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[00:00:00] Jenny Swisher: Welcome friends to this episode of the Sync Your Life podcast. Today we’re diving into the topic of infrared saunas and red light therapy for hormone health. There are so many biohacks out there these days for improving our overall health. Things like cold plunging, infrared saunas, cryotherapy, and even IV bars that are popping up all over the place.

[00:01:16] Jenny Swisher: And I’m telling you, I am here for it. I have been intrigued by this concept of biohacking for quite some time, and I can completely get behind all the little things that make massive improvements in our energy and performance. I’ve said it before on the podcast, but it’s worth saying again, I am all about the longevity.

[00:01:32] Jenny Swisher: So today we’re going to be talking about infrared saunas and also red light therapy and how they benefit our hormone health. Let’s start with what is an infrared sauna? Well, an infrared sauna uses infrared heaters to emit infrared light experienced as radiant heat, which is absorbed by the surface of our skin.

[00:01:50] Jenny Swisher: In a traditional sauna, the air around you is heated to generate more heat in your body. For people like me who can’t tolerate the high heat from actual saunas, infrared saunas are a great option. As a POTS sufferer myself, high heat temperatures get a little tricky for me in those environments, but infrared is so much better.

[00:02:08] Jenny Swisher: According to Dr. Jolene Brighton, there are many health benefits to infrared saunas for hormones. Now this includes reducing inflammation, improving relaxation and stress relief, support for cognitive function and brain health, and more. Detoxification and removal of toxins through increased sweating, pain relief and improved tissue recovery, improved blood circulation, boost in cardiovascular health, and improved skin texture and reduced signs of aging.

[00:02:36] Jenny Swisher: In other words, by reducing inflammation, relieving stress and promoting relaxation, and helping the body detoxify, this has some mega health benefits. We know that with our hormones as women, we need all of these things, especially as we age. And an infrared sauna is a one stop shop for helping all of these areas.

[00:02:54] Jenny Swisher: Now there are some tips for those of you who are maybe first time infrared sauna users. Number one is to go slow. Start with maybe just five or ten minutes at a time before you slowly lengthen your amount of time. Also, as women, it’s important to understand the time of your cycle in which you’re using the sauna.

[00:03:11] Jenny Swisher: When progesterone is high in the second half of the cycle, our body temperature is elevated. So too long in a sauna can actually be counterproductive on our bodies. I like to stick to 30 minutes at a time max in the follicular phase and more like 10 to 15 minutes max in luteal phase. But again, every woman is unique.

[00:03:28] Jenny Swisher: Another key to using the infrared sauna is proper hydration. Now it goes without saying, but making sure you’re getting the right electrolytes, especially when you’re losing fluids, we’ve gotta replenish those fluids, right? So sip on your favorite electrolyte mix while you’re in the sauna or before and after to make sure that you’re replenishing those fluid stores.

[00:03:44] I will link up for you in the show notes, my favorite electrolyte mix in case you’re interested. Finally, make sure you’re showering pretty immediately after using the sauna. This is something that I see most women forget as toxins pull up on our skin through sweat.

[00:03:58] Jenny Swisher: Not washing them off in a timely manner means that they may just reabsorb. So give yourself a good rinse right after the sauna each time. For those of us who don’t have an infrared sauna in our homes, although there are some creative ways nowadays that people are doing this, red light therapy is a great option that seems to be much more doable for many.

[00:04:15] Jenny Swisher: I myself love the Lux therapy light. I actually had the founder Tony Kobiak on the podcast way back in the early days of the show. I’ll link that up for you in the show notes in case you haven’t heard it, but Lux therapy lights come as a portable light. In fact, mine is right here under my desk as we speak.

[00:04:30] Jenny Swisher: And it makes for a great option while you’re in the comfort of your own home. It’s also great for people like me who don’t tolerate the high heat of the full sauna so well. I like to place mine on my face or just target it at the front of my body for maybe 10 or 15 minutes at a time. I like to do it while doing yoga or stretching or even just working at my desk.

[00:04:48] Jenny Swisher: So what are the health benefits of red light therapy as it pertains to hormones? Is it just as beneficial as an infrared sauna? Well, red light therapy is known to help balance cortisol levels. In fact, it’s been shown to reduce cortisol levels and help promote relaxation. It has also become known for enhancing melatonin production, which is our sleep hormone.

[00:05:07] Jenny Swisher: Evidence is starting to arise within the testosterone world that it can actually help boost natural testosterone as well, which by the way, yes, women have testosterone too. It can also regulate estrogen levels and even improve thyroid function. So whether or not you’re someone who has access to an infrared sauna full out, or if you’re just looking to make some changes with something portable, like a lux therapy light, either can be hugely beneficial.

[00:05:31] Jenny Swisher: I will make sure to link up for you my favorite light, this Lux therapy light and the discount code for that in the show notes for you. But friends, biohacking is becoming popular for a reason. It’s not just a fad. It’s something that truly can give us benefit when it’s used correctly. In my opinion, things like red light therapy and cold towels after workouts in our luteal phase and cycle syncing, these are all ways to improve our energy and that’s really what it’s all about.

[00:05:55] Jenny Swisher: Speaking of cycle syncing, we are just one week from launching the Sync Fitness Program. We launched it one week ago and the feedback that we’re hearing is incredible. So much goodness, people are loving Kelsey, the workouts, the meal plans, all of it. So if you have not grabbed your copy yet, you can visit sync.

[00:06:10] Jenny Swisher: jennyswisher. com slash fitness for more information. You do get lifetime access to the program. You can access it anywhere and everywhere from your phone, computer, or television. I absolutely love this program and it’s doing so many great things for so many women. So that is sync. jennyswisher. com slash fitness.

[00:06:26] Jenny Swisher: All right, my friends. Well, I hope this has helped you. If nothing else, encourage you to put a red light on your want list for your next birthday or holiday. But I’m telling you that this is something that can make a true difference. I love sitting in front of my red light each and every day, even if it’s just for a few moments of relaxation.

[00:06:41] Jenny Swisher: I’m just a reset to really wind myself down and feel that warmth. I especially love it in the cold weather months, but I use it every single day. So this is beneficial information for you and all of your friends. Please share this out as always. And thank you so much for tuning in friends. We’ll talk soon.

[00:06:56] Jenny Swisher: Bye bye.