The Potential Drawbacks of Infrared Saunas: A Balanced Perspective
In recent years, infrared saunas have gained significant popularity for their claimed health benefits, not least detoxification and relaxation to improved circulation and pain relief. However, it’s important to critically examine if there are any negative aspects, in order to make an informed decision about incorporating them into your wellness routine.
1. Dehydration: Of course one potential drawback of using an infrared sauna is the risk of dehydration. As the body is exposed to higher temperatures, excessive sweating, whichis what we want to achive from a session in a sauna, can lead to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances. A study published in the journal “Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging” (2013) by Hannuksela et al. noted that sauna sessions can result in considerable fluid loss, leading to the importance of maintaining proper hydration levels during and after sauna use.
2. Cardiovascular Strain: Another consideration is the potential cardiovascular strain that infrared saunas may induce. Individuals with certain pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension or heart disease, could be at risk. A study titled “Acute Effects of Sauna Bathing on Cardiovascular Function” published in the “Journal of Human Hypertension” (2007) by Laukkanen et al. found that sauna use could lead to temporary increases in blood pressure and heart rate, potentially posing a risk for those with heart-related issues.
3. Skin Sensitivity: Infrared saunas emit heat directly to the body, which can lead to skin sensitivity, especially for individuals with certain skin conditions. While infrared saunas can provide benefits for skin health for many, you may want to check with your doctor first if you have a history of skin sensitivities or conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
4. Pregnancy and Medical Conditions: Pregnant women and individuals with certain medical conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, should consult their healthcare providers before using infrared saunas. The increased body temperature during sauna sessions could potentially pose risks to both the mother and the developing fetus, as well as exacerbate symptoms in individuals with specific medical conditions.
In conclusion, while infrared saunas offer a range of health benefits, as with any health-related decision, consulting a healthcare professional before starting a new wellness practice is highly recommended if you have any pre-existing conditions mentioned above, or for pregnant women, to ensure that it’s suitable for your specific health status and needs.
5. High Levels of Electromagnetcic (EMF) and Electric FIelds ELF: There is still much debate over what are the safe levels of these forms of electrical fields, that are present in any electrical device including infrared saunas. In 2011 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) put out a recommendation to limit exposer to EMF to less than 2.5mG. Sun Stream saunas are to the best of our knowledge, one of only two sauna brands that mitigate EMF, to the lowest levels in the industry, less than 1.0mG on average. They are also one of only a handful of sauna brands that mitigate ELF, again to industry low levels of near 0 v/m, but without reducing the efficiency of the sauna. See our testing results here.
References:
- Hannuksela, M. L., & Ellahham, S. (2001). Benefits and risks of sauna bathing. The American Journal of Medicine, 110(2), 118-126.
- Laukkanen, T., Khan, H., Zaccardi, F., & Laukkanen, J. A. (2018). Association between sauna bathing and fatal cardiovascular and all-cause mortality events. JAMA Internal Medicine, 178(6), 825-833.