The Heat is On Infrared sauna is no better for your health than traditional sauna: busting a common wellness myth
WRITTEN BY: JACK TSONIS
I f you follow wellness trends, you might’ve come across the claim that an infrared sauna, which heats the body with light, is better for you than a traditional sauna, which uses radiant heat from a stove. In short, this claim is a myth, and is not supported by any strong comparative evidence. While there are differences between infrared and traditional saunas, the limited evidence we do have suggests both types of sauna are good for your health.
THE CLAIM… WHY SAUNAS REALLY ARE GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH. Typically one of two things will be suggested: that the type of heat produced by infrared leads to stronger detoxifying effects; or that the lower temperature is more comfortable, leading to a longer stay and therefore greater effect. As for the first claim, there is no evidence detoxification is the main reason you feel good after a sauna. The excretion of
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