Sweating is an important pathway of detoxification, and a range of metabolites from heavy metals, pesticides and other chemical products can be found in human sweat. Saunas have been used for centuries to support detoxification via sweat, in order to maximise excretion of these burdensome substances - this blog post aims to explore which compounds are indeed excreted via the skin, and how is this helpful as a preventative health intervention and/or to patients with cancer.

Saunas have long been regarded as a wellness therapy, and in recent years there has been a renewed surge in popularity for these cozy, sweat-inducing chambers. Compared to intensive exercise as a method to build up a sweat, which is not always possible or practical (particularly for someone with a chronic disease or undergoing treatment for cancer), a sauna is a more passive method to achieve this desired detoxification response whilst relaxing .

There are many varieties: dry saunas, steam rooms, salt rooms etc, but what we are particularly interested in is the Infrared Sauna. According to the research, this particular type of innovative heat therapy chamber offer more than just relaxation: they provide health benefits that contribute to overall wellbeing and may support patients that are undergoing cancer treatment.

In this blog post, we'll delve into the many advantages of using infrared saunas, exploring the science behind sweating, the components detoxified through sweat, the rich history of saunas, and the clinical evidence supporting the use of infrared saunas.

The science of sweating:

Sweating is a natural bodily function that plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal health. The human body uses sweat as a mechanism to regulate temperature and eliminate toxins. Traditional saunas induce sweating through high temperatures, but infrared saunas take a unique approach by using infrared light to directly heat the body, promoting a deeper and more effective sweat.

When we sweat, our bodies release a combination of water, salts, and toxins. In the controlled environment of an infrared sauna, the heat stimulates the sweat glands, facilitating the elimination of heavy metals, chemicals, and other impurities. Components like lead, mercury, and environmental pollutants are expelled through the skin, providing a natural detoxification process.

Cardiovascular Health

For cancer patients undergoing treatments that may impact cardiovascular function, the potential cardiovascular benefits of infrared saunas are particularly noteworthy. Research published in the Journal of Cardiology (2012) suggests that regular use of infrared saunas may lead to improvements in blood pressure and vascular function, contributing to overall cardiovascular well-being. For individuals navigating the challenges of cancer treatment, maintaining cardiovascular health is crucial, and the therapeutic effects of infrared saunas in this domain are promising.

15minutes of daily IR therapy for 2 weeks resulted in lowered systolic blood pressure and improved markers of oxidative stress, improving vascular endothelial function and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.

Even elderly or frail patients can benefit from short bursts of infrared sauna - in Japanese Practice, Waon Therapy is the application of regular short infrared sessions (15mins) followed by wrapping in blankets for a period to enhance vitality and cardiovascular function. 

Pain relief, energy and quality of life

Cancer patients often grapple with pain and a compromised quality of life. Infrared sauna therapy has shown promise in providing relief, as evidenced by a study in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology (2016), which reported a significant reduction in pain and stiffness among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. While not cancer-specific, these findings suggest potential applications for pain management and improved quality of life for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

Detoxification and benefits for patients with cancer (or after an experience with cancer)

The ability of infrared saunas to enhance the body's natural detoxification processes holds significance for patients with cancer.

Research, such as a study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health (2012), highlights the potential elimination of heavy metals and environmental toxins through sweat induced by infrared saunas.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have long been acknowledged as having negative impacts on health. They may lead to infertility, immune disruption, neurobehavioural changes and an increased risk of cancers particularly breast, ovarian, prostate and thyroid cancer. EDCs can come from a range of sources, including pesticides used in farming, plastics, phthalates, flame retardants, heavy metals, personal care and cosmetics. The EDC group that most often reported has having a tumourigenic effect (may promote abnormal cell development) are phthalates, followed by heavy metals. Phthalates specifically are detoxified more readily via sweat compared to urine, indicating that perspiration is a useful way of eliminating these harmful compounds and their metabolites. A small study from 2023 noted that metabolites (broken down toxins) of organophosphates and pyrethroids are significantly increased in sweat after IR sauna bathing or exercise.

Detoxification is a critical aspect of supporting the body during cancer treatment, and the findings suggest that infrared sauna therapy may contribute to this process.

For more information on our infrared sauna, please call our MIOG Wellness Hub staff on 03 9571 7498.

Reference to clinical studies:

Imamura, M., Biro, S., Kihara, T., Yoshifuku, S., et al (2001). Repeated thermal therapy improves impaired vascular endothelial function in patients with coronary risk factors. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 38(4), 1083-1088.

Masuda A, Miyata M, Kihara T, Minagoe S, Tei C. Repeated sauna therapy reduces urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F(2alpha). Jpn Heart J. 2004 Mar;45(2):297-303. doi: 10.1536/jhj.45.297. PMID: 15090706.

Tei C, Imamura T, Kinugawa K, et al. Waon therapy for managing chronic heart failure - results from a multicenter prospective randomized WAON-CHF study. Circ J 2016; 80: 827-834.

Sobajima M, Nozawa T, Fukui Y, et al. Waon therapy improves quality of life as well as cardiac function and exer- cise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure. Int Heart J 2015; 56: 203-208.

Masuda, A., Koga, Y., Hattanmaru, M., Minagoe, S., Tei, C. (2005). The effects of repeated thermal therapy for two patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 58(4), 383-387.

Sears, M. E., Kerr, K. J., & Bray, R. I. (2012). Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in sweat: a systematic review. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012, 184745.

Dairkee SH, Moore DH, Luciani MG, Anderle N, Gerona R, Ky K, Torres SM, Marshall PV, Goodson Iii WH. Reduction of daily-use parabens and phthalates reverses accumulation of cancer-associated phenotypes within disease-free breast tissue of study subjects. Chemosphere. 2023 May;322:138014. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138014. Epub 2023 Feb 4. PMID: 36746253.

Genuis SJ, Beesoon S, Lobo RA, Birkholz D. Human elimination of phthalate compounds: blood, urine, and sweat (BUS) study. Scientific World Journal. 2012;2012:615068. doi: 10.1100/2012/615068. Epub 2012 Oct 31. PMID: 23213291; PMCID: PMC3504417.

Macedo S, Teixeira E, Gaspar TB, Boaventura P, Soares MA, Miranda-Alves L, Soares P. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and endocrine neoplasia: A forty-year systematic review. Environ Res. 2023 Feb 1;218:114869. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114869. Epub 2022 Nov 30. PMID: 36460069.

Hussain J, Cohen M, O'Malley CJ, Mantri N, Li Y, Mueller JF, Greaves R, Wang X. Detections of organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticide metabolites in urine and sweat obtained from women during infrared sauna and exercise: A pilot crossover study. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2023 Mar;248:114091. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114091. Epub 2022 Dec 12. PMID: 36516689.