EVOLUTION OF CHEMICAL PRODUCTION

Since the introduction of regulations on chemical production in 1976, there has been a lot of development and research within the chemical industry. The use of chemicals in manufactured products increased and thus the dangers of chemicals increased. Furthermore, the chemical manufacturing process and regulation began to evolve in response to the increased danger.

Beginning of Chemical Industry Regulations

In 1976, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was passed by Congress, and it’s administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). TSCA regulates the introduction of both new and existing chemicals. Its three main objectives are to assess and regulate new commercial chemicals before they enter the market, regulate already existing chemicals that pose an unreasonable risk to our health and environment, and regulate these chemicals’ distribution and use.

Since the TSCA inauguration over 40 years ago, only nine chemicals have been banned (out of the over 80,000 on the US market!). While TSCA is good in theory, the law has not been significantly updated and has faced criticism as not doing enough.

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Banned Chemicals

Below is a brief evolution of the banned chemical production we have seen since TSCA’s implementation:

1976 – TSCA launched

1978 – Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) were banned because of their toxicity to humans, animals, and some plants. PCBs were used mainly in electrical equipment, transformers, and hydraulics.

1978 – Fully Halogenated Chlorofluoroalkanes were banned because they deplete the ozone layer. This chemical was used in aerosol sprays, AC units, refrigeration, and insulation.

1980 – Dioxins were banned because they were shown to cause cancer. They were used in some herbicides.

1984 – Nitrates mixed with various components such as triethanolamine salts of substituted organic acid because they were shown to cause cancer and were found in metalworking fluids.

1989 – Asbestos, found in insulation and used in the construction of cars and ships, was banned for being risk factor for mesothelioma.

1990 – Hexavalent Chromium, which was found in paint for cars, boats, and planes, was banned because it was linked to cancer.

How Does The Chemical Evolution Affect You?

It’s disconcerting to think that today’s chemicals on the US market are manufactured at a rate of more than 1 million pounds annually and that only about 1% of these chemicals have been tested for safety. Because of this disparity, it is more crucial than ever to take care of your body.

Until EPA and governmental agencies take testing more seriously within the chemical industry, it is up to us to take control of the health of our bodies, our children, and our environment.

Detoxification is one way to help your body cleanse the many toxins that come from our environment, food, and household items. There are many ways to detox, including eating healthy or doing a short green juice cleanse, regular exercise, and sweating in a sauna.

View our eBook, Total Wellness, for more in-depth information and to see some of our favorite detox recipes and tips!

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TOP 10 MAJOR TOXIC CHEMICALS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

We are being exposed to more toxic chemicals that can do serious harm, or even permanent harm, to our bodies. Let’s look at the top 10 toxic chemicals and what you need to know about each of them.

1. Phthalates

Most products with synthetic fragrance, such as air fresheners, dish soap, laundry detergent, perfumes, and colognes contain phthalates. In short, anything that doesn’t have a natural scent is suspect. Phthalates are also found in plastic bottles, vinyl flooring, shower curtains, cosmetics, pharmaceutical drugs, and even some foods.

What they do: Phthalates have been linked to birth defects, cancer, ADHD, thyroid dysfunction, and other serious conditions. They are considered endocrine disruptors, which are chemicals that are capable of influencing the body’s hormone systems and can produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and animals.

What you can do: Read labels on your home care products, cosmetics, and perfumes. Choose ones that only use natural fragrances or are labeled as “no fragrance/fragrance-free.” Develop the sense of smell to distinguish between fake scents and natural ones, and avoid products with “fake” smells. 

2. Bisphenol-A

Bisphenol-A, or BPAs, are commonly found in polycarbonate plastic containers, epoxy resins, food container liners, plastic bottles, and packaging. Studies have shown that food containers with BPA (and even some containers labeled BPA-free) can degrade when microwaved and release BPA into the food that is then ingested.

What it does:

BPA is a synthetic estrogen, and an endocrine disruptor. BPA in the body has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and fertility problems.

What you can do:

Avoid plastic bottles and containers and switch to stainless steel and glass. Never heat plastic containers in the microwave, and look for “BPA-free” containers when plastic can’t be avoided. Avoid canned food, opting for fresh or frozen instead.

3. Oxybenzone

Oxybenzone is a chemical used in some sunscreen, lip balm, lipstick, moisturizers, and nail polish.

