Written by Christopher Kiggins

Oxidative stress is a buzz phrase we hear all the time. I thought I knew what it was however as I dug deeper I realized I new very little about what it is and how to avoid it. Initially I assumed it was simply internal body ‘rust’. 

It is far more than that and important to understand so as to eliminate as much of it as possible. Oxidative stress is the term used to describe an imbalance between the burden of reactive oxygen species and the body’s ability to deal with them. It doesn’t matter what your condition, Alzheimer’s, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Depression or even Cancer, it is oxidative burden that likely plays a primary role. 

We have several well-known tools at our disposal for lessening this burden such as exercise, a good nights sleep, smart supplementation, etc., but targeted heat stress, in the form of Far Infrared sauna therapy, can also help lower oxidative stress in both sick and healthy people.

Thankfully, our bodies aren’t helpless in the face of oxidative stress. We have defenses against it in the form of physical barriers that contain free radicals at their sites of production within cells such as enzymes that neutralize dangerously reactive forms of oxygen. 

These substances in our diets like vitamins C and E can eliminate free radicals by adding electrons to them and cutting off the chain reactions early in their course and annexing repair systems to take care of oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, membranes and complex stress responses that include programmed cell death in case of overactive damage.

Oxidative Stress Diagram

Consistent use of Far Infrared sauna therapy produces results. This has been found in various studies where patients with proven risk factors for Heart Disease took a daily Far Infrared sauna for fifteen minutes at the temperature of 140 degrees F. 

They lowered their oxidative stress biomarkers and improved endothelial (thin flattened cells that line internal body cavities) function, as well. Patients with chronic heart failure also took a 140 degree F daily Far Infrared sauna for four weeks. LDL and triglycerides were lowered while HDL levels rose. After initially increasing oxidative stress, Far Infrared sauna therapy activated antioxidant defenses in the blood of the healthy volunteers.

When beginning your Far Infrared sauna therapy take it easy. Be cautious as heat stress is still stress. If you think you’re getting too warm too fast listen to your body and leave the sauna. You can always add time and heat as your body adapts. Keep something refreshing to drink on hand in case you need it. 

Fresh spring water, coconut water, mineral water, or regular water with a bit sea salt are all great ways to maintain hydration. Continue to hydrate even after you stop your sauna as your body will still be requiring it.

Good health depends upon a balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses. Aging and age-related diseases reflect the inability of our antioxidant defenses to cope with oxidative stress over time. The good news is that with strong antioxidant defenses, especially by adding in regular Far Infrared sauna therapy into your health routine, long life without disease is attainable!

I am glad infrared saunas have developed the way they have, because I couldn’t imagine my life without the benefits they provide, like deep sleep, lower blood pressure, less joint pain, weight loss, and a boosted immune system. Here at SaunaCloud I sell saunas that are some of the best history has offered. My far infrared saunas use advanced ceramic-carbon combination heaters for an amazing sauna experience. For more information on how SaunaCloud’s infrared saunas work and how they can improve your health, download my book The Definitive Guide to Infrared Saunas. Just give us a call at SaunaCloud 1.800.370.0820.

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Picture of Christopher Kiggins | Sauna Enthusiast

Christopher Kiggins | Sauna Enthusiast

I have been writing, learning, educating and generally pointing people in the right direction infrared sauna wise since 2012. Let me know how I can help: chris@saunacloud.com - (530) 417-1220