Most athletes and health-conscious people follow a nutritious, whole foods diet, which is one of several steps essential to ridding the body of metabolic build-up — that is, the by-products the body accumulates during times of high stress, especially physical stress. Add to this, all the toxins that get into the body through soil and water, the food supply, the air we breathe, and medications we take, and you’ve got a perfect storm of physiological debris that can impact your health and performance. In addition to “clean eating,” one of the best things you can do for your health is to support your liver in it’s moment-to-moment detoxing efforts. One easy way to do this is to sweat out toxins through regular sauna or steam sessions.
Steam baths and saunas promote the release of toxins through sweating, facilitating the oxygenation of tissue and breakdown of metabolites. Depending upon your age and health status, you will need to consult with your holistic physician for the ideal temperature and duration for your sauna or steam sessions. Another option you may want to consider trying is the infrared sauna treatment. Infrared saunas heat the body’s tissues several inches deep, which further enhances metabolic processes, circulation and oxygenation. These treatments also can reduce muscle soreness and promote relaxation.