Detox and Sauna!

Before we get to the deep dive (below), which I know you will totally appreciate, let’s start with the BENEFITS of Sauna!

Personally, I adore sitting in a sauna and do it very often.  When you sit in your infrared sauna…you’ll love the relaxing warmth, the way it soothes your muscles and boosts your happiness…and the knowledge that you’re doing something EXCELLENT for your health. 

And a growing amount of evidence shows saunas to be a POWERFUL force for health—that can trigger your body’s natural HEALING and ANTI-AGING mechanisms. What benefits can you expect?

Let’s Start With Stress! Saunas have been traditionally used to ease stress and produce feelings of relaxation. Saunas feel good. Sitting in your sauna, in the comfort and privacy of your own home, will calm you like nothing else can. Stress is literally killing us. Sadly, a heart attack happens every 43 seconds in the U.S. Stress is also linked to the 6 most deadly diseases, including stroke and high blood pressure.

Cardiovascular Health: In 1981, the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported that: “Regular use of a sauna may impart similar stress on the cardiovascular system, and its regular use may be as effective as a means of cardiovascular conditioning and burning calories as regular exercise.(1)

In addition, a large study conducted in Finland showed saunas to be beneficial for preventing cardiovascular deaths. In the study, compared to men who never use the sauna, frequent sauna users (4-7 times per week) were 50% less likely to die from cardiovascular-related causes.(2)

Weight Loss: Did you know the science says that you can burn up to 600 calories in one 30-minute sauna session? YES! According to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.(3)

Saunas heat your core body temperature, increasing your blood flow and heart rate (much like exercise)—which has been shown to help you lose weight. Research conducted by Binghamton University found that, on average, participants who spent a 45-minute session in an infrared sauna 3 times a week lost 4% body fat in 16 weeks.(4)

Detoxification: Sweat is one of the major elimination channels for toxins. Heat above 160 degrees also causes the body to produce heat shock proteins, which help detoxify your body at the cellular level. Many doctors recommend saunas for supporting your body’s natural detoxification systems. 

  • In fact, toxicologists have shown that sweating is a major method of excreting pesticides(5) and toxic metals(6), including cadmium, lead, and aluminum.
  • By using the sauna repeatedly, high mercury levels can be reduced to normal.(7)
  • Studies have also shown that saunas can help rid the body of Bisphenol A (BPA).(8)
  • Additionally, sauna therapy has proven to be useful for people with mold exposure and mycotoxins.(9)

Immune System:  Infrared saunas raise your body temperature, inducing an artificial fever. This “fake fever” stimulates the immune system, resulting in an increased production of disease-fighting white blood cells and antibodies. A 1% increase in body temperature results in a 40% increase in immunity, according to Nobuhiro Yoshimizu, MD, PhD.(10)

In fact, research shows that regular sauna use can lead to significantly fewer incidences of the common cold!(11)

Beauty Benefits: A study published in The Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy showed significant improvements in skin appearance after regular near-infrared use.(12) Participants in the study experienced a reduction in wrinkles and crow’s feet, as well as improved overall skin tone, including softness, smoothness, elasticity, clarity, and firmness.

And many people report healthier skin and fewer skin issues with regular sauna use, such as:

  • Improved tone and texture
  • Greater elasticity
  • Wrinkle reduction
  • Improved stretch marks and cellulite
  • Treating and preventing acne

When you get out of your sauna, expect your skin to be pink, and thousands of pores cleansed of impurities. But that’s not all…

That’s only some proven benefits research is finding for sauna use. Other papers and clinical trials report impressive improvements in:

  • Pain(13)
  • Inflammation(14)
  • Arthritis(15)
  • Improved Sleep(16)
  • Mood Disorders(17)
  • Improved quality of life for diabetes(18)
  • Reduced risk of stroke(19)

Yes, it’s quickly becoming more common – and largely accepted – that during your lifetime, you’ll experience declining health. Almost as if there was an expectation to suffer from one or more of these issues, among others:  joint or back pain and stiffness, brain fog or cognitive decline, thinning bones, or being diagnosed with various health challenges.

As you may know, exercise and eating a balanced diet are 2 essential pillars that can help you age gracefully – But did you know that another is…HEAT?

And – one powerful way you can experience the profound healing of heat is with an INFRARED SAUNA – a place where you can truly relax in your own home. A sauna engages your body’s NATURAL healing and health-supporting mechanisms using heat, and healing infrared rays. 

