Infrared saunas + saunas and detox safe?

Hi all,
I was watching a program the other day and they mentioned that one of the methods the biggest loser contestant used in her final months was an infrared sauna to help speed up her metabolism. I'd never heard of it before. Anyone try it? Also, is it safe to use a sauna if you are doing a detox?
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Replies

  • bump
  • kikiboniki
    kikiboniki Posts: 398 Member
    all i can see that doing it dehydrating you. making you sweat a lot.
  • jonnythan
    jonnythan Posts: 10,161 Member
    Hi all,
    I was watching a program the other day and they mentioned that one of the methods the biggest loser contestant used in her final months was an infrared sauna to help speed up her metabolism. I'd never heard of it before. Anyone try it? Also, is it safe to use a sauna if you are doing a detox?

    It does not speed up metabolism. All it will do is make you sweat and therefore dehydrated.

    Also, unless you're in a hospital chugging charcoal solutions you're not doing a detox. The entire concept of a dietary detox is intellectually bankrupt. It's a scam, and it's pointless, and it's harmful. Stop doing the detox. Go eat real food, right now.
  • jonnythan
    jonnythan Posts: 10,161 Member
  • Blue801
    Blue801 Posts: 442
    Like detoxing off of drugs or alcohol, getting your vitals taken regularly and on medication kind of detox? I'd definitely say consult your doctor first.
  • The only reason I ask about the detox is I have recently visited a naturapath doctor to find alternative ways to treat my endometriosis. He has suggested I go on numerous vitamins, a detox kit, and a 21day detox diet.
    While I am willing to try the vitamins and detox kit after a lot of though I have decided to NOT do the detox diet. I already eat pretty clean and the thought of torturing myself for 21days is not something I'm willing to do. I feel like my hands are tied in some ways. If I treat it the conventional way I am on more hormones which aren't working and just creating side effects, in surgery etc.. If i go the naturopaths route I will be doing things I'm not even sure are proven to work. I'm desperate at this point. While doing the detox kit I was just curious if it's safe to use the sauna at the gym while i do it. I've never done one before but the doctor says it is very gentle.
  • jonnythan
    jonnythan Posts: 10,161 Member
    The only reason I ask about the detox is I have recently visited a naturapath

    Yeah, stop there. Don't go to a "naturopath" for advice on medical issues or diet. They are not trained or educated for that. They are not trained or educated for much of anything, really. The term "naturopath" is not regulated and doesn't actually mean anything.

    The advice this person is giving you is bad. Period. I'm sorry. Megadoses of vitamins will do nothing, and a "detox kit" and "detox diet" are simply scams.

    And stop referring to this person as a "doctor." (S)he is not a doctor.
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member

    :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :drinker:
  • The only reason I ask about the detox is I have recently visited a naturapath

    Yeah, stop there. Don't go to a "naturopath" for advice on medical issues or diet. They are not trained or educated for that. They are not trained or educated for much of anything, really. The term "naturopath" is not regulated and doesn't actually mean anything.

    The advice this person is giving you is bad. Period. I'm sorry. Megadoses of vitamins will do nothing, and a "detox kit" and "detox diet" are simply scams.

    And stop referring to this person as a "doctor." (S)he is not a doctor.


    Believe me I'm not one to reach for the naturopath easily..I have have doubts of their effectiveness..BUT unless you can suggest another type of therapy or treatment that is going to help keep my endometriosis from worsening and keeping me out of surgery then I feel this advise is not helpful. I'm not trying to be rude but I've been to the traditional gyno doctors and tried more birth control pills, progesterone etc..then I can count and none of that has helped. I'm two years from my last surgery and my pain is back. Gyno's suggestions...IUD (no thank you..way too many scary things going on with them), a male hormone that may cause me to grow facial hair, a lupron shot that will put me in menopause (and at my age to stay on that long term has disadvantages), a hysterectomy( which isn't proven to keep my pain away for good) etc.. It's a gamble to try the naturopath but at this point I don't feel i have anything to loose.
  • jonnythan
    jonnythan Posts: 10,161 Member
    I understand you're desperate. But, believe me, giving your money and trust to an uneducated quack is not the way forward.
  • Mr_Bad_Example
    Mr_Bad_Example Posts: 2,403 Member
    In... for people who believe that "The Biggest Loser" is credible, that detoxes speed up metabolism, and infrared waves.

