1. Detoxification

Doesn't it freak you out when you sit and think about the amount of toxins we expose our bodies to every day? Whether intentionally by drinking alcohol or smoking, or unintentionally by the industrial chemicals in the air and additives in our food, our bodies need to be detoxified every once in a while. While you can try various diets and fasting methods, if you're like me and lack the discipline to follow through, the best way to detoxify is to relax in a sauna while your body sweats it out. Sweat is the body's natural way to get rid of toxins. Studies show that in a conventional sauna, the average person sweats out 3% toxins and 97% water, compared to an infrared sauna where the average person sweats out 20% toxins and 80% water. That's nearly seven times better! For more tips on wellness, check out these healthy morning habits.

2. Weight Loss

Honestly, weight loss is one of the reasons why I enjoy my sauna sessions even more. Studies show that you can burn anywhere between 300-600 calories in a 30-minute infrared sauna session! Part of this has to do with the sweating process itself, which naturally burns calories, and part of it has to do with the fact that your body is working to cool off the increase in temperature.

This increases your heart rate, cardiac output, and metabolic rate. Also, the lower temperatures used in an infrared sauna stimulate a "fat sweat" which eliminates toxins stored in fat, as opposed to a conventional sauna which encourages a water sweat. Remember that you cannot depend solely on your sauna to lose weight. Use it to complement your weight loss program, and you will see amazing results. If you're looking for more ways to stay active, consider reading about fun ways to burn calories.

3. Improves Blood Circulation and Lowers Blood Pressure

When you exercise, there is an increase in the blood flow level in your body. An infrared sauna heats your muscles and causes a similar increase in blood flow. Also, your blood vessels will expand to accommodate the increase in blood flow, bringing down your blood pressure in the process. While this effect is temporary, research suggests that using an infrared sauna at least three times a week can have lasting effects on your blood pressure. For more on heart health, you can visit the American Heart Association website.

4. Pain Relief

Heat is a wonderful remedy for pain. I know I have used a trusty hot water bag to relieve painful cramps one too many times and always with great results. An infrared sauna combines heat with improved blood circulation, which increases the oxygen level in the blood to provide relief for various kinds of pain, including arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, heat therapy is a proven way to manage joint stiffness.

5. Improves Cardiac Health

We all know how important it is to maintain a healthy heart. An infrared sauna penetrates deep into your muscles and organs, increasing your pulse rate, which in turn burns calories and provides a mild workout for your heart. With the regular use of a sauna, you will be strengthening your heart and getting in better overall physical shape.

6. Helps with Cellulite

Yes, another way to fight those stubborn deposits! As mentioned above, infrared saunas boost blood circulation, which is one way to start fighting cellulite. Also, the infrared heat penetrates deep enough to liquefy subcutaneous fat and release it via sweat. Using an infrared sauna over a period of time can dramatically reduce the appearance of cellulite and leave you with firmer skin.

7. Skin Purification

Infrared light has the ability to penetrate human tissue easily. This means it can reduce inflammation, replace dead cells, relax facial tensions, and improve skin elasticity. Also, let's not forget that sweating gets rid of impurities and bacteria that settle on your skin. All in all, infrared sauna sessions will leave you with glowing, refreshed skin! For a deeper look into skincare, check out these skincare tips for a flawless complexion.

Infrared saunas are much more comfortable temperature-wise, more sanitary, and economical. They won't lead to crazy power bills. And if all that was not enough, infrared saunas are known to boost your immune system by increasing your white blood cell count. Pretty impressive, right? I'm definitely sold! Do you use the sauna a lot? Have you experienced any of these benefits? Would you consider buying an infrared sauna? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Quick Comparison: Infrared vs. Conventional Saunas