A sauna is beneficial in a variety of ways, including but not limited to: 

  • Enhanced weight loss
  • Pain relief
  • Detoxifying
  • Clearer and healthier skin
  • Heart health
  • Boosts immunity
  • Improved mental health
  • Reduced inflammation
    …and MORE
  • Enhanced weight loss
  • Pain relief
  • Detoxifying
  • Clearer and healthier skin 
  • Heart health
  • Boosts immunity
  • Improved mental health
  • Reduced inflammation
    …and MORE

In fact, there is a growing amount of evidence that shows saunas to be a POWERFUL health force that can trigger your body’s natural healing and anti-aging mechanisms. 

In summary, let’s be honest, we all could use a little more relaxation and detoxification – and sweat happens to be one of the major elimination channels for toxins. Actually, heat above 160 degrees also triggers the body to produce heat shock proteins, which helps to detoxify your body at the cellular level. 

That’s only some of the PROVEN benefits research is finding for regular sauna use. 

We promote a handful of sauna companies several times a year.  Be sure to watch your email – we’ll always say SAUNA in the subject line to let you know when we have a special VIP Q&A event on this powerful health restorative. 

Citations:

1. W. Dean. (1981). Effect of Sweating.  Journal of the American Medical Association. 246: 623. https://jamanetwork/journals/jama/article-abstract/360118

2. Laukkanen, Tanjaniina, et al. (April 2015). Association Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Events. JAMA Internal Medicine. 175, no. 4: 542. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25705824

3. W. Dean. Effect of Sweating. (1981). Journal of the American Medical Association. 246: 623. https://jamanetwork/journals/jama/article-abstract/360118

4. https://infraredsauna/weightlossstudy.pdf

5. Stephen J. Genuis, et al. (2016). Human Elimination of Organochlorine Pesticides: Blood, Urine, and Sweat Study. BioMed Research International. vol. 2016, Article ID 1624643, 10 pages. https://www.hindawi/journals/bmri/2016/1624643

6. Genuis, S.J.,et al. (2011). Blood, urine, and sweat (BUS) study: monitoring and elimination of bioaccumulated toxic elements. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 61: 344–357. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21057782

7. Sears, M. et al. (2012). Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury in Sweat: A Systematic Review. Journal of Environmental and Public Health. 2012. 184745. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3312275/pdf/JEPH2012-184745.pdf

8. Genuis, Stephen J et al. (2012). Human excretion of bisphenol A: blood, urine, and sweat (BUS) study. Journal of environmental and public health. vol. 2012 (2012): 185731. https://www.hindawi/journals/jeph/2012/185731

9. Rea, W.J. (2018). A large case-series of successful treatment of patients exposed to mold and mycotoxin. Clin Ther. 2018; 40: 889–893. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29861191

10. Yoshimizu, Nakamachi Nobuhiro, M.D., Ph.D. The Fourth Treatment for Medical Refugees. https://www.bio-mats/infrared/the-fourth-treatment-for-medical-refugees

11. E. Ernst, et al. (1990). Regular Sauna Bathing and the Incidence of Common Colds. Annals of Medicine. 22:4, 225-227. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2248758

12. B.A. Russell, et al. (2005). Study to Determine the Efficacy of Combination LED Light Therapy (633nm and 830 nm) in Facial Skin Rejuvenation. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 2005; 7: pp 196-200. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16414908

13. Matsushita, K. et al. (2008). Efficacy of Waon Therapy for Fibromyalgia. >Internal Medicine. (Tokyo, Japan). 47. 1473-6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18703857

14. Laukkanen, J. et al. (2017). Sauna bathing and systemic inflammation. European Journal of Epidemiology. 33. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29209938

15. Oosterveld, F. et al. (2008). Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Clinical Rheumatology. 28. 29-34. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18685882

16. Hussain, J. (2019). A Hot Topic for Health: Results of the Global Sauna Survey. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 44. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31126560

17. Janssen, C. et al. (2016). Whole-Body Hyperthermia for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 73. 789-795. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27172277

18. Beever, R. (2010). The Effects of Repeated Thermal Therapy on Quality of Life in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. (New York, N.Y.). 16. 677-81. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20569036

19. Setor K. K., et al. (2018). Sauna bathing reduces the risk of stroke in Finnish men and women. Neurology. May 2018, 90 (22) e1937-e1944; https://n.neurology.org/content/90/22/e1937

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Coriolus Versicolor

Coriolus Versicolor, a remarkable mushroom, is esteemed for its potential to contribute to overall wellness. Known for its immune-supporting properties, Coriolus Versicolor may help strengthen the body’s natural defenses. This extraordinary mushroom has also been associated with promoting healthy energy levels, supporting digestion, and fostering vitality.