    ircat.gif
  • MinMin97
    MinMin97 Posts: 2,674 Member
    Hi all,
    I was watching a program the other day and they mentioned that one of the methods the biggest loser contestant used in her final months was an infrared sauna to help speed up her metabolism. I'd never heard of it before. Anyone try it? Also, is it safe to use a sauna if you are doing a detox?
    I never know what someone means when they talk about a detox. It's really a vague term, if you think about it. Usually, these things are really harsh. I have often talked with people about these things, usually in the form of a PM. Not that I am against it, just that without more specifics, it's hard to discuss it. Also lots of reactive people in the discussion thread.
  • MinMin97
    MinMin97 Posts: 2,674 Member
    The only reason I ask about the detox is I have recently visited a naturapath

    Yeah, stop there. Don't go to a "naturopath" for advice on medical issues or diet. They are not trained or educated for that. They are not trained or educated for much of anything, really. The term "naturopath" is not regulated and doesn't actually mean anything.

    The advice this person is giving you is bad. Period. I'm sorry. Megadoses of vitamins will do nothing, and a "detox kit" and "detox diet" are simply scams.

    And stop referring to this person as a "doctor." (S)he is not a doctor.


    Believe me I'm not one to reach for the naturopath easily..I have have doubts of their effectiveness..BUT unless you can suggest another type of therapy or treatment that is going to help keep my endometriosis from worsening and keeping me out of surgery then I feel this advise is not helpful. I'm not trying to be rude but I've been to the traditional gyno doctors and tried more birth control pills, progesterone etc..then I can count and none of that has helped. I'm two years from my last surgery and my pain is back. Gyno's suggestions...IUD (no thank you..way too many scary things going on with them), a male hormone that may cause me to grow facial hair, a lupron shot that will put me in menopause (and at my age to stay on that long term has disadvantages), a hysterectomy( which isn't proven to keep my pain away for good) etc.. It's a gamble to try the naturopath but at this point I don't feel i have anything to loose.
    I can totally relate to the desire to use healing methods other than what is offered by doctors! I appreciate a doctor's ability to diagnose, but their approach to healing is not usually helpful for me.
  • MinMin97
    MinMin97 Posts: 2,674 Member
    I understand you're desperate. But, believe me, giving your money and trust to an uneducated quack is not the way forward.
    I am doubting that you are making her feel "understood."
  • Hi all,
    I was watching a program the other day and they mentioned that one of the methods the biggest loser contestant used in her final months was an infrared sauna to help speed up her metabolism. I'd never heard of it before. Anyone try it? Also, is it safe to use a sauna if you are doing a detox?
    I never know what someone means when they talk about a detox. It's really a vague term, if you think about it. Usually, these things are really harsh. I have often talked with people about these things, usually in the form of a PM. Not that I am against it, just that without more specifics, it's hard to discuss it. Also lots of reactive people in the discussion thread.

    The detox that was recommended to me was basically made of three components..You add 30drops of each to a litre of water and sip throughout the day slowly. It isn't like a colon cleanse. It's suppose to target specific organs. It's the detox kit by heel. It not suppose to create multiple bowel movements etc... I am eating throughout as I would normally do.
  • My question about the infrared sauna was just an innocent question. I really was doubtful of it's effectiveness but I was curious to hear if anyone had tried it before. I don't watch the biggest loser and only saw info on the sauna on a tv program.
  • jonnythan
    jonnythan Posts: 10,161 Member
    I understand you're desperate. But, believe me, giving your money and trust to an uneducated quack is not the way forward.
    I am doubting that you are making her feel "understood."

    I'm good at information and analysis, not diplomacy.
  • MinMin97
    MinMin97 Posts: 2,674 Member
    Hi all,
    I was watching a program the other day and they mentioned that one of the methods the biggest loser contestant used in her final months was an infrared sauna to help speed up her metabolism. I'd never heard of it before. Anyone try it? Also, is it safe to use a sauna if you are doing a detox?
    I never know what someone means when they talk about a detox. It's really a vague term, if you think about it. Usually, these things are really harsh. I have often talked with people about these things, usually in the form of a PM. Not that I am against it, just that without more specifics, it's hard to discuss it. Also lots of reactive people in the discussion thread.

