Thanks so much- are the sauna data true for far infrared saunas including the home portable versions that are like small tents? Or only the steam and heat saunas at gyms ect?
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! That's a good question.
Compared to traditional sauna, there's less published data on infrared sauna, but there is still a pretty decent amount. Since they feel that it's the heat shock protein response that is responsible for a major part of the cardiovascular and neurologic benefits, it's my impression that both should work similarly.
Here's some interesting stuff published that focuses on the effects of infrared sauna only--
Its use improves walking speed, depression, and health-related quality of life in the elderly:
Here's a meta-analysis showing benefits to heart failure, but the studies in the analysis only had a follow up of about 2-4 weeks, so they really need to do longer studies to see if the improvement sticks:
The Calcium CT score likely saved my husband's life. He is is a 67 year old lifelong runner, with a healthy diet, and except for his father having a heart attack in his 60s, has absolutely no risk factors (optimal cholesterol, BP, glucose, pulse). Since age 40 my husband has run a dozen marathons, thinking he had nothing to worry about, but recently three of his healthy friends in their 50s and 60s had heart attacks. He recalled an NP friend's suggestion of a calcium CT for people his age. He did it, and yes it was not covered, but the best $180 we ever spent. He failed it and was referred to a cardiologist. Just a few weeks ago, expecting nothing serious to come of it, he had a heart catheterization where they ended up placing four stents. One of his arteries was 90% occluded. Now he's feeling great, running again, and telling his six siblings and everyone he knows to get this test.
Thanks so much- are the sauna data true for far infrared saunas including the home portable versions that are like small tents? Or only the steam and heat saunas at gyms ect?
Hi,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! That's a good question.
Compared to traditional sauna, there's less published data on infrared sauna, but there is still a pretty decent amount. Since they feel that it's the heat shock protein response that is responsible for a major part of the cardiovascular and neurologic benefits, it's my impression that both should work similarly.
Here's some interesting stuff published that focuses on the effects of infrared sauna only--
Its use improves walking speed, depression, and health-related quality of life in the elderly:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7590093/
Here's a meta-analysis showing benefits to heart failure, but the studies in the analysis only had a follow up of about 2-4 weeks, so they really need to do longer studies to see if the improvement sticks:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6489706/
Here's a small study showing benefits in chronic fatigue syndrome:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25748743/
Here's some data showing that it lowers blood pressure:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34115020/
Here's an interesting case where far infrared sauna induced wound healing after there were failed attempts with other modalities:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35059054/
Best,
SP
Thanks for taking the time to write such a helpful comment. Your experience may help save the life of someone reading this right now.
I’m so glad that your husband is ok and that this was caught in time!
Best,
SP
The Calcium CT score likely saved my husband's life. He is is a 67 year old lifelong runner, with a healthy diet, and except for his father having a heart attack in his 60s, has absolutely no risk factors (optimal cholesterol, BP, glucose, pulse). Since age 40 my husband has run a dozen marathons, thinking he had nothing to worry about, but recently three of his healthy friends in their 50s and 60s had heart attacks. He recalled an NP friend's suggestion of a calcium CT for people his age. He did it, and yes it was not covered, but the best $180 we ever spent. He failed it and was referred to a cardiologist. Just a few weeks ago, expecting nothing serious to come of it, he had a heart catheterization where they ended up placing four stents. One of his arteries was 90% occluded. Now he's feeling great, running again, and telling his six siblings and everyone he knows to get this test.
Thanks for great information. I’m looking forward to the next installment.