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Interesting article that informs us about the benefits of photobiomodulation in health. According to information from Dr. Mercola, saunas include better cardiovascular fitness and fewer cases of all-cause mortality, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of dementia, more optimal mental health, better immune function, greater athletic endurance, less inflammation , stem cell activation, increased insulin sensitivity, and fewer stress hormones

In this review, we present evidence showing that near-infrared light, both present in sunlight, could explain associations between sunlight exposure and better health. Body irradiation with red and near infrared light or photobiomodulation (PBM), has shown beneficial effects in chronic diseases.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568163720302245 (2020)

PBM is gaining more recognition in the medical field for the treatment of diseases from arthritis to Parkinson's with its ability to repair and stimulate regeneration mechanisms, based on stem cell properties such as self-renewal and multilineage differentiation capacity .

The photobiomodulator (PBM) in cells and tissues, contributing to a targeted modulation of cell behaviors, improving tissue repair processes can induce cell proliferation and improve stem cell differentiation to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, in parallel to the improvement of healing and tissue repair processes. The application of these properties was used and observed in the treatment of various diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, brain damage, spinal cord damage, dermatological conditions, oral irritation and in different areas of dentistry.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7356229/ (2020)

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Photobiomodulation therapy can manipulate the plasticity and secretome (they secrete cytokines and receptors that are capable of modifying the immune microenvironment) of bone marrow-derived multipotent mesenchymal cells (MSC) to turn them into an extraordinary anti-inflammatory and osteogenic tool. which extends to conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, immunological disorders and various forms of osteopenia. MSCs are a source of interest due to their self-renewal capacity, giving rise to three different progenies: osteoblasts, chondrocytes and adipocytes. The functional decline of bone marrow-derived MSCs in aging is supported by compromised mitochondrial metabolism due to telomere attrition.

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20417314221110192 (2022)

PBM effectively mitigates mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis, all of which are inherent in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Preliminary studies suggest the benefits of PBM in multiple diseases, including CKD. This review will provide a concise summary of the underlying mechanisms of action of PBM and its potential therapeutic effects on CKD.

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/14/8043/htm (2022)

Molecular hydrogen maintains genomic stability, mitigates cellular senescence and telomere maintenance, inflammation, and regulates the nutrient-sensing mTOR system, autophagy, apoptosis, and mitochondria, which are factors related to aging as disorders neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, diabetes and cancer. Concomitant treatment with H 2 and PBM for one week significantly improved Parkinson's Disease Unified Rating Scale scores.

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2022/2249749/ (2022)

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Perspectives on photobiomodulation and combined light-based therapies for the rehabilitation of patients after recovery from COVID-19. PBM has shown promising results in reducing acute lung inflammation. Considering the high potential impact of PBM on immune responses. PBM could be an effective treatment modality for the management of ARDS in patients with COVID-19.

In one case report, PBMT modulated the immune system, reduced inflammation and edema, and stimulated healing processes, while being noninvasive, cost-effective, and with no known side effects. The authors accepted the request for further controlled clinical trials to further investigate the outcomes of PBMT on the outcome of severe cases of COVID-19.

A review study was conducted to assess the direct effect of PBM on acute lung inflammation or ARDS and also to speed up the regeneration of damaged tissues. Indirect effects of PBM in modulating the immune system, increasing blood flow and oxygenation in other tissues were also considered.

Major cytokines in the pathophysiology of COVID-19, including IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, responded positively to PBM therapy, opening a new window to inhibit and control a cytokine storm in just 3 to 10 days. .

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7449510/ (2020)

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10103-020-03206-9 (2021)

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043466620303288 (2021)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9304695/ (2022)

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1612-202X/ac52f5/meta (2022)

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I've used a red light therapy device for a couple of years (has both near infrared and red light spectrum). There are many high-powered devices, but I found the least expensive, but very high-powered one was at this company redtherapy.co/.../redrush-360-light

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Dr. Mercola said you can swap out a 15 amp breaker for a 20 amp breaker. Yes, you can, but if the 15 amp breaker is running 14 ga wire, you can burn your house down. Be careful what you say about residential electrical circuits. 20 amp breakers need 12 ga wire to handle the load.

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Good to know, thanks! A few years ago I had a dedicated circuit installed for a treadmill that I never bought. Not sure what gauge the wire is. My house was built in 1954, so I doubt that my electric wires are 12 gauge.

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I was intrigued by the EMF connection, so I got an EMF detector. I've had fun around the house and neighborhood finding emitters. But as a long time fan of sauna benefits, I go to my gym for a workout and about 20 minute session in their sauna 3 or 4 times every week. So I took my tester to the gym and measured it. Short version -- low EMF at my gym.

