Lose Weight and Regain Your Health in the Hot Box

The Far Infrared Sauna by Kat Carroll, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner

As many who have been guests at Adytum Sanctuary know, we are committed to health and will go to great lengths to attain and preserve it. I feel so strongly about the power of the Far Infrared Sauna (FIR) to heal ourselves, to maintain health and perfect weight, that I predict the home of the future will have a FI sauna in every bathroom alongside the shower as a daily adjunct to hygiene and health.

I know what you’re thinking, “I can’t tolerate that kind of heat…I can’t even breathe in there!” But FIR is different. It heats your body and not the air; it reaches 2-3” deep into organs and tissues to sequester toxins held for years. The toxins measured in sweat from a FIR session versus running are different. It is effective. The FIR is relaxing and increases microcirculation thus alleviating pain as well as cleansing. It is an almost daily self-caring gift I give myself and I fully expect to reap the benefits, particularly when combined with my excellent diet, exercise, and stress reduction modalities I employ. But as the following study will show, even without any lifestyle changes, FIR use created weight loss.

I was reared in a crop dusting pilot’s home. We used lots of chemicals at home inside and out, oftentimes the contraband ones my father would bring home after they were outlawed commercially. As a child, I sat on lawns barefoot and barelegged drenched in pesticides; herbicides were used in the yard. Our lawn and yard looked perfect but it was perfectly sterile, deadly, and dangerous.

My next prediction: the yard of the future will be real and realistic, living from the soil level upward and sprouting dandelions and other weeds alongside flowers and plants. It will be proof of the rejection of the deadly glysophate/Roundup ® and other crimes against humanity; a testament to our commitment to care for nature and Mother Earth.

All of the women in my family have had breast cancer but me and I intend to keep it that way. How? By providing support for my liver so that it can perform detoxification properly with all the nutrients and protein available to carry out the toxins presented during far infrared sauna sessions. The liver is driven by nutrition and toxins are carried out on protein molecules. Detoxification is a sophisticated process even impacted by urine pH. We need to be alkaline or toxins will recirculate as often more dangerous metabolites. We need to have an open bowel so that toxins can be easily excreted and since skin is the largest organ of detoxification, we need to employ skin brushing. Deep breathing also aids in detoxification as the lungs are yet another path for toxins to travel out of the body.

Every chemical has a signature scent. When the FI sauna mobilizes toxins stored deep in the tissues and organs, often reaching several inches within the body, you can expect some unusual odors to emerge as well. I will never forget the smell of burning plastic filling the sauna; it was me! Eventually these perplexing scents become infrequent; we easily drop weight because we are not holding on to toxins, we feel good again… If the body wants to avoid the release of a toxin it will sequester it deeply into tissues and organs. If we want to release those toxins, we need to support the liver, drink pure water, use the FI sauna, and limit future toxic exposures as much as possible.

When I returned from Hong Kong this year and Beijing last year working with the National Health Federation (www.thenhf.com) at Codex Alimentarius Committee meetings on food additives, nutrition, food labeling, etc. protecting our food, beverage, and supplement supply from contaminants, additives, and more,  I could not get 4-5 pounds off. In those crowded cities full of smog and foods contaminated with heavy metals like arsenic and cadmium and more, I was consuming and breathing daily toxins. When I was in Beijing, 16,000 dead pigs were floating down the river. They said the water was “pork flavored…”

Once home, regardless of my diet and exercise, I remained over my ideal weight/body composition and with cellulite until I had accomplished several sauna sessions in the Thermal Life FI Sauna from High Tech Health in the Orion Suite at Adytum Sanctuary. Then the weight just dropped off and the cellulite disappeared. Not only that—I felt better and looked more rested! Clear mind, clear eyes.

Reams of research have been collected (and I have many of these studies) on FI Sauna’s use in congestive heart failure, erectile dysfunction (acts like Viagra by increasing nitric oxide levels), autism, neurological issues, Parkinson’s, fibromyalgia, headaches, allergies, insomnia, chronic fatigue, chemical sensitivity, tremors, even ocular issues like macular degeneration, and many more conditions which have underlying metal and/or chemical toxicity. Google Scholar and Pub Med list thousands of citations proving the effectiveness of thermal therapy on conditions and diseases. Unlike some detox methods like foot pads/foot baths which seem to lack scientific research, thermal therapy has been well documented.

I feel so strongly about the FI sauna that I bought another one- this time a Clearlight Sauna- for the Star of the North Suite. Research well as particular woods off-gas and some saunas are higher in electromagnetic (EMF) emissions. Some saunas are “infrared” but not “far infrared” and there is a difference. Adytum Sanctuary has a Thermal Life Sauna in Poplar and a Clearlight Sauna in Spruce.