Fo Ti

Fo Ti, a revered Chinese herb also known as He Shou Wu, is valued for its potential to support overall wellness. Traditionally used for promoting vitality and longevity, Fo Ti may contribute to maintaining healthy energy levels, cognitive function, and immune system performance. This remarkable herb has also been associated with supporting liver and kidney health, as well as fostering a sense of overall balance

Agave

Agave, a versatile desert plant native to the Americas, is recognized for its potential to support overall wellness. Rich in natural fibers and low-glycemic sweeteners, Agave may contribute to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, digestive health, and providing a natural alternative to refined sugars.

Maral Root

Maral Root, a potent adaptogenic herb native to Siberia, is celebrated for its potential to contribute to overall well-being. Known for helping the body manage stress and maintain balance, Maral Root may also promote healthy energy levels, endurance, and cognitive function. This exceptional herb has been associated with supporting the immune system, fostering vitality, and enhancing physical performance.

  • Antioxidant and DNA Repair Stimulating Effect of Extracts from Transformed and Normal Roots of Rhaponticum carthamoides against Induced Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in CHO Cells:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27034736/

NotoGinseng

NotoGinseng, a distinct variety of Panax ginseng native to the Changbai Mountains, is esteemed for its potential to contribute to overall well-being. Renowned for its adaptogenic properties, Noto Ginseng may help the body manage stress and maintain balance. This exceptional herb has been linked to supporting cognitive function, promoting healthy energy levels, and boosting immune system performance.

Baicalin

Baicalin, a potent bioflavonoid derived from the Scutellaria baicalensis plant, is appreciated for its potential to promote overall wellness. With its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Baicalin may help protect cells from oxidative stress and maintain a balanced response to inflammation. This remarkable compound has been associated with supporting liver health, promoting cardiovascular function, and fostering a sense of vitality.

Purple Lapacho

Purple Lapacho, a unique and potent herb, is valued for its potential to support overall well-being. Known for its immune-boosting properties, Purple Lapacho may help fortify the body’s natural defenses. This remarkable herb has also been associated with promoting healthy energy levels, supporting digestion, and fostering vitality.

Holy Basil

Holy Basil has been found to protect organs and tissues against chemical stress from industrial pollutants and heavy metals, and physical stress from prolonged physical exertion. It has also been shown to counter metabolic stress through normalization of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, a revered adaptogenic herb, is acclaimed for its potential to support overall well-being. Known for helping the body manage stress and maintain balance, Ashwagandha may also contribute to healthy energy levels and mental clarity. This remarkable herb has been associated with promoting relaxation, supporting the immune system, and fostering vitality.

Guarana

Guarana, a powerful plant, is celebrated for its potential to support overall wellness. Rich in natural caffeine, Guarana may help promote mental alertness, focus, and healthy energy levels. This remarkable plant has also been associated with supporting endurance and enhancing physical performance.

Catuaba

Catuaba, a potent herb, is appreciated for its potential to contribute to overall well-being. Known for its adaptogenic qualities, Catuaba may help the body cope with stress and maintain balance. This remarkable herb has also been associated with promoting mental alertness, healthy energy levels, and fostering a sense of vitality.

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi Mushroom, a highly-regarded fungus, is esteemed for its potential to enhance overall wellness. With adaptogenic properties, Reishi Mushroom may help the body manage stress and maintain balance. This extraordinary mushroom has also been linked to promoting immune system support, healthy energy levels, and fostering a sense of calm and relaxation.

Astragalus Root

Astragalus Root, a powerful herb, is respected for its potential to contribute to overall well-being. Renowned for its immune-supporting properties, Astragalus Root may help fortify the body’s natural defenses. Additionally, this remarkable root has been associated with promoting healthy energy levels, heart health, and supporting the body’s ability to adapt to stress.

Asian Licorice Root

Asian Licorice Root, a versatile herb, is valued for its potential to support overall wellness. Known for its adaptogenic properties, it may help the body cope with stress and maintain balance. This remarkable root has also been linked to promoting healthy digestion, respiratory function, and supporting the immune system.

American Ginseng

American Ginseng, a revered herb, is prized for its potential to contribute to overall well-being. With adaptogenic properties, it may assist the body in managing stress and maintaining harmony. American Ginseng has also been associated with promoting mental alertness, healthy energy levels, and supporting the immune system.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea, a robust herb, is admired for its potential to support overall wellness. As an adaptogen, Rhodiola Rosea may help the body cope with stress and maintain balance. This remarkable herb has been linked to promoting mental clarity, healthy energy levels, and increased endurance.