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What it does: Oxybenzone may block harmful UV rays, but it has also been linked to endocrine disruption and cancer. It has also been known to cause coral reef die-off in some oceans.

What you can do: Read labels and avoid this ingredient. Find a sunscreen that uses zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, or other safe sun blockers.

4. Heavy Metals

Heavy metals, like cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead, and arsenic are ubiquitous in our world. They can be found in the air, water, dust, foods, paint, dyes, and many other sources.

What they do: Heavy metals are toxic for a number of reasons. For example, cadmium is linked to lung inflammation after acute exposure and lung cancer with chronic exposure. Short-term exposure to mercury can cause diarrhea, fever, and vomiting, while long-term exposure can cause neurotic disorders, tremors, and kidney disorders.

What you can do: Always eat organic food, filter or distill your drinking water, and install a good HEPA air cleaner in your home. Only eat approved fish and others sparingly. Quit smoking and use an infrared sauna at least three times a week to detox regularly. Be aware of arsenic in rice and consume low-arsenic varieties. 

5. Flame Retardants (DECA & PBDEs)

Flame retardants are routinely added to furniture, fabrics, plastics, insulation, and many other materials found in our homes. They are comprised of a collection of chemicals and PBDEs that are chemically similar to toxic chemicals that were banned under the Stockholm Convention.

What they do: Flame retardants have been linked to cancer, learning disabilities, lower IQs, hormone disruption, and reduced fertility.

What you can do: Flame retardants are especially harmful to young children, who may ingest flame retardant dust that has settled on carpets and other surfaces in the home. Toddlers have been found to have four or five times the level of these chemicals in their bodies compared to their mothers. To avoid this, make sure children wash their hands regularly, and dust in the home should be cleaned by mopping and vacuuming. When buying new home products, check to make sure they don’t have these toxic chemicals added. 

6. VOCs

VOCs are organic compounds that turn into gases or vapors. These can be found in polluted air and around the home. VOCs are released from cars, burning fireplaces, burning natural gas, dry cleaning, and solvents from paints and glues.

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What they do: The harm caused by VOCs can vary, depending on the chemicals involved. Benzene and formaldehyde, for example, are VOCs that are known cancer-causing chemicals. Repeated exposure to VOCs can also cause lung and kidney cancers, as well as neurological disorders.

What you can do: Avoid anything with a sharp “chemical” smell and cigarette smoke. Use low-VOC paints, and eco-friendly glues and furniture wax. Try to purchase and use only natural fiber carpets, clothing, and furnishings. Use only “eco-safe” cleaning supplies. 

7. Dioxin

Dioxin is a highly-toxic carcinogen, made up of a group of chemicals that remain present while traveling up the food chain. Dioxins are associated with waste incineration, coal-fired power plants, pesticides, and cigarette smoking.

What they do: Dioxins have been linked to reproductive and developmental problems, lung cancer, increased risk of diabetes and heart disease, hormone disruption, and liver damage.

What you can do: Be aware of hazardous waste site incinerators in your area and stay away from them. Symptoms of dioxin contact can include burning of the eyes and throat, blurred vision, dizziness, muscle pain, and vomiting. Consult with your doctor if you think you have come in contact with dioxins. 

8. Pesticides

Pesticides are found in many products and are designed to keep weeds, fungi, insects, and rodents away.

What they do: These chemicals can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, and prolonged, persistent exposure can cause cancer, birth defects, and neurological disorders.

What you can do: Research any bug, weed, or fungi treatment before bringing it into your home or garden. This includes bug repellant, flea and tick sprays, and algaecides for the swimming pool. Always buy organic food and filter your drinking water to avoid ingesting pesticides that contaminate groundwater. 

9. Perfluorooctanoic Acid

Perfluorooctanoic Acid, or PFOA, has been used in the US to manufacture stain-resistant carpets and fabrics and non-stick pots and pans. PFOA is found in low levels in the entire general US population.

What it does: PFOA remains in the environment for quite some time, as it does not break down easily. It can be found in the dust, air, and soil, and can also be ingested through food and water. PFOA has been linked to thyroid disease, testicular and kidney cancer, preeclampsia, and high cholesterol.

What you can do: Avoid using coated pans, and switch to cast iron or other safer cooking vessels. If you believe your health has been compromised by PFOA, contact your doctor or call the Poison Control Center. 