Sauna-time is powerful; I love being in my ‘hot box’ for an hour at a time reading, studying, learning, writing, etc. while remaining thin and healthy.  My electronics last for some time (Kindle, computer, iPhone) before I switch to a paper book or my writing. It took me several times in the sauna before I began to sweat. No problem now! It is so cleansing and the medical food I use, Ultra Clear Renew, upregulates heavy metal removal. Adding Metalloclear will potentiate this effect making it stronger. These recommended products are listed below with a link to get them at a discount.

I recently became certified in First Line Therapy and am a Lifestyle Educator (LE) and a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) along with all my other passions. The FI Saunas will play a prominent role in teaching these courses on detox, weight loss, and avoiding the medical model by making positive lifestyle changes based on good foods, intelligent supplementation, and lifestyle changes.

One of my favorite studies shows the value in cleansing. Researchers took two groups, both having the markers for diabetes. One group used thermal (sauna) therapy and the other did not. The group excreting contaminants like persistent organic pollutants (POPs) did not progress into diabetes whereas the group not cleansing with thermal therapy went on to develop full blown diabetes.

POPs are now found in high altitude “pristine” lakes. POP consumption is cumulative with a long half-life, storing for years in our fatty tissue. It’s not a good time to eat fish as POP exposure at higher levels created a 38% higher risk for developing diabetes by increasing insulin resistance. Using thermal therapy can mean the difference between moving into the medical model with a disease and remaining healthy, at the proper weight, and clear-minded.

Recommended products to support Far Infrared Sauna sessions can be found at http://carroll.metagenics.com/store with a 20% discount off initial orders and 10% off subsequent orders that are recurring. We’ve been using these medical foods meal replacement shakes for breakfast for years. They are powerful but they also contain the protein equivalent of two eggs/14 grams and half of the day’s supply of vitamins and minerals so they are cost effective.

• Ultra Clear Renew: Metabolic Detoxification With an Emphasis on Removing Heavy Metals
• Advaclear: Daily Support for Detoxification
• Clear Change 10 Day Detox Kit: For Metabolic Detoxification
• Ultra Meal 360 Rice Sweetened with Stevia: Nutritional Support for the Management of Conditions Associated with Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease
• Ultra Flora Balance: Daily Immune Health and Digestive Support
• Metalloclear: Support for Heavy Metal Metabolism

SAUNA SOURCES:

If you are interested in purchasing a Thermal Life Sauna, please visit this link:

www.hightechhealth.com

If you are interested in purchasing a Clearlight Far Infrared Sauna, please visit this link:

https://qj959.infusionsoft.com/go/SanctuaryLife/SanctuaryLife/

WEIGHT LOSS STUDY DETAILS:
A recent study at SUNY Binghamton University study performed by Dr. Kenneth McLeod, Professor of Bioengineering, showed conclusively that people using a Clearlight Infrared Sauna three times a week can eliminate an average of 4% body fat over a four month period. For a 175 lb man, that represents a reduction of seven pounds of unneeded weight. Control groups that did not use the Clearlight Sauna in the study showed no weight loss. Obesity has been linked to many health problems, including:

• Heart disease and stroke
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Gallbladder disease and gallstones
• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep apnea

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/obe/risks.html
The amazing part about this study was that the participants did not change their exercise or diet patterns. The sauna group used the Clearlightsaunas installed at Binghamton campus three times a week for 45 minutes, that’s all! Many people find it difficult to change their diets and exercise habits but using an infrared sauna is easy, comfortable and relaxing; like going to a spa. This study opens the door for more good research and demonstrates what we have known for over 17 years: Clearlight Saunas are good for your health!See the study here: http://infraredsauna.com/weightlossstudy.pdf

THE STUDY ON FI SAUNA AND WEIGHT LOSS

Binghamton University study exposing people to 45 minutes per day in a Clearlight Infrared Sauna to measure the effects on body temperature, physiologic measures, and long-term body weight changes.

–Kenneth McLeod, professor of bioengineering at Binghamton University

Phase One (16 week study):

Participants were exposed 3 times per week for a 45 minute infrared sauna at 110 degrees for 16 weeks. Compliance ranged from a low of 12 sessions completed to 45 sessions.

Findings: Participants who had high compliance (used the sauna regularly) had a greater loss in body fat. Participants measured up to a 4% drop in body fat over the four months. However, interestingly, those that came in late in the day or evening lost significantly more body fat than those using the sauna in the morning. The change in body fat was confirmed by measurements of serum glucose levels. Our hypothesis is that increasing core body temperature will increase human growth hormone production and that should increase serum glucose levels, which is what was found. In addition, we observed that the higher the core body temperature reached, the larger the decrease in body fat, also consistent with the HGH hypothesis.

Phase Two (8 week study):

Participants were exposed 5 times per week for a 30 minute infrared sauna at 110 degrees after 3pm. On average, the study subjects lost about 0.25% body fat per week totaling approximately 4% over 8 weeks. This resulted in approximately twice the rate of fat loss as compared to Phase 1 (8 weeks vs. 16 weeks). A control population was used in Phase Two of the study and the body fat of the control group did not change over the 8 week study.

