Infrared Sauna + Red Light Therapy = Synergistic Weight & Fat Loss

Combine RLT with Infrared Sauna session for greater weight loss potential.

Combining red light therapy and infrared sauna is a popular wellness trend, with many people using them together to enhance their health benefits, including potential support for weight loss. While both therapies have their own mechanisms, they are believed to work synergistically when combined.¹

Here's a breakdown of how each therapy contributes to weight loss and how they might work together:

How Red Light Therapy (RLT) May Help with Weight Loss

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and reach the cells.² The primary proposed mechanisms for RLT and weight loss are:

• Stimulating Fat Cells (Lipolysis): Some studies suggest that RLT can create temporary pores in fat cells (adipocytes), allowing the stored fatty acids to leak out.³ Once released, the fat is then processed and used by the body for energy.⁴ This process is called lipolysis and can lead to a reduction in the size of the fat cells, resulting in a more contoured appearance.⁵

  
  

• Increasing Cellular Metabolism: RLT is believed to stimulate the mitochondria—the "powerhouses" of the cells—to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the body's primary energy currency.⁶ This increase in cellular energy may boost overall metabolism, helping the body burn more calories.

  
  

• Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is linked to weight gain and metabolic issues.⁷ RLT has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can improve overall bodily function and support a healthy metabolism.⁸

  
  

How Infrared Saunas May Help with Weight Loss

Infrared saunas use infrared light to heat the body directly, rather than heating the air like a traditional sauna.⁹ The deep-penetrating heat triggers several physiological responses that can support weight loss:

• Increasing Calorie Burn: As your body temperature rises in an infrared sauna, your heart rate increases and your body works to cool itself down.¹⁰ This process is similar to a light to moderate cardiovascular workout, leading to an increase in calorie expenditure. Some sources even suggest a single session can burn a significant number of calories, though individual results will vary.

  
  

• Detoxification: Infrared saunas induce a deep sweat.¹¹ Sweat is a natural way for the body to eliminate toxins, including heavy metals and other chemicals.¹² Some research suggests that these toxins can be stored in fat cells and hinder the body's ability to lose weight. By helping to remove these toxins, an infrared sauna may support more efficient fat loss.¹³

  
  

• Stress Reduction: High stress levels can lead to an increase in the stress hormone cortisol, which is linked to weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area. The relaxing environment of an infrared sauna can help lower cortisol levels and promote a sense of well-being, which may indirectly support weight management.¹⁴

  
  

The Synergistic Effect of Combining Therapies

When you combine red light therapy and an infrared sauna, you're potentially getting the benefits of both in a complementary way. The two therapies are not only compatible but can enhance each other's effects:¹⁵

• Enhanced Fat Burning: The infrared heat in the sauna increases your metabolism and heart rate, while the red light works at a cellular level to encourage fat release. Using them together could lead to a more efficient and comprehensive fat-burning session.

• Deeper Penetration and Cellular Action: The infrared heat causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which increases blood flow.¹⁶ This improved circulation can help deliver the red light's therapeutic effects more effectively to the cells, promoting better energy production and cellular repair.

  
  

• Improved Recovery: Both therapies are known for their ability to aid in muscle recovery and reduce inflammation. For those who incorporate exercise into their weight loss journey, using a combined sauna and RLT session can help reduce post-workout soreness and prepare the body for the next workout.

It's important to note that while these therapies may support weight loss, they are not a magic bullet. For the best results, they should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and a consistent exercise routine. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine if these therapies are right for you.¹⁷