the sun? Or you’re one of the lucky few who hardly sweat when they work out? The solution stems from a tradition dating back to ancient times: the sauna.
Detoxification Benefits of Saunas
Environmental toxins affect our energy, stamina, metabolism, and overall wellness. Common symptoms of toxification include mysterious chronic pain, insomnia, obesity, mental health issues, and hormonal imbalance.
Perspiration is how our bodies keep us cool. As a perk, it also helps expel metabolic waste and clear away dirt and impurities. This means it can also flush out pollutants that are lingering in our tissues.
Sauna therapy promotes this process of getting rid of these chemicals in our bodies by encouraging us to sweat. Plus, we sweat more than we would at the gym.
Personally, I prefer infrared saunas compared to steam baths or dry saunas. Infrared heat is gentler than some saunas that make you feel like you’re being cooked. It heats our bodies from the inside out, encouraging an even and soothing sweat. Infrared heat also penetrates deeper, opening up blood vessels beneath the skin. That can also help carry waste and toxins out of your body.
Some people experience euphoria and major stress relief from sauna therapy. Plus, it’s good for your heart.
Wrapping Up
In today’s world, we are all in a toxic state due to the many chemicals that we are putting on our skins and in our bodies through food, cleaning supplies, and even the air we breathe. Many environmental toxins are adding to this stress and anxiety by contributing to inflammation and metabolic issues.
Infrared saunas’ top benefit is the ability to help you sweat out these toxic substances. I adore Sunlighten Infrared Saunas, which promote a deep detoxifying sweat that will leave you feeling cleansed, refreshed, energized, and relaxed. I know I feel all those things after a session.
The more you sweat (safely!), the more the toxins you could expel from your skin and body. Just be sure to maintain really good hydration. When choosing a sauna to add to your wellness routine, consider lifestyle and your health goals. Many people find that infrared best complements their other methods of detox. Whether it’s relaxation you’re seeking or any kind of deep detoxification, Sunlighten Saunas will help you achieve your wellness goals and restore your body and your mind.
