If you suffer from allergies, you’ll likely agree that the constant battle against sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes can be exhausting. Traditional remedies like antihistamines and nasal sprays are effective, but they often come with side effects. Ideally, you’d want a more holistic approach that’s also effective. Infrared saunas, an increasingly popular wellness trend, are a solution for relieving many health concerns. But can infrared keep allergies away? In this blog, we will discuss how infrared saunas can help mitigate seasonal symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Understanding Allergies
Before we delve into the benefits of infrared saunas, let’s first understand what causes allergies and how they affect the body.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) explained, “Seasonal allergies, like other types of allergies, develop when the body’s immune system overreacts to something in the environment, usually during spring, summer or fall when certain plants pollinate.” Typically, an exaggerated immune response triggers a cascade of symptoms, including inflammation, congestion, and excess mucus production, leaving sufferers feeling miserable.
Some of the most common indoor triggers of fall or winter allergies include dust mites, airborne dust particles, pet dander, and mold. Particularly in colder weather when doors and windows tend to be shut and the air in your home may get stagnant, this can be a larger issue.
While it’s difficult to avoid the outdoors and exposure to airborne pollen, keeping your indoor environment dust-free is also challenging. So, aside from using air filters and vigilantly vacuuming, what else can you do?
Read on…
A Natural Approach
Infrared sauna benefits are constantly being researched. In the last decade or so, several studies have found that they help reduce the annoying and painful results of allergies. One study published in 2007 found that infrared sauna use improved the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, reducing nasal congestion, eye irritation, and sneezing. A second study resulted in similar findings in 2013.
How is this possible, you ask? Research has shown that saunas, in general, can help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system, which can be beneficial for allergy sufferers. The intense heat impacts your cells while producing a fever-like response. This activates the body’s natural protective instincts. If you’re doing this regularly, an average of 20-30 minutes every day or every other day, that’s when you’ll start to see benefits.
The combination of improved circulation, detoxification, and relaxation can contribute to overall better well-being, including relief from allergies.
Infrared saunas offer a natural and holistic approach to managing common allergies, which surprisingly affect up to 25% of adults. While other factors may contribute to your symptoms, infrared can be a worthwhile addition to your overall health management strategy beyond the stuffiness, sneezing, and watery eyes.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating new treatments into your wellness routine and be sure to stay hydrated before and after use.
Deciding which personal home sauna can be a challenge, yet Health Mate offers a range of models to suit your home and budget. In addition, learn about the host of health benefits infrared provides.