10. Radon

Radon is a radioactive, odorless, colorless gas that comes out of the ground in areas that have high levels of decaying uranium.

What it does: Radon causes 50% of all the lung cancer deaths in the US. Even minimal exposure carries the same risk as smoking a half a pack of cigarettes a day.

What to do: Radon detection kits can be purchased online or in stores for less than $20. Radon detection meters are also available online and start at around $200.

Keeping your home and family safe from hazardous chemicals may seem impossible, but small steps will help you avoid these top 10 major toxic chemicals. To learn more about the significance of toxic chemicals, and a multitude of other factors and habits that impact our bodies wellness, view or download the new Total Wellness ebook.

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DEFINING OBESOGENS: THE CHEMICALS IMPACT & PRESENCE IN THE HOUSEHOLD

Obesogens are present in a number of things people touch, use, eat off of and drink out of on a daily basis, all of which have a seriously detrimental effect on the body. These compounds can be blamed for hormonal imbalances, metabolism issues and more.

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Let’s learn what obesogens are, how they affect our bodies, and where they can be found. Then, you can take educated steps to avoid them!

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What are Obesogens?

Obesogens are foreign chemical compounds that can lead to obesity. They generally disrupt normal development, hormonal balances, fat storage, and your metabolism. Obesogenic chemicals can also disrupt energy balance and modify the regulation of appetite and the feeling of being full. This can lead to overeating and, in turn, obesity.

There are both pharmaceutical obesogens and environmental obesogens. Scientists have continued to study the impact of these compounds.

How do Obesogens Impact the Body?

Different obesogens impact the body in a variety of ways, including:

  • Increasing the number and/or size of fat cells
  • Affecting the body’s regulation of hunger and fullness
  • Changing metabolism by storing calories as fat

While the main causes of obesity are still imbalances in energy levels and improper diets, the school of thought surrounding obesogens continues to grow. In addition to the calorie-in-calorie-out equation of weight gain and today’s increasingly unhealthy food choices, the chemicals in your home, work, and the world may have an impact on your weight.

Different Kinds of Obesogens

There are more than 800,000 chemicals in the US, and about 800 of these are identified as endocrine disruptors (chemicals that interfere with the body’s hormone system). Below are the most common obesogenic chemicals that may be found in and around your home:

  • Tributyltin (TBT) – TBT is a compound that used to be widely used in marine paints because of its biocide properties, which limits the growth of organisms on a ship’s hull. It has since been banned because it has been shown to harm other marine life, but it can still be found in some household fungicides and disinfectants.
  • Phthalates – Phthalates can be found in many plastics and beauty care items, including clay, paint, bottles, makeup, nail polish, hair spray, and many more. Although the dangers of phthalates are becoming more publicized, they can still be found in everyday household items. Lawmakers are trying to force more producers to use non-phthalate plasticizers.
  • Organochlorines – Organochlorines have a variety of uses, from pesticides to electronics manufacturing. Simply, they contain at least one chlorine atom and some of these compounds have a profound environmental concern.
  • Bisphenol A (BPA) – BPA is used to make many plastics and epoxy resins, and scientists have found it to be a xenoestrogen, meaning that is exhibits estrogen-mimicking, hormone-like properties. This could be one reason why some consider it an obesogen because our hormones play a role in weight regulation.
  • Organobromines – Organobromine compounds are often used in flame-retardant products and while some are naturally-occurring, they are mostly synthetic and their safety has fallen under increased scrutiny recently due to their environmental impact.
  • Perfluorooctanoic Acid – Perfluorooctanoic acid’s most notable use is serving as the compound on non-stick cookware. It has shown to be a carcinogen and toxicant for both animals and humans. It can also be found in stain-resistant carpet and carpet cleaners, and microwave popcorn bags!
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  • Organophosphates – Organophosphates are most commonly found in today’s commercial insecticides and herbicides and recent studies suggest a link between this compound and adverse neurobehavioral development in fetuses and children.
  • Heavy Metals (Including Cadmium, Arsenic, and Lead) – We’ve long known the danger of metals like arsenic and lead, but often these metals are still used in mining processes, fertilizer, plastics, and wood preservatives.

This is just a short list of the over 800 endocrine disruptors that can lead to obesity. As a responsible parent, homeowner, and citizen of the world, look out for these Obesogenic chemicals and avoid them when possible. To learn more about the significance of obesogenic chemicals, and a multitude of other factors and habits that impact our bodies wellness, download the Total Wellness ebook.