    The detox that was recommended to me was basically made of three components..You add 30drops of each to a litre of water and sip throughout the day slowly. It isn't like a colon cleanse. It's suppose to target specific organs. It's the detox kit by heel. It not suppose to create multiple bowel movements etc... I am eating throughout as I would normally do.
    If you enjoy a sauna, then take one. But IMO anything you do that ends up being harsh is unnecessary. Especially if you are already logging your food and exercising.
  • jonnythan
    jonnythan Posts: 10,161 Member
    Hi all,
    I was watching a program the other day and they mentioned that one of the methods the biggest loser contestant used in her final months was an infrared sauna to help speed up her metabolism. I'd never heard of it before. Anyone try it? Also, is it safe to use a sauna if you are doing a detox?
    I never know what someone means when they talk about a detox. It's really a vague term, if you think about it. Usually, these things are really harsh. I have often talked with people about these things, usually in the form of a PM. Not that I am against it, just that without more specifics, it's hard to discuss it. Also lots of reactive people in the discussion thread.

    The detox that was recommended to me was basically made of three components..You add 30drops of each to a litre of water and sip throughout the day slowly. It isn't like a colon cleanse. It's suppose to target specific organs. It's the detox kit by heel. It not suppose to create multiple bowel movements etc... I am eating throughout as I would normally do.

    It's snake oil.
  • Ninkyou
    Ninkyou Posts: 6,666 Member
    If a regular Gyno isn't giving you what you're looking for, what about an endometriosis specialist? There's specialists all over the place that would be way more helpful that a naturopath. Also, have you been to more than one doctor? It can't hurt to go for 2nd opinions.


    But as for your original questions, the sauna will only succeed in dehydrating you. And, there's no proven medical science that 'detoxes' or 'cleanses' do anything for you. Most are just pills that are laden with diuretics and laxative effects. It's not a pretty sight.

    Good luck, though OP.
  • IVMarkIV
    IVMarkIV Posts: 116
    The only reason I ask about the detox is I have recently visited a naturapath

    Yeah, stop there. Don't go to a "naturopath" for advice on medical issues or diet. They are not trained or educated for that. They are not trained or educated for much of anything, really. The term "naturopath" is not regulated and doesn't actually mean anything.

    The advice this person is giving you is bad. Period. I'm sorry. Megadoses of vitamins will do nothing, and a "detox kit" and "detox diet" are simply scams.

    And stop referring to this person as a "doctor." (S)he is not a doctor.


    Believe me I'm not one to reach for the naturopath easily..I have have doubts of their effectiveness..BUT unless you can suggest another type of therapy or treatment that is going to help keep my endometriosis from worsening and keeping me out of surgery then I feel this advise is not helpful. I'm not trying to be rude but I've been to the traditional gyno doctors and tried more birth control pills, progesterone etc..then I can count and none of that has helped. I'm two years from my last surgery and my pain is back. Gyno's suggestions...IUD (no thank you..way too many scary things going on with them), a male hormone that may cause me to grow facial hair, a lupron shot that will put me in menopause (and at my age to stay on that long term has disadvantages), a hysterectomy( which isn't proven to keep my pain away for good) etc.. It's a gamble to try the naturopath but at this point I don't feel i have anything to loose.

    Well losing money for nothing in return is still losing. Your physician (I don't consider a "naturopath" a physician) gave you plenty of options and no treatment is without risks. There's always a benefit to risk ratio.
  • Hi all,
    I was watching a program the other day and they mentioned that one of the methods the biggest loser contestant used in her final months was an infrared sauna to help speed up her metabolism. I'd never heard of it before. Anyone try it? Also, is it safe to use a sauna if you are doing a detox?
    I never know what someone means when they talk about a detox. It's really a vague term, if you think about it. Usually, these things are really harsh. I have often talked with people about these things, usually in the form of a PM. Not that I am against it, just that without more specifics, it's hard to discuss it. Also lots of reactive people in the discussion thread.

