Best Infrared Sauna For Lyme Disease Patients
See our recommendations at the bottom for Best Infrared Saunas!
A History of Heat & Sauna Treatment
Some pathogens in the body have a low tolerance for heat; they’re specifically evolved to thrive and multiply at a normal body temperature. Your body knows this; it may elevate its own body temperature in response to an infection in the body; this response is what causes fevers.
Early heat treatment involved provoking fever in the body, often by infecting the patient with malaria. The malaria infection would raise the patient’s body temperature, inhibiting or preventing the pathogen in question from multiplying. This treatment was used to treat some forms of syphilis as far back as 1917.
However, in modern times we would prefer to not infect patients with malaria, a disease that kills more than 400,000 people a year. Fortunately, there are other ways to raise the body temperature. There are now high tech saunas that in addition to being warm and comfortable, are very hygienic and not damp or uncomfortably dry. These are infrared saunas.
Sauna’s and Lyme Disease
A 1995 study performed in the Karl Franzens University Department of Medicine explored the possibility of treating Lyme disease with heat, such as visiting a sauna. They cultured Borrelia burgdorferi outside the body and subjected the cultures to different temperatures, both with and without the presence of antibiotics.
The study found that Lyme disease bacteria struggled to grow starting at 99 degrees Fahrenheit, or 37 degrees Celsius. This temperature is just a little higher than body temperature, meaning just a comfortably hot sauna is enough to help hinder the growth of Lyme disease and help the immune system to clear the infection.
In order for the bacteria to completely stop reproducing, the study found the temperature had to be increased to 102° F/39° C, which is considered a high fever and can take a toll on the body. Luckily, it is not necessary to go this far. The study concluded that the heat of a sauna plus antibiotics can work together at healthy levels. At 100° F/38° C, the Lyme disease bacteria is more vulnerable to antibiotics and can therefore be more easily cleared from the body, providing a clean bill of health sooner.
Four Benefits of Infrared Sauna for Lyme Disease Patients
Infrared saunas eliminate significantly more toxins than traditional saunas, as the heat can penetrate deeper into muscles and tissues. Infrared saunas are typically less aggressive than traditional saunas, too. In terms of Lyme disease, this gentle heat that’s given out helps to debilitate and potentially kill other unwanted organisms within the body. More than that, here are four benefits of using an infrared sauna for Lyme disease patients.
Detoxification
The kidneys and liver are overextended for Lyme disease patients due to inflammation and infection. The bacteria circulating within the body of someone with Lyme Disease create a build-up of toxins. Infrared saunas help flush toxins like BPA, PCB, mycotoxins, endotoxins from the destruction of the bacteria, and heavy metals through perspiration. This prevents toxins from building in the internal organs, which can cause more problems.
Improved Immune Function
Research has suggested that the increased body temperature induced by the sauna may cause improved immune function. Studies have noted increased white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and basophils after sauna bathing. The body’s white blood cells quickly propagate because of the increase in temperature and can fight off the harmful pathogens and microbes that are invading the body.
Further, with improved circulation caused by heat, the immune cells can reach all body parts to help fight Lyme Disease infection.
Reduces Oxidative Stress
Our ATP, our “energy currency,” is produced in the mitochondria of our cells. When the mitochondria, or the power generators of cells, become impaired, this can lead to fatigue, brain fog, a leaky gut, and more. Oxidative stress, toxicity, and chronic infections such as Lyme all damage the mitochondria and create more oxidative stress. Infrared sauna therapy boosts metabolic function and reduces oxidative stress.
Meanwhile, a body carrying out efficient detoxification obtains a higher threshold to tolerate oxidative stress – whether it be from the environment, negative genetic predispositions, or disease states.
Pain Management
As the body’s core temperature rises, your circulation increases. This allows more oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells to reach areas of the body that need it. This may reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. Further, this increase in blood flow relaxes the muscles and joints, which may also decrease symptoms of Lyme Disease.
The difference between traditional Saunas & Infrared Saunas
Traditional saunas use heated rocks or a stove to warm the air, creating a high-temperature environment that can reach up to 190°F, which promotes sweating through ambient heat.
In contrast, infrared saunas use infrared panels to emit radiant heat directly into the body at lower temperatures, typically between 120°F and 150°F. Conversely, infrared saunas use infrared panels to emit radiant heat that penetrates directly into the body, reaching deeper tissues at lower temperatures, typically between 120°F and 150°F. This infrared heat can stimulate mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, enhancing their energy production and efficiency. The increased mitochondrial activity supports cellular repair and improves metabolic function, contributing to overall wellness. Thus, while traditional saunas offer a classic, intense heat experience, infrared saunas provide a more targeted approach with potential benefits at a cellular level.
Sauna Recommendations
Supporting your Lyme disease treatment with infrared sauna therapy can be a game-changer, and we recommend various sauna options tailored to different needs and lifestyles. Here’s a closer look at the options available:
The portable infrared sauna is a convenient, space-saving solution ideal for home use. It targets the body from the neck down, allowing your head to stay outside the sauna, making it a comfortable option for those who prefer not to expose their entire body to heat.
Benefits:
Quick Setup: Heats up in about 5 minutes, making it easy to integrate into your daily routine.
Portability: Its compact design allows you to use it in different areas of your home, providing flexibility and convenience.
Ease of Use: This sauna is perfect for those looking for a straightforward option to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of infrared heat.
For those who are more heat-sensitive or looking for a flexible alternative, portable infrared mats provide a gentle and versatile option. These mats can be used in various settings, from your living room to your office, making them an excellent choice for on-the-go wellness.
Benefits:
Versatility: Use the mat while relaxing, meditating, or even working, seamlessly integrating it into your daily activities.
Combination Therapies: Many models come with additional therapeutic features, such as PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy) or negative ion therapy, enhancing their overall wellness benefits.
Gentle Infrared Exposure: These mats offer a milder form of infrared therapy, which is comfortable for those new to this treatment or who need a less intense option.
For a more immersive and comprehensive sauna experience, stationary infrared saunas provide full-body coverage with a range of customizable features. These saunas are designed for those who want a permanent and luxurious wellness solution at home.
Benefits:
Comprehensive Therapy: Provides full-body infrared exposure, which is more effective for deep detoxification and overall therapeutic benefits.
Customizable Experience: Adjustable temperature settings, Chromotherapy, and built-in audio systems allow you to tailor each session to your specific health goals.
Luxurious Comfort: Stationary saunas offer a relaxing, spa-like environment, making your sauna sessions a rejuvenating part of your wellness routine.
Choosing the Best Option for You
Selecting the right sauna depends on your personal health needs, available space, and lifestyle. Whether you choose the portability of a compact sauna or mat or the full-body experience of a stationary model, Sunlighten Infrared Saunas provide a range of options to support your unique wellness journey.
The Takeaway on Sauna’s and Lyme Disease
While this study was conducted on bacteria cultured outside the body and it’s important to note that results inside the body may not replicate the results of the study, this shows the potential for heat treatment as a supportive treatment with antibiotic treatment. The fact that temperatures elevated by a little over one degree celsius makes these bacteria more susceptible to antibiotic treatment may make treating Lyme disease easier and more effective. This may be especially important in parts of the body where high concentrations of antibiotic medications are difficult to achieve.
An infrared sauna is a great way to warm you up! Infrared saunas heat your skin directly, and can raise your core body temperature as well, increasing it by 1 - 1.2 degrees celsius. Among other health benefits, infrared saunas can give your immune system a boost! Infrared saunas can also increase blood flow to the skin, all in a peaceful and relaxing environment.