Infrared Sauna Therapy for Autoimmune Disorders

Did you know there are more than 80 different types of autoimmune diseases that can affect the body? Although there is no complete cure for autoimmune diseases there are different treatment options. Diet changes and medications are often used to relieve disease symptoms. But did you know infrared sauna therapy can also be helpful in relieving autoimmune disease symptoms? This article will explain what autoimmune diseases are and how infrared therapy can help you relieve the symptoms. 

What Are Autoimmune Diseases? 

Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the body's own immune system attacks the body’s tissues. The function of the immune system is to defend the body. And when foreign particles enter the body the immune system senses it and sends signals to the defender cells to kill the foreign body. But in the case of an autoimmune disease, our immune system cannot differentiate between the body's own cells and the foreign bodies. It starts releasing high amounts of antibodies that attack the body's own cells.

What Are The Most Common Autoimmune Diseases In The US?

The following are several autoimmune diseases, their descriptions, and their symptoms.

1. Diabetes

The pancreas produces insulin which helps to lower the glucose level in the body after a meal. And it helps to store fat in our tissues. But when an autoimmune disease occurs, the body reduces antibodies that attack its insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. These cells are now not able to carry glucose and thus cause diabetes. 

High blood glucose in the blood causes hyperglycemia, which affects the brain, heart, and kidneys. 

There is no cure for diabetes. However, patients can take insulin injections to normalize their blood sugar. 

Symptoms Of Diabetes:

• Excessive peeing 
• Excessive thirst 
• Weight loss
• Hunger 
• Vision defects
• Fatigue 
• Patchy skin
• Poor wound healing

2. Celiac Disease

In celiac disease, the immune system attacks the part of the intestine that digests the gluten protein. Gluten protein is present in rye, wheat, and many other grains. People with celiac disease cannot eat anything with gluten as their bodies cannot digest it, and it attacks the small intestine, causing infection and swelling. 

About 1% of the population in the US is affected by celiac disease. This can also be confused with gluten sensitivity, as they have the same symptoms. 

Symptoms Of Celiac Disease:

• Gas 
• Bloating 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Constipation 
• Abdominal pain 
• Lactose intolerance 

3. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a hereditary and inflammatory disease in which the body's immune system attacks the body's joints. This causes redness, pain, swelling, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. The condition can cause severe problems like joint deformity if the situation gets untreated. If the RA worsens, a person may lose the use of their hands and legs. The primary treatments are medicines including steroids for pain control. 

Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

• Pain in joints 
• Stiffness in joints 
• Weakness 
• Tenderness in joints 
• Fever
• Weakness
• Symptoms appear in all of the joints including both hands and knees.

4. Hashimoto Thyroiditis

Hashimoto thyroiditis is also an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the thyroid glands, which regulate most body functions. When the thyroid gland is not working properly, it cannot produce some hormones, including T3 and T4. These are important and without them, the body can suffer from hypothyroidism which causes an increase in weight, fatigue, lethargy, skin conditions, hair loss, goiter swelling, and cold sensitivity.

Symptoms Of Hashimoto Thyroiditis:

• Fatigue 
• Tiredness 
• Weight gain 
• Dry skin
• Sleepiness 
• Muscle ache
• Joint pain
• Muscle weakness
• Constipation

5. Psoriasis

There is a regulated time in which the skin cells die and grow. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the skin cells and causes them to multiply too fast. This excess cell growth causes patches on the skin, which can appear as silverish plaque on the skin. 

Symptoms Of Psoriasis:

• Dry skin
• Patchy skin
• Itching 
• Soreness
• Cracked skin that can bleed

How Many Americans Suffer From Autoimmune Diseases?

More than 7% or about 22 million Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases. The number of people affected by these diseases is increasing daily.

How Are Autoimmune Patients Treated Conventionally?

The primary treatment for autoimmune diseases is immunosuppressant's and anti-inflammatory drugs. Some of these are listed below.

