What Should You Not Do After an Infrared Sauna?

Infrared sauna has become increasingly popular over the years due to its numerous health benefits.

It is a type of sauna that uses infrared heaters to emit infrared light, which is then absorbed by the skin, resulting in heat generation that produces a range of health benefits.

While an infrared sauna session is generally considered safe, there are a few things you should avoid doing after a session.

In this article, we’ll explore what to do and what not to do after an infrared sauna session to ensure that you get the most out of your experience.

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What is an Infrared Sauna?

Before we dive into what not to do after an infrared sauna session, let’s first understand what an infrared sauna is.

Infrared saunas are different from traditional saunas in that they use infrared heaters to emit infrared light, which is then absorbed by the skin, producing heat that penetrates deeper into the body.

Infrared saunas are available in three different types: near-infrared, mid-infrared, and far-infrared.

Near-infrared is believed to have the shortest wavelength and is mostly absorbed by the skin, while far-infrared is believed to have the longest wavelength and can penetrate up to two inches into the body.

What to Expect After an Infrared Sauna Session?

After an infrared sauna session, taking care of your body is important to reap the full benefits of the experience.

This includes rehydration and a cool-down period to help your body adjust back to its normal temperature.

It’s also important to keep in mind that you may feel tired or lightheaded after a session, so it’s best to take it easy for a little while. Here are some things to do after an infrared sauna session:

  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water or electrolyte-rich drinks after a session to rehydrate and replace lost minerals.
  • Cool down: Take a cool shower or dip in a cold pool to lower your body temperature and avoid overheating.
  • Relax: Give your body some time to relax and recover after a session. This means avoiding any strenuous physical activity or exercise for at least an hour after a session.

What Not to Do After an Infrared Sauna?

While there are several things you should do after an infrared sauna session, there are also a few things you should avoid doing. These include:

  • Drinking alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol after a session as it can dehydrate your body and undo the benefits of the sauna.
  • Eating a heavy meal: It’s best to avoid eating a heavy meal right after a sauna session as your body is already working hard to cool down and digesting food can make it harder to do so.
  • Exercising: While staying active is important, it’s best to avoid intense exercise immediately after a sauna session as it can put too much strain on your body and make it harder to cool down.
  • Taking a hot shower: Taking a hot shower immediately after a sauna session can put too much strain on your body and make it harder to cool down. It’s best to take a cool shower or a dip in a cold pool instead.
  • Overstaying in the sauna: While it’s important to get the most out of your sauna session, it’s best not to overstay in the sauna for too long, especially if you’re new to it. Overexposure to heat can lead to dehydration, dizziness, and nausea.

The Reason Behind the Restrictions

The reason behind the restrictions mentioned above is that they can cause strain on your body, dehydrate you, and undo the benefits of the sauna.

Drinking alcohol after a session can dehydrate you, and eating a heavy meal can divert blood flow from your muscles to your digestive system, making it harder to cool down.

Exercising immediately after a session can also put too much strain on your muscles, and taking a hot shower can cause your body temperature to rise again, making it harder to cool down.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an infrared sauna session is a great way to reap its numerous health benefits.

However, taking care of your body afterward is essential to ensure you get the most out of your experience.

By following the above mentioned guidelines, you can ensure that your body cools down and rehydrates properly.

Additionally, by avoiding the activities mentioned above, you can prevent undoing the benefits of the sauna.

FAQs

  1. Is it okay to take a shower after an infrared sauna session? Yes, taking a cool shower or dip in a cold pool after an infrared sauna session is recommended to lower your body temperature and avoid overheating.

  2. Can I exercise after an infrared sauna session? It’s best to avoid intense exercise immediately after an infrared sauna session, as it can put too much strain on your body and make it harder to cool down. It’s best to wait at least an hour before engaging in intense physical activity.

  3. Can I drink alcohol after an infrared sauna session? No, it’s best to avoid consuming alcohol after an infrared sauna session, as it can dehydrate your body and undo the benefits of the sauna.

  4. Can I eat a heavy meal after an infrared sauna session? It’s best to avoid eating a heavy meal right after an infrared sauna session, as your body is already working hard to cool down, and digesting food can make it more challenging.

  5. How long should I stay in the sauna? The duration of an infrared sauna session varies from person to person, but it’s generally recommended to start with 10-15 minutes and gradually increase the time as your body becomes accustomed to the heat. It’s important not to overstay in the sauna, especially if you’re new to it.

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