![[Original size] Wildfire (3) (1).png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/176653_956978c651854f40a3db6e5adc6d7524~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_119,w_500,h_206/fill/w_500,h_206,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/%5BOriginal%20size%5D%20Wildfire%20(3)%20(1).png)
It feels like autumn finally turned up over the weekend, which means cold and flu season is on its way!
One of the most impressive benefits of infrared sauna use is the immune system boost that comes with each session. This boost is a result of combination of two main healing effects that the sauna has on the body;
Firstly, the high temperature stimulates the body’s production of white blood cells which act as your body’s first line of defence when infection strikes. So an increased production of white blood cells, as stimulated through sauna use, can help the body to more effectively fight off illness (1).
Secondly, infrared sauna use induces an artificial fever which, although often misunderstood, is the body’s way of fighting off an infection. This is because sick and diseased cells cannot easily withstand high temperatures, so by artificially inducing a fever, the sauna is able to reproduce the natural healing response our bodies use to keep us healthy (2).
Committing to a weekly session throughout the colder months can help to prepare your immune system for the onslaught of nasty cold and flu viruses, as well as greatly improve your general wellbeing, AND cost considerably less than a trip to the doctor and a week off work!
(1) Pilch W, Pokora I, Szyguła Z, et al. Effect of a single finnish sauna session on white blood cell profile and cortisol levels in athletes and non-athletes. J Hum Kinet. 2013;39:127–135. Published 2013 Dec 31. doi:10.2478/hukin-2013-0075
(2) Soszyński, D (2003). “The pathogenesis and the adaptive value of fever.” Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej 57 (5): 531–54. PMID 14737969.