Peruvian Maca

Peruvian Maca, a nutrient-packed root, is celebrated for its potential to enhance overall well-being. Known for its adaptogenic qualities, Maca may help the body manage stress and maintain balance. This powerful root has also been associated with promoting healthy energy levels, endurance, and supporting hormonal balance.

Schisandra Fruit

Schisandra Fruit, a unique berry, is renowned for its potential to contribute to overall wellness. Boasting adaptogenic properties, it may help the body adapt to stress and maintain equilibrium. Schisandra Fruit has also been linked to promoting healthy energy levels, mental clarity, and supporting the body’s natural defense

Acai

Acai, a nutrient-dense berry, is recognized for its potential to enhance overall well-being. Rich in antioxidants, Acai may help support the body’s defenses against environmental stressors, while promoting healthy energy levels and vitality.

Himalayan Goji

Himalayan Goji, a nutrient-rich fruit, is valued for its potential contribution to overall wellness. This superfood is believed to support the immune system, promote healthy energy levels, and aid in maintaining balance within the body. With its antioxidant properties, Himalayan Goji may help protect cells from environmental stressors.

Gotu Kola

The main group of components in gotu kola is the triterpenes including asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are shown to positively influence brain plasticity which means a much sharper you.

  • Exhibits significant wound healing ability, Improves microcirculatory parameters, Sedative and anxiolytic properties, Antidepressant, Re-vitalize the brain and nervous system, increase attention span and concentration and combat aging: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3116297/

Water Hyssop

Best known as a neural tonic and memory enhancer this powerful herb increases cerebral blood flow and neurotransmitter modulation.

Green Tea Extract

Healthy energy producer and one of the more researched and promising supplements. It upregulates fat metabolism at rest and during exercise. In recent years the consumption of Green Tea Extract has shown to help prevent lifestyle diseases like cardiovascular disease because of it’s preventative effects on chronic inflammation.

  • Helps with weight loss by increasing a protein hormone which is involved in regulating glucose levels as well
    as fatty acid breakdown:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26093535/
  • Decrease cholesterol absorption and plasma levels, has strong free radical-scavenging
    activity inhibiting LDL oxidation, reduce the adhesion molecule expression, has antitrombotic activities by inhibiting platelet aggregation:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15969262/ 

Mikania Guaco

“Guaco” is Sun Horse Energy founder Dan Moriarty’s favorite herb, and the reason why he’s still alive. Traditionally, it’s a well-known herb for snake bites, scorpion stings and other venomous creatures. Guaco acts as a non-steroidal bronchodilator, meaning it opens up the airways without steroids. As a result of guaco opening up the airways, the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) are better able to accept oxygen transfer and get rid of carbon dioxide. In Brazil, Guaco syrup is one of the most popular herbal medicines used to treat the symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis, cough and hoarseness.


Osha Root

A traditional Native American herb, Osha is also known as “Bear Root”. Native Americans noticed that when bears emerged from hibernation, the first thing they did after being in a state of torpor for 4 months was not feast on salmon or drink water, but rather, dig up osha and eat it. Why? It decongests and wakes up the lungs. Native Americans who used Osha were able to run further, and treat their colds and congestion. Modern research studies suggest Osha may support the immune system by offering protective effects against oxidative damage.

I want to thank you for your existence. I want you to know that functional medicine has changed my life, well the life of my autistic son. So much so that I plan on taking the Functional Medicine Health Coach Certificate and work with my new friend who is now a Functional Medicine Doctor from the Institute of Functional Medicine and spread the word on GI testing and how finding the underlying issues will help eliminate autistic traits. 

I hope to be able to meet you one day so I can share this great news with others. Changing my son’s diet has changed him. Food is medicine!! By the way, I’m cooking my rutabaga. I’m Italian and never grew up with these. With love.

Rita Mastrangelo

I found you on YouTube a couple of weeks ago and I’m hooked. I listen to you a couple of hours every morning. I am being tested for celiac disease and have been gluten-free for a couple of weeks. Thank you for all of your insight.

April Renee

Just wanted to tell you that you’re amazing! You are helping so many people all over the world! Including me! Thank you so very much, Dr. Tom O’Bryan!

Patricia Puddle

Good morning Dr. Tom, Would just like to say thank you! This time last year I was going through a hell of a time with my gut. Terrible indigestion on a regular basis, feeling as if I had eaten a boulder and the tiredness was doing my heed (scottish for head) in! With two young girls being tired is not an option!

I went to the doctors on a number of occasions and they decided to prescribe omeprazole to mask the problem, sorry help my problem. I decided taking these drugs was not an option for me! So I started googling the life out of it!! Low and behold you started popping up!! Oh and Gluten intolerance! 

