An autoimmune disease results when the body\u2019s natural immune system which normally defends you against harmful germs and invaders turns on itself and attacks healthy cells by mistake. This can affect various parts of the body depending on which type of autoimmune disease is diagnosed. It can affect the muscles, joints, blood vessels, thyroid, or skin. It\u2019s estimated that 8% of the world population suffers from an autoimmune disease.<\/p>\n
According to the Office On Women\u2019s Health<\/a>, there are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases. Some of the more common ones<\/a> are:<\/p>\n In addition, many people suffer from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. While those aren\u2019t considered autoimmune diseases, they present many of the same symptoms. But how do they develop in the first place?<\/p>\n There are many factors to consider in what stimulates an autoimmune disorder. They\u2019re definitely not contagious. However, while they can affect anyone, women tend to develop them more than men. As well, some are attributed to the environment and viral infections<\/a> along with increased susceptibility based on ethnicity, genetics, and weight.<\/p>\n As for the actual cause, there is still much research being done to pinpoint the trigger.<\/p>\n However, while most medical experts say you cannot cure an autoimmune disease, there are treatments, both medical and alternative, that can help suppress or alleviate the painful symptoms. Fortunately, new techniques<\/a> are being developed on how to repair the damaged cells without hurting the healthy ones.<\/p>\n Many of those treatments are still a work in progress. Meanwhile, infrared therapy is a viable option for helping reduce and potentially avoid some of the common symptoms of autoimmune disease.<\/p>\n Scientists and functional medicine practitioners alike have proven time and again that our environment and food contain levels of toxins we may not notice or taste, but they\u2019re prevalent. Pesticides, pollution, chemical cleaners, and more surround us daily. Regrettably, even if you eat healthy, use air filters, and live in a non-urban area, you\u2019re still exposed to some level of toxins.<\/p>\n What does this have to do with autoimmune disease, though? Some naturopaths and even medical practitioners believe that when your immune system is compromised, you can\u2019t eliminate toxins as easily. You can, however, assist your liver by taking some positive steps with your surroundings.<\/p>\n Palmer Kippola, a functional medicine coach, has shared in her book, Beat Autoimmune, the following: \u201cEvidence is mounting that our environment\u2019s increasing toxic load is fueling the explosive growth of autoimmune conditions. In the 1970s, it was estimated that 1 in 5,000 people suffered from an autoimmune disorder. Today that number is more like 1 in 5.\u201d Her findings include results from personal experience in reversing her MS disease. She explains in her book<\/a> about toxin overload and how you can control much more than you realize.<\/p>\n Infrared<\/a> therapy will help you do just that. Dr. Amy Meyers, another health expert who reversed her own autoimmune issues, explains, \u201cSweating is one of the best ways to detox your body. Every time you sweat, you flush out the toxic substances and heavy metals that we encounter in everyday life. Infrared sauna therapy promotes this process.\u201d<\/p>\n Further, infrared sauna use has resulted in positive outcomes for people with Hashimoto\u2019s<\/a>, Rheumatoid arthritis<\/a>, and other autonomic nervous system issues (tied to autoimmune disorders) all due to the induced sweating. Toxic metals<\/a> released during sweating can directly affect this outcome.<\/p>\n Beyond detox, what can you do about the pain that comes with autoimmune disease?<\/p>\n Typically, autoimmune disorders are accompanied by pain and discomfort. Inflammation of T-cells, joints, and muscle tissue can come and go, alleviated often by medications. But meds may not be the sole solution, partly because many immunosuppressant drugs come with unpleasant side effects. Ironically, one of these is the increased risk of infection<\/a>.<\/p>\n Moderate exercise and physical therapy can help restore movement and ease pain with some autoimmune symptoms. Careful adjustments to diet could also help, given that some foods are more inflammatory and others help reduce inflammation. Still, another effective option is infrared.<\/p>\n With infrared therapy, you\u2019re allowed to relax and let the heat do its job. There\u2019s no stress, strain, or resistance involved. Part of the reason it\u2019s so effective in reducing pain<\/a> is that the heat improves blood circulation. Increased circulation enhances oxygen delivery to organs and muscles. It also helps flush out edema which causes inflammation, the very thing immune-compromised people want to avoid.<\/p>\n At the same time your pain is subsiding, you\u2019ll experience another essential benefit from your sauna. It\u2019s one we could all use!<\/p>\n Everyone experiences stress from time to time. For some, stress becomes part of daily life. In fact, it\u2019s often the culprit when it comes to health issues, from high blood pressure to heart problems to rashes and more. It makes sense that autoimmune disease could also be linked to stress. In fact, a study<\/a> published via the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) network reported a direct link between stress-related disorders and increased risk for autoimmune disorders.<\/p>\n A further study published in the National Library of Medicine indicated \u201c<\/strong>Many retrospective studies found that a high proportion (up to 80%) of patients reported uncommon emotional stress before disease onset.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>The treatment of autoimmune disease should thus include stress management and behavioral intervention to prevent stress-related immune imbalance.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Infrared treatment is ideal for reducing both stress and anxiety<\/a>. How does it work, you ask?<\/p>\n The heat in an infrared sauna is especially intense, and as it penetrates your body, it has a relaxing effect. In turn, as your core temperature heats from the infrared, you\u2019ll begin to experience an endorphin release, caused by increased circulation. It\u2019s the same sensation you get after a good jog or workout.<\/p>\n Relaxed muscles, increased endorphins, and a healthy sweat all combine to leave you feeling at ease after a sauna session. Done regularly, you\u2019ll mitigate stress and potentially gain yet another benefit.<\/p>\n Read on\u2026.<\/p>\n A good snooze is hard to achieve when your body hurts, is tense, or feels stressed. But sleep is key to ensuring positive mental and physical fitness. There\u2019s a direct link to inflammation<\/a> and its impact on fatigue as it relates to autoimmune disease. However, inflammation and pain are often what inhibit actual sleep. Additionally, sleep disorders<\/a>, including apnea and non-apnea, have been linked to illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, as published in The Lancet<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
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<\/p>\nWho is susceptible to autoimmune disease?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Infrared and detoxification<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nInfrared as a chronic pain treatment<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nInfrared for reducing stress<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/hms.healthmatesauna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/21-300x211.jpg\")
<\/p>\nInfrared as a sleep enhancer<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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