Infrared or Sunshine…It’s not just about Vitamin D!

The benefits of vitamin D from the sun is arguably one of the most discussed topics in healthcare today.  Sunshine, however, has other benefits that are not widely known. What does that have to do with infrared? Read on to find why both are very important in increasing immunity and reducing free radicals that cause unsightly aging.  You might be surprised to learn it has nothing to do with Vitamin D!

Melatonin

Infrared saunas and natural sunlight both have something in common. They facilitate the production of an important antioxidant called melatonin.  Melatonin is a hormone that is produced in the brain as a response to darkness. It helps regulate your internal clock (circadian rhythm.)   Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland, from the chemical melanin. Melanin is produced in the skin through sun exposure. Absence of light stimulates production of melatonin from the pineal gland, however, the largest stimulus of subcellular melatonin is near infrared light (sunshine is the greatest source!)

The Facts about Melatonin

According to Grass Roots Health Nutrient Research Institute,

• Melatonin has been shown to have antioxidant and anticancer effects. It assists in the regulation of blood pressure and glucose levels. It is also highly anti-inflammatory, and has been shown to lower the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality,

• Melatonin exists in two main forms within the body – circulatory melatonin, which is produced by the pineal gland and has its major effect on sleep and the circadian rhythm. Subcellular melatonin, which is produced and used locally by the mitochondria within our cells,

• Production of melatonin can be triggered through exposure to the infrared spectrum of light – sunshine is our major source of infrared light, but it can also come from exposure to fire (campfire, candle flames, fireplace, etc.) and some red-light therapy.

Take Action to get Melatonin

So how do you get this melatonin? Sure you can take a supplement, but that can be tricky in terms of getting the right dose at the right time. The most natural way is to go outside for an hour each day wearing as little as possible. Of course that may not always be possible so an alternative is an infrared sauna. 

How exactly does an infrared sauna increase melatonin production? When you use an infrared sauna you trick your body to produce more melatonin by forcing a cool down after a sauna session. When we go to bed, we naturally produce melatonin as our body cools down. Cooling down immediately following a sauna session can produce the same effect. Ideally jumping into a cold shower is the best way to do this.  You can also walk into air conditioning or even use a cooling towel to quickly lower your temperature. In winter months, simply walking outside will do the trick!

So as we change seasons and look for ways to boost our immune system, look at using an infrared sauna on a regular basis. Book your session today or better yet, join our monthly membership and come as often as you want! http://www.kentuckysaltroom.com