    The detox that was recommended to me was basically made of three components..You add 30drops of each to a litre of water and sip throughout the day slowly. It isn't like a colon cleanse. It's suppose to target specific organs. It's the detox kit by heel. It not suppose to create multiple bowel movements etc... I am eating throughout as I would normally do.
    If you enjoy a sauna, then take one. But IMO anything you do that ends up being harsh is unnecessary. Especially if you are already logging your food and exercising.

    I've not the type of person to believe that I can loose weight doing crazy stuff like taking pills etc.. I've lost my weight thus far with hard work and eating right. I do enjoy the heat of the sauna. My joints feel so much better afterwards. I was honestly just curious if something was proven with saunas that i hadn't heard about. Thank you for your honest and non judgemental opinion about the naturopath. I honestly wish i didn't have to try the naturopath but again i feel my options are limited at this point. I will try a few of his recommendations and see if it decreases my pain. If it doesn't I won't waste any further money. I just feel i need to give it a try. I don't want another surgery. ;( I'm not doing the crazy detox diet..I'm not going to start another unhealthy relationship with food when i'm just making gains with what i'm doing..eating healthy and exercising
  • MinMin97
    MinMin97 Posts: 2,674 Member
    Hi all,
    I was watching a program the other day and they mentioned that one of the methods the biggest loser contestant used in her final months was an infrared sauna to help speed up her metabolism. I'd never heard of it before. Anyone try it? Also, is it safe to use a sauna if you are doing a detox?
    I never know what someone means when they talk about a detox. It's really a vague term, if you think about it. Usually, these things are really harsh. I have often talked with people about these things, usually in the form of a PM. Not that I am against it, just that without more specifics, it's hard to discuss it. Also lots of reactive people in the discussion thread.

    The detox that was recommended to me was basically made of three components..You add 30drops of each to a litre of water and sip throughout the day slowly. It isn't like a colon cleanse. It's suppose to target specific organs. It's the detox kit by heel. It not suppose to create multiple bowel movements etc... I am eating throughout as I would normally do.
    If you enjoy a sauna, then take one. But IMO anything you do that ends up being harsh is unnecessary. Especially if you are already logging your food and exercising.

    I've not the type of person to believe that I can loose weight doing crazy stuff like taking pills etc.. I've lost my weight thus far with hard work and eating right. I do enjoy the heat of the sauna. My joints feel so much better afterwards. I was honestly just curious if something was proven with saunas that i hadn't heard about. Thank you for your honest and non judgemental opinion about the naturopath. I honestly wish i didn't have to try the naturopath but again i feel my options are limited at this point. I will try a few of his recommendations and see if it decreases my pain. If it doesn't I won't waste any further money. I just feel i need to give it a try. I don't want another surgery. ;( I'm not doing the crazy detox diet..I'm not going to start another unhealthy relationship with food when i'm just making gains with what i'm doing..eating healthy and exercising
    That's great you have had success with your weight loss!! One more input from me is, I hate to say this but I really don't like male doctors for me. I may really like the doctor and think he's a good doctor and a nice person. But as for having a male doctor, they always leave me rather infuriated. A male doctor is just not the right choice for me, ever. Perhaps going to a woman would make the difference.
  • FatFreeFrolicking
    FatFreeFrolicking Posts: 4,252 Member
    The only reason I ask about the detox is I have recently visited a naturapath

    Yeah, stop there. Don't go to a "naturopath" for advice on medical issues or diet. They are not trained or educated for that. They are not trained or educated for much of anything, really. The term "naturopath" is not regulated and doesn't actually mean anything.

    The advice this person is giving you is bad. Period. I'm sorry. Megadoses of vitamins will do nothing, and a "detox kit" and "detox diet" are simply scams.

    And stop referring to this person as a "doctor." (S)he is not a doctor.


    Believe me I'm not one to reach for the naturopath easily..I have have doubts of their effectiveness..BUT unless you can suggest another type of therapy or treatment that is going to help keep my endometriosis from worsening and keeping me out of surgery then I feel this advise is not helpful. I'm not trying to be rude but I've been to the traditional gyno doctors and tried more birth control pills, progesterone etc..then I can count and none of that has helped. I'm two years from my last surgery and my pain is back. Gyno's suggestions...IUD (no thank you..way too many scary things going on with them), a male hormone that may cause me to grow facial hair, a lupron shot that will put me in menopause (and at my age to stay on that long term has disadvantages), a hysterectomy( which isn't proven to keep my pain away for good) etc.. It's a gamble to try the naturopath but at this point I don't feel i have anything to loose.