Your advice has been second to none! You have in my case really simplified what gluten does to my body and now that I have cut it out (which as it appears in lots of foods, some I can’t understand) I have found that my symptoms very quickly reduced and now I’m a year down the line they have gone for the vast majority of the time!! For that I’m truly grateful. I now follow you on YouTube and Instagram, which continues to educate me and the importance of gut health. I look forward to your future advice. Yours faithfully,

Gary Christie

Black Ant Extract

A Chinese medicine tonic, Black Ant is used to support energy levels. (In traditional Chinese medicine, Black Ant is given to increase vital Qi.) Research studies demonstrate that Black Ant supports the function of the thymus gland, which plays a crucial role in the immune system, producing and activating lymphocytes.

Siberian Ginseng

This well known adaptogen has been proven to reduce cardiovascular stress, lower and stabilize blood sugar to healthy levels, and encourages a more efficient lipid metabolism.

Pine Bark Extract

Many studies have shown that pine bark possesses anti-aging properties. It’s very similar in nature to the well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, resveratrol, which is abundant in red wine and grapes. Pine bark has a proven beneficial effect on lipids, the cardiovascular and immune systems.

Lion's Mane

A very yummy and medicinal mushroom is a well established candidate for brain and nerve health because it triggers neurite outgrowth and regenerates damaged nerves. Lions Mane has been extensively studied for its neuro-health properties.

Nattokinase

This is an enzyme/protein that speeds up biochemical reactions and helps to prevent and dissolve the formations of blood clots (thrombi); addresses the problem of blood hyperviscosity, thereby preventing thick and sticky blood, which is not conducive to overall cardiovascular health.

Shatavari

Referred to as the women’s ultimate power herb, by some herbal enthusiasts. Used in India for at least 3,000 years, Shatavari, is structurally similar to estrogen produced within the body. Some researchers have concluded shatavari can be a highly effective alternative to synthetic hormone replacement therapy for peri- and menopausal women.

Chaste Tree Berry

Improve female libido, mitigate PMS, reproductive health

Horny Goat Weed

Increase para-sympathetic nervous activity, mitigate osteoporosis, improve libido, enhance smooth muscle tissue function

  • Treatment for erectile problems and nerve injuries in human patients:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551978/
  • Prevents thickening or hardening of the arteries through multiple mechanisms, including attenuating DNA damage, correcting endothelial dysfunction, inhibiting the proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells, repressing macrophage-derived foam cell formation and inflammatory responses, as well as preventing platelet activation:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29075193/

Bulgarian Tribulus

Enhance athletic performance, improve circulation, improve sexual performance, more efficient rates of protein synthesis

Cordyceps

Cordyceps, a genus of mushroom, gained lots of attention after Chinese long-distance runners performed impressively at international competitions in the 1990s and early 2000s. Along with high-altitude training, supplementing with cordyceps was part of their intense training program. A research study concludes that cordyceps improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise after supplementation with it because the fungus is thought to increase blood flow, enhance oxygen utilization; it also acts as an antioxidant. It also has powerful anti-tumor properties, the ability to regulate the endocrine system, enhance your immune function, and protect the kidneys, lung, liver, and other organs.

  • Immunomodulatory, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, promotion of endurance capacity, and learning-memory improvement, can be used to treat conditions such as hyposexuality, night sweats, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, asthenia, arrhythmias, and other heart, respiratory, renal and liver diseases: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3924981/
  • Various pharmacological actions, including nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiapoptotic effects:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4849494/

Ginkgo Biloba

In recent decades, an extract of the leaves of the tree Ginkgo biloba L. has been used to improve memory in disorders like Dementia disorders that affect memory and intellectual functioning, and are caused primarily by Alzheimer’s disease and vascular disorders.

  • Potent antioxidant properties and ability to enhance peripheral and cerebral circulation, ginkgo’s primary application lies in the treatment of cerebrovascular dysfunctions and peripheral vascular disorders:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11565403/
  • Experimental results showed extracts of G.Biloba to upregulate protein expressions of BDNF:
  • The effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on cognitive functions in aged female rats;
  • The role of oxidative stress and brain-derived neurotrophic factor: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25446810

Jiaogulan

Jiaogulan, a versatile herb, is celebrated for its potential to support overall well-being. Known for its adaptogenic properties, Jiaogulan may help the body cope with stress and maintain balance. This remarkable herb has also been associated with promoting healthy energy levels, boosting endurance, and fostering a sense of calm and relaxation.