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STANDARD AMERICAN DIET (SAD) FACTS – THE SAD TRUTH BY THE NUMBERS

Our bodies are finely-tuned machines and run off the food, exercise, and sleep we give them. Because of that, proper nutrition is the building block of our health and everything, from how we feel to how we look, is determined by our food choices. Unfortunately, many Americans prioritize convenience over health, which can lead to an unbalanced, unhealthy diet. The Standard American Diet infographic shows we consume more added sugar, saturated fats, and sodium than our bodies know what to do with.

Just take a look at the numbers from the National Cancer Institute:

  • 3 out of 4 Americans don’t eat a single piece of fruit in a day
  • 9 out of 10 don’t reach the minimum recommended intake of vegetables
  • 96% don’t reach the minimum for greens in a week
  • We eat 610 calories a day of grain products, and only 206 calories a day of fruits and veggies

Standard American Diet Infographic

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It’s no wonder that the Standard American Diet is contributing to diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, heart disease, high cholesterol, and more. So how should we reshape our diets to give our bodies the fuel they need to thrive? See the Reshape Your Diet Tips below.

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Improve Your Diet with Clean Food

The idiom “you are what you eat” holds true in many cases. If you feed your body strong, healthy food, you will be strong and healthy. Below are some guidelines of how to make clean, healthy food choices:

When Possible, Eat Organic

By eating organic produce, you limit your exposure to toxic chemicals. It’s much easier to avoid chemicals now than figure out how to get rid of them later.

Stay on the Outside of the Grocery Store

A good rule of thumb is to shop the perimeter of the grocery store, where most of the fresh food is found. Generally, the outside of grocery stores have all the fresh produce, dairy, and meat, while the aisles are stocked with processed picks.

Eat More Plant-Based Foods

Focus on eating fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, and other non-processed foods. These foods are full of healthy nutrients and can help prolong your life and guard you against disease.

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Use Healthy Oils When Cooking

Not all oils are created equal. The World Health Organization recommends cooking with unsaturated fats, such as olive or coconut oil, rather than saturated or trans fats, such as hydrogenated oils. Also, make sure you don’t let the oil smoke while cooking. When oil starts to smoke, toxic fumes are released. This process produces free radicals, which can cause cancer and are generally harmful to our health.

Train Your Taste Buds

Did you know that you can actually train your taste buds to enjoy eating healthier? We crave the diet we are accustomed to, so teach your tongue and brain to love healthy choices. By exchanging one unhealthy meal for a healthy diet choice a day, you will be well on your way to conquering the detrimental health effects of the Standard American Diet.

Learn more about healthy eating and living a balanced life in our Total Wellness eBook.

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10 SELF-CARE TIPS: HOW TO IMPROVE HEALTH & WELLNESS IN THE NEW YEAR

Spending time in a sauna tends to make people happier and healthier versions of themselves, and that’s a New Year’s resolution worth keeping! Let’s look at ten ways to make you a better “you!”

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The New Year is right around the corner, and every day up until the ball drops provides us with the opportunity to make positive and healthy choices in life. From emphasizing the concept of mindfulness in all you do to focusing inward and making self-care a priority in your life, there is no doubt that the connection between being a “better version of you” and taking care of yourself is real. Let’s take a look at how to be a better you in the New Year, including 10 unique ways to boost your health, wellness, and vitality on a daily basis.

