Wellness & Health Education
Effects of Infrared Sauna Usage on Thyroid Conditions
The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the front of our neck. Its main function is the production of the thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). These hormones are in charge of regulating our metabolism—the fundamental process by which our body converts fuel into energy. Because these hormones have such broad functions, issues with the thyroid often result in symptoms seen all over the body.
Does An Infrared Sauna Help With All Thyroid Conditions?
Thyroid disorders are not all the same. Hypothyroidism is characterized by a lack or deficit of thyroid hormones, while hyperthyroidism involves an excess. Because each condition has different complications and treatments, infrared saunas are not meant to help with both; they specifically help patients with hypothyroidism.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This is an inflammatory process where the body creates antibodies that attack the thyroid gland, abruptly decreasing hormone production. Clinical insights suggest that infrared therapy offers significant improvement in quality of life for these patients by stimulating cellular responses at the source.
The "Cellular Jumpstart" Effect
Clinical reports indicate that continuous infrared sessions can lead to the regeneration of thyroid follicular cells. Some researchers have found a decrease in levels of antibodies after treatment, with some patients needing lower medication doses or even being able to abandon treatment after 9 months of consistent use.
The Science: 3 Pillars of Healing
01 Detoxification through Deep Sweat
People with hypothyroidism often suffer from decreased sweat production. Sweating is one of the most efficient ways to release toxins; chemicals like cadmium and nickel are excreted more through sweat than through urine. Infrared heat mobilizes these toxins along with pesticides and herbicides that can build up in the body, allowing for a deep cellular detox.
02 Reduction of Chronic Inflammation
Hashimoto's is inherently inflammatory. Infrared saunas have been proven to reduce inflammation by lowering the levels of pro-inflammatory chemicals released by the body. Regulating this inflammation can lead to clinical improvements and a more stable autoimmune response.
03 Improved Thyroid Vascularization
By expanding blood vessels and increasing circulation (vasodilation), infrared therapy ensures that the gland has better circulation. This ensures that the nutrients and oxygen your thyroid needs for hormone synthesis actually reach the organ, while also aiding in the distribution of hormones throughout the body.
Recommended for Home Wellness
Ensi+ 2 Person Far Infrared Sauna
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View Sauna Details- Shahid Muhammad, Sharma Sandeep. (2019). "Physiology, Thyroid Hormone." NCBI, National Center for Biotechnological Information.
- Gessl A, et al. (2012). "Thyroid disorders." NCBI, National Center for Biotechnological Information.
- Hofling DB, et al. (2018). "Safety and Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Autoimmune Thyroiditis." NCBI.
- Hofling DB, et al. (2012). "Assessment of effects of low-level laser therapy on thyroid vascularization." NCBI.
- Wentz Izabella. (2020). "8 Benefits of the Infrared Sauna for Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism." Thyroid Pharmacist.
- Hamblin Michael. (2017). "Anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation." NCBI.