Examples Of Immunosuppressant Drugs:

Some immune suppressant drugs are:

• Steroids including methylprednisolone, dexamethasone 
• Hydroxychloroquine 
• Colchicine
• Sulfasalazine 
• Methotrexate 
• Mycophenolate mofetil 
• Azathioprine 

Some Side Effects of Immunosuppressant Drugs Include: 

• Hydroxychloroquine can cause nausea, vomiting, and pain in the abdomen. 
• Colchicine can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and kidney, liver, and muscle damage. 
• Sulfasalazine can cause rashes, sun sensitivity, headaches, nausea
• Methotrexate can cause infections including hepatitis B and C
• Mycophenolate mofetil can cause infections from viruses and bacteria. 

Anti-Inflammatory Drugs:

Some examples of anti-inflammatory drugs are:

• Aspirin 
• Ibuprofen 
• Naproxen 
• Celecoxib 
• Diclofenac 

Some Side Effects of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Include: 

• Dizziness 
• Nausea 
• Headache 
• High blood pressure 
• Diarrhea 
• Effects on liver 

Some Common Natural Remedies For Autoimmune Diseases

There is no cure for autoimmune diseases at this time. However, medication and natural remedies can be used to reduce some of the effects. We’ve looked at conventional therapies, now lets look at some natural remedies that can help relieve the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

1. Supplements:

Supplements are used to treat inflammation and reduce swelling. Some helpful ones are:

• Vitamin D
• Glutathione 
• Curcumin 
• N- acetylcysteine 
• Probiotics 
• Omega 3 fatty acids 

2. Gluten Free Diet:

People with celiac disease who cannot take gluten, a protein in the rye, wheat, and other grains, are suggested to have a gluten-free diet. 

3. Herbs:

Many herbs have been successful remedies for autoimmune diseases. They have been tested for several years and the benefits are great.The following is a list of herbs known to be helpful.

• Ginger 
• Sarsaparilla (Smilax)
• Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)
• Hops 
• Yarrow 
• Maca 
• Rishi mushroom
• Rehmannia 
• Boswellia 
• Stephania 
• White willow 

Other techniques that are used to treat autoimmune diseases are:

• Acupuncture 
• Hydrotherapy 
• Sunbath 
• Mind relaxation 
• Yoga 
• Physical exercise 
• Rest 
• Toxin elimination 

Infrared Sauna Therapy Is The BEST Natural Treatment

THE BEST natural treatment for autoimmune diseases is infrared sauna therapy. Infrared therapy is used to relieve severe pain caused by autoimmune diseases. 

The primary function of infrared is to penetrate through the body and heat the body joints and muscles. This causes an increase in the blood supply to the areas, which in turn increases the oxygen supply to the part.

Regular infrared uses lamps that produce heat. In one type, called NEAR infrared, the lamps emit infrared energy. Such energy goes deep into tissues and helps increase the blood supply. 

Another type of infrared therapy includes FAR infrared. These rays do not penetrate the body for heating, but their function is to detoxify the body from toxins. 

Clinical Studies Show The Positive Effects Of Infrared Sauna Therapy On Autoimmune Conditions.

For acute inflammation, the exposure time should be between 10 to 15 minutes. Start at 10 minutes, and after every session, increase the time limit little by little. With a maximum of up to 40 minutes. After 4 weeks, if the patient feels relief from pain and a decrease in symptoms, they can continue the treatment with a minimum of 3 sessions per week. During the treatment, patient care is critical. Remember, when using an infrared sauna, be sure your eyes are covered and drink plenty of water. 

Conclusion

Autoimmune diseases are terribly painful. Although we cannot completely cure them we can treat them using natural remedies. Infrared sauna therapy is the best natural treatment for autoimmune patients. It has many benefits, including the relief of pain and joint stiffness. It is comfortable and boosts energy with each session. 

Stay Healthy!

~ Dr. Candy