Obesity is not just a cosmetic issue; it can kill you. A concise article from pub med follows: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/obe/atrisk.html

What Are the Health Risks of Overweight and Obesity?

Being overweight or obese isn’t a cosmetic problem. These conditions greatly raise your risk for other health problems.

Overweight and Obesity-Related Health Problems in Adults

Coronary Heart Disease

As your body mass index rises, so does your risk for coronary heart disease(CHD). CHD is a condition in which a waxy substance called plaque (plak) builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart.

Plaque can narrow or block the coronary arteries and reduce blood flow to the heart muscle. This can cause angina (an-JI-nuh or AN-juh-nuh) or a heart attack. (Angina is chest pain or discomfort.)

Obesity also can lead to heart failure. This is a serious condition in which your heart can’t pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs.

High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways.

Your chances of having high blood pressure are greater if you’re overweight or obese.

Stroke

Being overweight or obese can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries. Eventually, an area of plaque can rupture, causing a blood clot to form.

If the clot is close to your brain, it can block the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain and cause a stroke. The risk of having a stroke rises as BMI increases.

Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the body’s blood glucose, or blood sugar, level is too high. Normally, the body breaks down food into glucose and then carries it to cells throughout the body. The cells use a hormone called insulin to turn the glucose into energy.

In type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells don’t use insulin properly. At first, the body reacts by making more insulin. Over time, however, the body can’t make enough insulin to control its blood sugar level.

Diabetes is a leading cause of early death, CHD, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness. Most people who have type 2 diabetes are overweight.

Abnormal Blood Fats

If you’re overweight or obese, you’re at increased risk of having abnormal levels of blood fats. These include high levels of triglycerides and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

Abnormal levels of these blood fats are a risk factor for CHD. For more information about triglycerides and LDL and HDL cholesterol, go to the Health Topics High Blood Cholesterol article.

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that raises your risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke.

You can develop any one of these risk factors by itself, but they tend to occur together. A diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is made if you have at least three of the following risk factors:

• A large waistline. This is called abdominal obesity or “having an apple shape.” Having extra fat in the waist area is a greater risk factor for CHD than having extra fat in other parts of the body, such as on the hips.
• A higher than normal triglyceride level (or you’re on medicine to treat high triglycerides).
• A lower than normal HDL cholesterol level (or you’re on medicine to treat low HDL cholesterol).
• Higher than normal blood pressure (or you’re on medicine to treat high blood pressure).
• Higher than normal fasting blood sugar (or you’re on medicine to treat diabetes).

Cancer

Being overweight or obese raises your risk for colon, breast, endometrial, and gallbladder cancers.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common joint problem of the knees, hips, and lower back. The condition occurs if the tissue that protects the joints wears away. Extra weight can put more pressure and wear on joints, causing pain.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep.

A person who has sleep apnea may have more fat stored around the neck. This can narrow the airway, making it hard to breathe.

Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a breathing disorder that affects some obese people. In OHS, poor breathing results in too much carbon dioxide (hypoventilation) and too little oxygen in the blood (hypoxemia).

OHS can lead to serious health problems and may even cause death.

Reproductive Problems

Obesity can cause menstrual issues and infertility in women.

Gallstones

Gallstones are hard pieces of stone-like material that form in the gallbladder. They’re mostly made of cholesterol. Gallstones can cause stomach or back pain.

People who are overweight or obese are at increased risk of having gallstones. Also, being overweight may result in an enlarged gallbladder that doesn’t work well.

Overweight and Obesity-Related Health Problems in Children and Teens

Overweight and obesity also increase the health risks for children and teens. Type 2 diabetes once was rare in American children, but an increasing number of children are developing the disease.

Also, overweight children are more likely to become overweight or obese as adults, with the same disease risks.

Who Is at Risk for Overweight and Obesity?

Overweight and obesity affect Americans of all ages, sexes, and racial/ethnic groups. This serious health problem has been growing over the last 30 years.

Adults

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2010, almost 70 percent of Americans are overweight or obese. The survey also shows differences in overweight and obesity among racial/ethnic groups.

• In women, overweight and obesity are highest among non-Hispanic Black women (about 82 percent), compared with about 76 percent for Hispanic women and 64 percent for non-Hispanic White women.
• In men, overweight and obesity are highest among Hispanic men (about 82 percent), compared with about 74 percent for non-Hispanic White men and about 70 percent for non-Hispanic Black men.

Children and Teens

Children also have become heavier. In the past 30 years, obesity has tripled among school-aged children and teens.

 

According to NHANES 2009–2010, about 1 in 6 American children ages 2–19 are obese. The survey also suggests that overweight and obesity are having a greater effect on minority groups, including Blacks and Hispanics.