When you feel a cold coming on, finding effective ways to support your immune system becomes a top priority. Infrared saunas have gained popularity for their potential health benefits, including aiding recovery during cold and flu season. But how do these saunas work, and are they genuinely beneficial for fighting a cold?
This guide will explore the science, benefits, and precautions of using an infrared sauna to help your body fight a cold effectively.
How Fevers Help Fight Colds
When you catch a cold, your body naturally mobilizes defenses to fight off the virus. One primary immune response is a fever. While often viewed as an uncomfortable symptom, fevers are your body’s way of creating a less hospitable environment for viruses and bacteria.
A fever stimulates the immune system by encouraging the production of white blood cells. These cells, specifically T-cells and B-cells, are frontline defenders against viruses, attacking infected cells and producing antibodies.
How Infrared Saunas Mimic Fever Responses
Infrared saunas utilize infrared light to generate radiant heat, penetrating the skin more deeply than traditional saunas. These saunas warm the body directly, rather than heating the surrounding air, which induces a gentle, sweat-inducing state similar to a fever.
By replicating the elevated temperatures of a fever, infrared saunas may help create an internal environment that slows down viral activity. Additionally, this hyperthermic response can boost circulation, letting oxygen-rich blood flow more efficiently through your body, promoting overall healing and faster recovery.
By creating a controlled increase in body temperature, infrared saunas may support immune functionality, acting as a complement to other holistic health practices. However, your body still does most of the heavy lifting, so be sure to pair sauna use with proper self-care during a cold.
Immune System Benefits of Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas offer powerful support for strengthening the immune system by creating conditions that enhance the body’s natural defenses. This innovative wellness tool provides a range of benefits specifically designed to help your body fight off illnesses more effectively.
Increased White Blood Cell Production
One of the most notable benefits of infrared saunas is their ability to amplify white blood cell production. These cells are critical for recognizing and eliminating harmful pathogens. With consistent use, an infrared sauna may enhance your body’s natural defenses, helping it respond more efficiently to infections. Regular sessions can reinforce this immune boost, adding resilience during cold-prone months.
Reduces Inflammation
Viruses often trigger inflammation in the body, contributing to aches, congestion, and general discomfort. Infrared saunas promote the release of anti-inflammatory proteins by stimulating the body’s circulation and aiding in removing toxins. Reduced inflammation mitigates cold symptoms and supports faster recovery and tissue repair.
Detoxifies the Body
Infrared saunas promote sweating, one of your body’s natural detoxification pathways. Sweating helps expel toxins and impurities, which can lighten your body’s load and allow it to focus on recovering from the cold. This improved detoxification process can leave you feeling clearer and more rejuvenated.
Ways Infrared Systems Help Fight Colds
In addition to offering significant advantages in preventing a cold, infrared saunas can alleviate some of the most frustrating cold symptoms. Here are three ways infrared saunas help you manage symptoms when you feel under the weather.
Helps Open Sinus Passages
Congestion is a common and frustrating symptom of colds. The warmth and gentle steam of an infrared sauna can naturally help open sinus passages, making it easier to breathe and reducing sinus pressure. This temporary relief helps improve comfort as your body continues to heal.
Soothes Muscle Aches
Muscle aches and fatigue often accompany colds, leaving you feeling drained. Infrared saunas provide therapeutic heat that deeply penetrates muscle tissue, relaxing sore areas and reducing discomfort. This soothing effect often results in a restful experience, essential for recovery.
Relaxes and Reduces Stress
Stress can lower your immune function, making it harder for your body to fight off illnesses. The calming environment of an infrared sauna helps you unwind, reducing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation. By lowering stress levels, you allow your immune system to function more effectively and focus on warding off infections.
The Risks of Using Infrared Saunas While Sick
While infrared saunas offer many benefits, there are risks involved if you are already unwell. For instance, the heavy sweating caused by infrared saunas can lead to dehydration, which may worsen symptoms such as fever or nausea. To stay safe, drink plenty of water before and after your session to maintain proper hydration.
Additionally, if you have a high fever, avoid using saunas altogether, as the elevated heat could exacerbate your symptoms or delay recovery. Most importantly, always consult with a healthcare professional before using an infrared sauna, particularly if you have an underlying health condition that could be impacted by heat therapy.
How To Use a Sauna Safely For a Cold
If you’re ready to explore infrared saunas as a tool to help you fight off colds, following these steps can help you maximize benefits while staying safe.
Keep Sessions Short and Low Temperature
When using an infrared sauna to fight a cold, keep sessions short, usually around 10 to 15 minutes, and use a low-temperature setting. This ensures that your body reaps the benefits without overheating or putting unnecessary strain on your weakened immune system.
Listen To Your Body
Pay attention to your body’s signals during and after sauna sessions. If you start feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or excessively fatigued, exit the sauna immediately and rest. The goal is to enhance your body’s recovery, not to cause additional strain.
Remain Hydrated
Staying hydrated is a vital safety measure when using any type of sauna. Infrared heat increases sweating, which can lead to dehydration if fluids are not replenished. Drink water before, during, and after your session to avoid any complications.
Boost Your Health With Health Mate
Infrared saunas are a supportive way to help your body fight a cold, especially when used safely alongside proper hydration, rest, and other healthy habits. With an at-home two-person infrared sauna, incorporating sauna use into your overall wellness routine is easier than ever.
While infrared saunas are not a cure for colds, their ability to enhance immune function, reduce inflammation, and provide relaxing comfort makes them a valuable addition to your self-care practices during recovery. Health Mate’s at-home infrared saunas are ideal for wellness enthusiasts to experience the benefits of infrared therapy while keeping colds at bay. Contact one of our sauna specialists for more details about the best infrared sauna for your home.