What is the Gut Microbiome?
The gut microbiome refers to the microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. These beneficial bacterias as and other organisms collectively make up a highly diverse ecosystem that contributes to digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system regulation, and protection from pathogens. Specific strains of gut microbes have been linked to diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and even mental illnesses like depression. By maintaining a healthy balance of beneficial bacterias in the gut individuals can support their overall health by helping to keep the gut microbiome balanced.
Gut health affects the entire body, so improving it can have many benefits. Good gut health can lead to improved mood, better digestion, increased energy, higher immunity, more efficient nutrient absorption and better overall health.
Understanding the scientific facts behind these conditions can offer insight into why certain treatments help manage them, which in turn can give individuals greater control over their health.
If you’re looking to improve your gut health, join us as we dissect the connection between the infrared sauna and better digestion! In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind how an infrared sauna therapy is good for your gut health, possibly improve your digestion, reduce bloating, and soothe IBS flare-ups.
We’ll also delve into the impact that a infrared sauna has on the gut microbiome, and how it can serve as a new physiological challenge model for intestinal barrier function.
How infrared sauna works –
Infrared saunas use infrared light to directly heat your body, offering a more targeted and comfortable experience compared to
traditional infrared saunas that heat the air. This heat penetrates deeper into your body, potentially providing health benefits, and operates at lower temperatures for greater comfort.
Does infrared sauna Affect the Microbiome?
Yes, infrared sauna – specifically far-infrared sauna – has been shown to affect the microbiome.
The researchers found that far-infrared rays can change the types of bacteria in the gut to be more helpful and less harmful. These findings in mice could potentially mean the same for humans, making our gut healthier and reducing symptoms of gut-related problems like stomach pain or diarrhoea. It could also help the gut by making certain chemicals that can help us stay healthy, work better and even prevent us from getting sick.
Is infrared sauna Good for the Gut?
Yes, infrared sauna therapy can be good for gut health. One study looked & investigated the good effects of infrared sauna bathing on the release of brain-gut peptides in seven women. The women underwent a 20-minute infrared sauna bath and the study focused on the improved levels of different peptides in the blood during and after infrared sauna bathing in women.
Brain-gut peptides are signaling molecules that play a crucial role in the communication between the brain and the gut. They regulate various functions in the digestive system, including the secretion of digestive enzymes, absorption of nutrients, and motility of the digestive tract. Brain-gut peptides also play a role in the regulation of appetite, satiety, and energy metabolism.
This research suggests that infrared sauna use may have a protective effect on gut health. The effects of infrared sauna use had on the production of brain & other peptides have been shown to modulate the immune response, reduce inflammation, and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. During heat exposure, there was an increase in PP and motilin levels, which suggests that the digestive system becomes more active. This heightened activity could have the potential to enhance gut motility and function.
Is infrared sauna Good for IBS?
Yes, the infrared sauna is potentially good for IBS symptoms due to its ability to support healthy gut function and other factors associated with IBS. Factors that play a role in IBS include:
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Support digestive enzymes for gut bacteria
• Increase in PP and motilin levels for better gut motility
• Stress relief and improved mental state
One study has investigated the effects of infrared sauna-induced dehydration on intestinal barrier function. Strengthening the gut barrier (or “intestinal permeability”) has been linked to improved symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. This is because a strong gut barrier helps protect against inflammation and the overgrowth of bacteria in the colon.
Additionally, it reduces food intolerances and sensitivities which can be a major trigger for IBS flares. A stronger gut barrier may also help decrease irregular intestinal motility, leading to more regular bowel movements and fewer constipation-like symptoms of IBS.
Can you go to the infrared sauna on an empty stomach?
Yes, it is advised that you visit a infrared sauna on an empty stomach. When you enter an infrared sauna you want your body to be able to focus completely on cooling itself down. If you’re digesting food, then your body is burning energy trying to break down and absorb nutrients, and if you overcomplicate its ability to do so by forcing it to deal with heat stress then the body will struggle. If you can, always wait at least 2 hours after a heavy meal before you use an infrared sauna.
Is it OK to fast and infrared sauna?
No , while conducting a long fast and undergoing an infrared sauna you may be more susceptible to heat exhaustion and dehydration.
But it is ok to use an infrared sauna during intermittent fasting as it is a great way to further enhance the benefits like improve mental clarity, cleanse the digestive tract, increase metabolism and detoxify the body. as the infrared sauna raises the body temperature, activates the cardiovascular response, and promotes healthy enzymes in the gut and hormone production in the body.
Conclusion
A simple infrared sauna visit can provide tremendous benefits, both long-term and immediate, to gut health and much more.