Sauna is 10 ft by 15 ft, with a heater behind a wooden fence in one corner, about 2 feet cube. Benches L shaped from the heater fence around to the opposite wall from the heater. Thermometer near the ceiling measures steady 180F. EMF readings showed 0.00 E field and H field throughout the room except very near the heater fence showing 1 or 2 volts per meter (E) and 0 (H) at waist level and above, but rising much higher approaching the floor. Goes back to 0 when I back away a foot or two.

I'm guessing the metal structure shields the occupants from most of the EMF likely generated by this powerful toaster.

Your sauna might be different, so it's worth asking your provider, or do your own test. I got a simple tester from Amazon for about $40. Seems to work well at low frequencies in household and gym appliances.

Sauna has many benefits and no one should avoid what's available for unconfirmed to risks. I like Dr Mercola's discussions of it, but I wrote about it in my substack last winter. Not that being first matters, but I showed a different perspective.

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So I get the EMF thing (& I have a faraday cage on my smart meter, on the outside wall that I sleep against), but it seems like they're saying that the electric fields need to be measured as well. Wonder what the electric fields would be in your gym's sauna? Also, thanks for mentioning your substack -- I found it & subscribed.

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Electromagnetic fields are created by electrons. Accumulate a bunch of them and you get voltage, which emits radiation called E field. Connect those electrons to a lower voltage and a current flows, which creates radiation called the H field. Switch the current back and forth and you get radiation at radio frequencies called RF field. They are all components of the electromagnetic field, or EMF, interrelated by various mathematical principles. They're fine if they're doing useful work, like cooking or cooling or powering our computers. But they all affect us and other living things in various ways. We haven't figured out a lot of those effects, but we have a lot of circumstantial evidence they're closely associated with a lot of undesirable medical conditions. For now, it seems reasonable to consider them all equally bad and seek to reduce them in our environment.

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Thanks - I had similar I lost track of ... mine will likely be a combo... still researching.

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Ok this scared me, having second thoughts on the saunaspace bulbs.

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More on this article from hightechhealth.com (above from Bob) scaring me about NIR (AKA Infared-A). First, I note the authors of the article are selling Far IR saunas. They talk about the pros and cons of Near IR. For the Pros, they acknowledge the photobiomodulation and hormetic effect. For the Cons, they state three concerns, each with links to studies. They say that habitual use of NIR is linked to Cataracts, aging of the skin, and cancer. For me based on Dr. Mercola's article I ended up buying the saunaspace 4 bulb NIR device (waiting for delivery) and am in the process of making my own sauna enclosure with wood and organic canvas, etc... This instead of buying saunaspace's $4K complete sauna. And I talked with the Saunaspace people a few times and they insisted that eye protection in their NIR sauna is not necessary. I'd love for Dr. Mercola to provide insight to hopefully clear up the three above concerns.

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Dr. Mercola does not pronounce Sauna properly, with our Finish, but that's okay. The traditional Finish sauna has over a century of experience - though not near-infrared the users were out in the fields daily for sun. My experience was joyful - getting the toxins out at 170+F degrees of air temp - and the muscle relaxation. None the less I'm likely to convert my FAR soon.

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What about if we are in a smaller home and don't have room for a sauna? What about the small incandescent Infrared lamps you see on Amazon etc.. Are they helpful when shown on the body?

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Don't know about that, but Radiant Health Saunas has a 1-person unit that's 3' x 3', easy to assemble & disassemble as needed. According to Matt at certifiedsaunas.com, the Far Infrared is better, & it also has near & mid somehow. I don't know what to believe anymore, lol, have gotten SO many different views on it, including from Robyn Openshaw (aka Green Smoothie Girl)!! Will keep researching for now.

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Read this article, thinking about buying one of the saunaspace complete IR sauna. There is a 15% sale today only... Dr M says that the area of improvement that needs to happen to this EMF free wonderful solution, is for them to increase the internal temperature of the space, and shares that they could do that adding via a 3 more of the same IR lamps from Saunaspace into the enclosure. I just talked to Saunaspace and they confirmed that the air temp, at chest level sitting down reaches 130 degrees. That being far short of the approx 170 F degree in Finish saunas that provide the heat shock effect. And they confirmed that the extra 3 bulbs would boost it up to 170 or more degrees. The saunaspace person today said that the internal temperature of a person in a Finish sauna at 175 degrees would increase by 2-3 degrees. And they said that although their existing Saunaspace only climbed to a temperature to 130 degrees, internally the user would, via the Near IR, experience the same 2-3 increase in internal temperature. Thus attaining the same effect. I then found what looks to be a credible source of Finnish sauna users internal increase in temperature and it also said they measured 2-3 degrees increase in internal temperature. This information would indicate to me that the standard 4 bulbs in a saunaspace enclosure would be sufficient to get the heat shock effect. ( plus the Near-IR photobiomodulation effect). I'd love Dr M's insight on this.

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May 9·edited May 9

I too hope that is the case. I have a closet that would comfortably hold the four-light panel and the stool.

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Dec 16, 2022·edited Dec 16, 2022

Just when I'd decided I was going to buy a Full Spectrum sauna, I watch this!! I've been sold on sauna for several years, but didn't know which one to buy...so was holding off on buying one until I knew for sure which would be best. I'd gotten this interview on a Mercola email, a few months ago, but hadn't watched the whole thing. I also watched his interview with Dr. Rhonda Patrick (if I remember correctly, he interviewed her). Again, didn't watch the whole thing. I had recently watched a sauna webinar that Robyn Openshaw (Green Smoothie Girl) did, & became sold on the Full Spectrum by Sunlighten -- the Amplify models which reach 170 degrees. And while I trust Robyn's opinions & advice (I take her liquid Ultimate Minerals 2x day, & can tell they've helped me!), I also trust Dr. Mercola's opinions & advice (& have taken some of his supps for years)!

So now I'm likely to do a 180 & go with THIS type of sauna! I'm 67, & have some arthritis in my hips, hands, disc degeneration in my neck...things that I believe sauna can help with. I haven't cleaned up my diet as I should, so also need to do that. I saved the .pdf of the transcript, so will read back through parts of it to make sure I really understand. Will also read from the Sauna Space site's info.

Am REALLY glad I took the time to watch this interview!

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Mercola mentions drinking water half an hour before....containing electrolytes, glycine, and hydroxybuterate? Did anyone else hear what he said, and where this supplement can be found?

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Don't know if you ever got your answer, but I just ran across your question & went back & found the pdf of the transcript of this video. Here's the two paragraphs that deal with your question. Hope it helps!

Dr. Joseph Mercola:

One is we actually came out with an electrolyte pack, powder pack, and I used two of those, put them in a quart of water. I add a little glycine, a little monk fruit. Usually I'm doing this before workouts, or I do a workout before. So, I use a little hydroxymethylbutyrate. I drink that quart about – I try to finish it at least a half hour before, maybe an hour before I do the sauna. So, it has enough time for the water to get into my cells.

Dr. Joseph Mercola:

Then the other thing I use, and I want you to talk about that. The electrolytes and the minerals and the frequency, but then also is the aspect of protecting your head, which you referenced earlier. You don't really want it to get too hot. So, I went to Amazon, and I found a little cap. It's a wraparound piece of a device that Velcro to the top of your head. You put in the freezer and it's got these little gel packs in there that freezes up. So, it really keeps your head cool when you're in sauna.

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Aug 22, 2023·edited Dec 8, 2023

I realize we are an exclusive group that reads these pieces on Substack. I thought I would add my experience about using two light panels for a total of 7 bulbs.

I used the non-EMF-blocking Luminati sauna with the 4-light panel for a 30 minute session, broken out across twelve 2 and 1/2 minute rotations (90-degree turns). (So that's three full rotations). I didn't start really sweating until the third rotation. I would not call the session a heavy sweat, but a definite sweat.

I just added an additional 3-light panel, for a total of 7 lights. I am presently doing a 16-minute session, broken out across eight 2-minute rotations, with a 50-second warmup to get situated and to "seal" the enclosure. At the end I am drenched in sweat. Those last four minutes are bit of a challenge, but well worth it!

I don't even know yet whether I am going to increase the length of each 90-degree rotation. I'm not sure it is necessary. I feel like I'm getting the therapeutic effect at 16 minutes. Definitely worth adding the additional 3-light panel. (And I think I'm one of the only people who isn't getting some sort of compensation to write this). I hate the expense, but I do think they delivered on the feedback Dr. Mercola gave them about getting it hotter.

*update* - I used an oven thermometer today. With the two-panel 7-bulb setup, the Saunaspace temperature is 172 degrees after 12 minutes in a room with ambient temperature of 70 degrees. No wonder I'm dripping in sweat after 16 and 1/2 minutes!

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I’ve had a Heavenly Heat infrared sauna for over 10 years and it can heat up to 160+. We have never tried to go much higher than that but now we may try!

They are made without glues, plywood or stains which are important especially for those who are chemically sensitive.

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If we can excrete out plastics using near infrared sauna, is it possible to excrete estrogen the same way? I’m having problems using progesterone as I’m not excreting the estrogen.

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