CAN INFRARED SAUNA THERAPY HELP THYROID CONDITIONS?
By: Your JNH Lifestylist
Have you ever heard about thyroid gland health problems? This small organ in your neck has the vital task of keeping your metabolism regulated. Since it is responsible for synthesizing hormones with such broad functions, whenever there are any issues with the thyroid gland, the effects are seen all over the body. Therefore, disorders that involve the thyroid gland represent a huge burden to those who suffer from them [1]. Thankfully, medicine has evolved tremendously and there are many therapeutic options for these patients. However, in the last couple of years, a new technique has arrived to significantly improve the quality of life of those who suffer from thyroid conditions. This new technique is infrared saunas and, in this article, you will learn all about how they can help.
Does An Infrared Sauna Help With All Thyroid Conditions?
Thyroid disorders are not all the same. In fact, they sit on opposite sides of a spectrum depending on the body's hormone production. Hypothyroidism is characterized by a lack or deficit of thyroid hormones, while hyperthyroidism involves the opposite, meaning an excess of thyroid hormones. Each one of these conditions has different symptoms, complications, and treatments. Thus, it doesn't come as a surprise that infrared saunas are not meant to help with both variations. They specifically help patients with hypothyroidism [2].
What Is Hypothyroidism And What Causes It?
Hypothyroidism is a medical condition characterized by a lack or deficit of thyroid hormones. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto thyroiditis. This is an inflammatory process where your own body creates antibodies against parts of your thyroid gland and attacks it. As a result, the structure and functionality of the thyroid gland are compromised and the hormone production decreases abruptly [3].
Hypothyroidism is a medical condition characterized by a lack or deficit of thyroid hormones. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto thyroiditis. This is an inflammatory process where your own body creates antibodies against parts of your thyroid gland and attacks it. As a result, the structure and functionality of the thyroid gland are compromised and the hormone production decreases abruptly [3].
What Are Infrared Saunas And How Can They Help with Thyroid Problems?
Infrared saunas have taken up the world of wellness by storm. They have the same effects as a traditional sauna, where your body temperature is increased. However, the way they heat your body is different. In this type of treatment, infrared waves are used to transfer heat deep into your body without having to drastically change the room temperature. There are many health benefits associated with infrared and some of them can be of help to patients with hypothyroidism [5].
Infrared Waves Can Help With Chronic Thyroiditis
Some studies have shown that infrared therapy has a beneficial effect on patients with chronic thyroiditis, which includes promoting thyroid function. It has been reported that after continuous infrared sessions, patients end up needing lower doses of their medication to achieve thyroid control. Some of them are able to abandon treatment after 9 months. Researchers have also found a decrease in levels of antibodies after treatment with infrared waves [6]. There have been attempts to explain this effect, with some scientists attributing this clinical improvement to the regeneration of thyroid follicular cells, where thyroid hormones are synthesized [7]. Others have reported an amelioration of thyroid vascularization. Therefore, the gland has better circulation, helping in improving its function [8].
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Infrared Saunas Help You Sweat And Detoxify
People with hypothyroidism have a very low metabolism and as a result, their sweat production is decreased. This has some clinical implications since sweating is one of the most efficient ways our bodies have to release toxins. Some chemicals like cadmium and nickel are excreted more through sweat than through urine. By reducing sweat production, chemicals like pesticides and herbicides can build up in your body and affect your health. In these cases, infrared saunas can help by increasing your body temperature and making you sweat, which will result in your body getting the detox it has been needing for some time [9].
Reduce Inflammation of Your Thyroid
Infrared saunas have been proven to reduce inflammation by reducing levels of pro-inflammatory chemicals released by your body. This can be helpful in chronic thyroiditis due to its inflammatory nature. By being regularly exposed to infrared waves, you could regulate this inflammation and achieve some clinical improvements [10].
Infrared saunas offer many benefits for people who are struggling with thyroid conditions. These conditions are often hard to treat and alternative options such as infrared therapy can offer that extra push your body needs to get better. However, always consult with your doctor before starting any type of alternative treatment. We know sufferers of thyroid conditions have a constant uphill battle, but you would be surprised what a little sweating can do for you. Try adding an infrared sauna to your wellness routine today, you won't regret it!
Whatever fits you, whether that's a one person, two person, or even three or more people, we have an infrared sauna for you.
Resources:
[1] Shahid Muhammad, Sharma Sandeep. (2019). "Physiology, Thyroid Hormone." Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, National Center for Biotechnological Information, 23 March 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500006/.
[2] Gessl A, Lemmens-Gruber R, Kautzky-Willer A. (2012). "Thyroid disorders." Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, National Center for Biotechnological Information, 2012, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23027459.
[3] Kostoglou-Athanassiou I. (2010). "Hypothyroidism - new aspects of an old disease." Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, National Center for Biotechnological Information, 2010, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2895281/.
[4] Thorpe Matthew. (2017). "10 Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism." Healthline.com, Healthline, 8 March 2017, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hypothyroidism-symptoms#section12.
[5] Shui S, Wang X, Chiang JY, Zheng L. (2015). "Far-infrared therapy for cardiovascular, autoimmune, and other chronic health problems: A systematic review." Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, National Center for Biotechnological Information, October 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25716016.
[6] Hofling DB, Chavantes MC, Juliano AG, Cerri GG, Romao R, Yoshimura EM, Chammas MC. (2010). "Low-level laser therapy in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis: a pilot study." Ncbi.nlm.nih,gov, National Center for Biotechnological Information, August 2010, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20662037.
[7] Hofling DB, Chavantes MC, Buchpiguel CA, Cerri GG, Marui S, Carneiro PC, Chammas MC. (2018). "Safety and Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Long-Term Follow-Up Study." Ncbi.nlm.nih,gov, National Center for Biotechnological Information, 4 November 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6247385/.
[8] Hofling DB, Chavantes MC, Juliano AG, Cerri GG, Knobel M, Yoshimura EM, Chammas MC. (2012). "Assessment of the effects of low-level laser therapy on the thyroid vascularization of patients with autoimmune hypothyroidism by color Doppler ultrasound." Ncbi.nlm.nih,gov, National Center for Biotechnological Information, 2012, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23316383.
[9] Wentz Izabella. (2020). "8 Benefits of the Infrared Sauna That Can Reduce Symptoms of Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism." Thyroidpharmacist.com, Thyroid Pharmacist, 12 March 2020, https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/8-benefits-infrared-sauna-can-reduce-symptoms-hashimotos-hypothyroidism/.
[10] Hamblin Michael. (2017). "Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation." Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, National Center for Biotechnological Information, 19 May 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5523874/.