    Don't brush off naturopath. I know more people who have had success with naturopathic physicians than with traditional physicians.
  • I have several friends who have also used naturopaths with success. In the end one of two things will happen in my opinion..1. I'll have a reduction in pain and avoid further surgery at this time or 2. I'l be out a few hundred dollars and will be searching for other options. I'm willing to take that risk. I'm going to give it a few months. We have no endo specialists in the area and if i opt to cross the border to seek them I can tell you i will be spending a whole hell of a lot more money then I would be trying this naturopath because i don't have health coverage there.
  • jonnythan
    jonnythan Posts: 10,161 Member
    The only reason I ask about the detox is I have recently visited a naturapath

    Yeah, stop there. Don't go to a "naturopath" for advice on medical issues or diet. They are not trained or educated for that. They are not trained or educated for much of anything, really. The term "naturopath" is not regulated and doesn't actually mean anything.

    The advice this person is giving you is bad. Period. I'm sorry. Megadoses of vitamins will do nothing, and a "detox kit" and "detox diet" are simply scams.

    And stop referring to this person as a "doctor." (S)he is not a doctor.


    Believe me I'm not one to reach for the naturopath easily..I have have doubts of their effectiveness..BUT unless you can suggest another type of therapy or treatment that is going to help keep my endometriosis from worsening and keeping me out of surgery then I feel this advise is not helpful. I'm not trying to be rude but I've been to the traditional gyno doctors and tried more birth control pills, progesterone etc..then I can count and none of that has helped. I'm two years from my last surgery and my pain is back. Gyno's suggestions...IUD (no thank you..way too many scary things going on with them), a male hormone that may cause me to grow facial hair, a lupron shot that will put me in menopause (and at my age to stay on that long term has disadvantages), a hysterectomy( which isn't proven to keep my pain away for good) etc.. It's a gamble to try the naturopath but at this point I don't feel i have anything to loose.

    Don't brush off naturopath. I know more people who have had success with naturopathic physicians than with traditional physicians.

    Is that your opinion and experience as a health professional with parents who have traditional-type jobs in the medical industry?
  • I honestly don't see a need for you to be challenging her response to my post. Just like you, she has an opinion. I get it, you don't like naturopaths and you think they are a waste of money and time. Please lets all be kind to each other. Everyone has different experiences and opinions. Thank you for yours, but please don't make this thread into a war of words like i see so many other post. ;) Have a good day.
  • Ophidion
    Ophidion Posts: 2,065 Member
    I currently reside in Australia and of the opinion there are no doubt capable naturopaths who are well versed in science, nutrition, medicine etc but it is an issue of doing your research and finding a reputable one who goes beyond anecdotal science and personal bias...like there are many people on mfp who are much more knowledgeable about nutrition than a lot of GPs I have meet but have no credentials as such.

    The problem in my country is there is no real regulation when it comes to the competency of people who call themselves naturopaths.

    The last naturopathic workforce survey found that 10 per cent of naturopaths had no qualifications whatsoever. This is where the quackery really comes from.

    And this doesn’t just mean training in naturopathy but in basic health sciences as well.

    One of the largest risks from naturopathy comes not from what practitioners will do to you, but rather what they don’t do – namely referring to another practitioner when the condition is serious, beyond their scope or they are not getting results. Recognizing these red flag situations requires minimum standards of education.

    However, in the eyes of the public these practitioners are already legitimate. They simply enjoy this legitimacy without any responsibility or accountability. Refusing to regulate them on principle is just dangerous.

    It is undeniable that there is a lot of quackery in naturopathy – as there is in any unregulated profession. But there are in fact a number of therapies utilised by naturopaths that have a growing and promising evidence base. The real problem is training. Although some four-year degree programs exist in naturopathy, there is no actual barrier to practise. That means that you could hang up a shingle as a naturopath and begin seeing patients tomorrow.

    ETA: Sorry to derail your thread OP.:flowerforyou: