Complementary Medicine alumna and co-owner of Wildfire Wellness, Caitlin Stores, explains how an infrared sauna can help boost your immune system.

Eating a whole food diet, keeping physically active, managing stress and prioritising rest are non-negotiable for maintaining a healthy and strong immune system, but if you want to take your health to the next level, incorporating regular infrared saunas into your routine can be an incredible addition.

One of the most impressive benefits of infrared sauna use is the immune system boost that is experienced with each session. This boost is the result of the body being subjected to such a high heat that it causes a rise in core body temperature. This artificially induced fever mimics the body’s natural defence mechanisms, stimulating the production of white blood cells which assist the body in fighting infections.

Although often misunderstood, a fever is beneficial to the body as sick and diseased cells cannot easily withstand high temperatures, so by inducing this artificial fever, the infrared sauna is able to reproduce the natural healing response that our bodies use to keep us healthy. Studies conducted by the British Medical Association note that ‘it has become well known that people who take regular saunas reduce their incidence of colds and influenza by 65%’.

An enhanced immune system, combined with the improved elimination of toxins and waste caused by intense sweating increases overall health and resistance to disease.

So before you reach for the trendiest new supplement, consider committing to a weekly infrared sauna session throughout the colder months as well as ensuring you consume a whole food diet, remain active, manage stress levels in a healthy way and get enough sleep. This can help to prepare your immune system for the onslaught of nasty cold and flu viruses, as well as greatly improve your general wellbeing.