In one way or another, you or someone you know might have been indirectly affected by a stroke. This disease, which has steadily risen in occurrence over the past decade, is the third most common cause of death in Australia and a leading cause of disability. While preventive measures such as traditional medicine and lifestyle changes are still crucial in preventing stroke, what works for each person is often individual and multifaceted. For some, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and watching what they eat may be enough, while others may benefit more from incorporating other holistic treatments in their wellness routine. One such treatment involves incorporating home infrared sauna therapy into their lifestyle practices. Beyond relaxation, this treatment can provide various health benefits to support stroke prevention. In this blog, our team at Sun Stream Saunas AUS will dive into the mechanisms behind infrared sauna therapy that makes this possible.
The Relation Between Home Infrared Sauna Therapy and Cardiovascular Health
Unlike the heat of regular saunas which heat up the entire room, the heat of infrared saunas affect your internal temperature directly. This unique mechanism offers cardiovascular benefits which can be especially helpful for those at high risk of stroke.
As the body’s core temperature rises in infrared saunas, it triggers an increase in heart rate and the dilation of blood vessels (vasodilation). Aside from increasing breathing rates, this produces an effect similar to that when engaging in moderately stimulating exercise, such as walking – even though the underlying physiological stimuli differ.
Here, the body experiences reduced blood pressure. More specifically, studies have found that infrared saunas helped to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which in turn reduces strain on the heart and arteries.
Additionally, infrared saunas also help improve circulation, meaning better distribution of oxygen throughout the body that can enhance overall cardiovascular function.
Lowering Inflammation
Chronic inflammation, often associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and renal diseases, is one of the most common risk factors for stroke. The good news is that infrared saunas are effective in reducing inflammatory markers in the body through the production of anti-inflammatory proteins.
Moreover, continuous infrared sauna use enhances mitochondrial activity, helping your cells battle oxidative stress. This harmful mechanism can trigger plaque buildup in the arteries, a precursor to stroke.
Supporting Metabolic Health
Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are well-known factors that increase the likelihood of stroke. For individuals with these conditions, infrared saunas can serve as a complementary therapy alongside diet and medication in managing these conditions. Studies have found that regular heat therapy helps produce nitric oxide, which increases insulin sensitivity.
By maintaining optimal blood glucose levels, you can prevent increased blood pressure, vascular damage, and the likelihood of arterial blockages that can lead to stroke.
Key Takeaway
The relationship between cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and other factors that can affect your risk of stroke is complicated, however, continuous use of infrared sauna offers an approach that can efficiently address these. For those already at high risk or those aiming to prevent entering that category, infrared sauna treatments can serve as a valuable preventative tool.
At SunStream, we offer state-of-the-art home infrared saunas specifically designed to deliver these benefits and more. Shop your very own at home infrared sauna system now and optimise your health – contact us for more on how we can help!