Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly are key to losing extra pounds and maintaining a healthy weight. But if you’re looking for complementary therapies to support your weight loss efforts, you’re not alone, and infrared sauna therapy could be a good option for you.
Angie Huff, Pharm.D., and Jenny Theriot, NP, lead the medical team at SYNC Wellness + SYNC Life in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We’re dedicated to helping you achieve your best possible health. One of our most popular services is infrared sauna therapy, and its benefits range from stress relief to weight loss.
Here’s what you need to know about the intriguing world of infrared sauna therapy and how it can be a supportive tool in your weight loss journey.
Understanding infrared sauna therapy
Traditional saunas use stoves or heated stones to warm the air around you. Infrared saunas work differently. They use infrared heaters to emit radiant heat that your skin absorbs directly.
This radiant heat penetrates deeper into your body, raising your core temperature and inducing a sweat. And because infrared saunas don’t heat the air around you, they make the sauna experience more comfortable — and potentially more beneficial.
The links between infrared sauna and weight loss
Infrared sauna therapy involves resting in a sauna. And while it might seem counterintuitive to associate sitting around with weight loss, sauna therapy offers some significant fat-shedding benefits.
Infrared saunas increase your core temperature and induce sweating, which leads to several physiological responses that can support your weight loss efforts.
Calorie burn
The rise in your body temperature and the effort required to cool down afterward can increase the amount of calories you burn. In fact, one study found that a single 30-minute sauna session can burn up to 600 calories. While this isn’t a substitute for traditional exercise, it can contribute to your overall energy expenditure.
Stress reduction
Chronic stress can interfere with weight loss by disrupting hormone balances. Infrared sauna therapy promotes relaxation and stress reduction, which can help regulate stress hormones and positively impact your weight loss journey.
Improved circulation
Infrared heat stimulates blood flow throughout your body. Better circulation improves oxygen and nutrient flow to your muscles, which can enhance your workout performance and recovery.
Detoxification
Sweating is one of the body’s natural ways to eliminate toxins. By sweating during an infrared sauna session, you’re helping your body rid itself of potentially harmful substances that could hinder weight loss.
Benefits beyond weight loss
This therapy offers more than just weight loss support. A few other benefits include pain relief, improved sleep, and an overall sense of well-being. Feeling better mentally and physically can empower you to make healthier choices and stay motivated on your weight loss journey.
Incorporating infrared sauna therapy into your routine
Is infrared sauna therapy the missing piece in your weight loss plan? We offer consultations to evaluate your health and goals to help you decide.
Like any wellness practice, consistency is key. If this therapy is right for you, we recommend regular infrared sauna sessions to help you experience the cumulative benefits over time.
Remember that this therapy can be a supportive tool, but it’s not a magic solution for weight loss. It’s important to combine it with a balanced diet and regular exercise for the best results. Always drink plenty of water before, during, and after your session to recover fluid loss due to sweating.
Infrared sauna therapy offers a unique approach to supporting your weight loss journey, complementing your existing efforts and contributing to your overall well-being. Learn more with a consultation at SYNC Wellness + SYNC Life in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Call us at 225-351-0079 or send us a message online to get started.