10 Self-Care Tips for the New Year 

  1. Learn to Meditate
    Practicing this ancient art of mindfulness has proven to calm the mind and soothe the soul. Meditation relaxes the body and mind from the inside out and has been proven to minimize stress, boost weight loss, sharpen emotional processing, and even effectively quell depression. This is an excellent way to improve mental wellness.
  1. Get a massage
    It’s called massage therapy for a reason! Scheduling regular massages help relax the muscles, eases joint pain, lowers stress and even acts as a motivation for “good behavior” in other areas of your life. Though massage has therapeutic benefits, it also feels terrific and can be quite relaxing… what other motivation do you need?
  1. Spend Time in a Sauna
    Seriously, is there anything more relaxing or therapeutic than a sauna? The warm air, soothing lighting, and calm interior of a top-quality infrared sauna act as a veritable meditation chamber that gently yet effectively detoxifies the body and relaxes the mind and spirit. Spending time in a sauna is a terrific way to improve your health and wellness this New Year, and the latest in IR saunas on the market today make it incredibly easy and convenient to enjoy the benefits of a sauna at home.
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  1. Schedule a Nap
    Think it sounds impossible to squeeze in a 30-minute nap each day? Well, according to a recent NY Times article, the average Facebook user dedicates about 50 minutes to the social media platform every 24 hours. Try limiting your social media time and instead use the time to catch up on a bit of sleep. Getting enough sleep is one of the most powerful self-care routines you can adopt.
  1. Read a Book
    Put aside the e-readers and cell phone for a bit and cuddle up to a good old-fashioned book (yes, we mean the kind with paper pages). Reading not only helps boost your ability to think, analyze and create concept connections, but it also helps you sleep when you spend time with a real book and not an electronic version of one.
  1. Focus on Positivity
    While this might seem easier said than done, being negative about situations – especially those that are out of our control – does little to boost our sense of happiness and empowerment. Instead, try to coax your thought processes to identify and react to negative situations with a one-two-punch approach. Start by recognizing the negative situation, then find a way to introduce a positive aspect. For example, if someone at work is annoying you, focus instead on three people whom you do get along with.
  1. Disconnect for Two Hours Per Day
    We live in an interconnected world, but that isn’t always a good thing. In fact, recent research has shown a disturbing correlation between constant connection (via your cell phone, tablet, email, etc.) to a heightened risk of depression, anxiety and disrupted sleep patterns. If you’re committed to being the best possible version of you this New Year, schedule time to disconnect each day. This might mean putting your phone on silent while you clean the kitchen, going for a walk and keeping your phone on silent, or any other realistic way you can unplug from the world for a bit.
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  1. Learn to Say “No”
    When it comes to creating the best version of you, it pays to know who “you” are! Turn down one invitation to a social engagement per month, and take the time you’d have normally spent getting dressed, commuting to and from the gathering, and the event itself, and allocate that time to doing something for yourself. Use the money you would have spent on the event and mindfully treat yourself. Obviously, you’ll want to use discretion here (don’t skip your sister’s wedding!), but even saving a few hours a month can help you reinvest in yourself.
  1. Create a Daily Gratitude List
    Think you’re totally aware of all the great things going on in your life? It’s made that much more apparent when you think about and catalog a short list of daily gratitude items. You don’t have to compile a lengthy list of super-intense items – just include simple things like “I’m grateful for the rain” or “I’m grateful for these new jeans I bought.”
  1. Stop Trying to be Perfect
    One of the most freeing feelings you can introduce into your daily routine is the concept of “I’m going to aim for perfection, but be content with really good.” Don’t beat yourself up if your diet falls off the rails a bit. Don’t stress over a missed day at the gym. Skip the feelings of remorse over a night out that went a bit too late. You’re human, and your goal should be to be the best version of yourself… not a flawless example for all of humanity.

This New Year, keep the focus inward for a change. Act mindfully when it comes to your overall sense of well-being, and take steps to prioritize your own growth as you move into 2018. From spending time in a sauna to learning to enjoy the little things in life, you’re in for a terrific New Year.

HEALTHY HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: THE SAUNA EDITION

The holidays are right around the corner, and today it’s easier than ever to dig up online holiday gift guides jam-packed with the latest in electronic gadgets, home décor items, jewelry and more. But ask yourself, do your loved ones really need the latest handheld gizmo or an overpriced ring from the local strip mall jewelry store? Probably not. Instead, consider the gift of health and wellness this holiday season and choose a sauna to show your loved ones how much they mean to you. Let’s look at how an infrared sauna can help you and your family stay healthy during the holidays, and why they make such amazing gifts.

Saunas Promote Weight Loss

The holidays can be tough on the waistline, which is one reason why our New Year’s resolution lists tend to include at least one bullet point about losing weight. Saunas promote weight loss by increasing your metabolic rate during use. When your metabolism is elevated during sauna use, your body will naturally burn calories – even if you’re simply sitting in the heated space.

Saunas Detoxify the Body

Saunas, especially infrared saunas, deliver serious detoxifying benefits when used regularly. You’ll sweat profusely while in the sauna, and that creates a veritable river of sweat that effectively channels numerous toxins and junk out of your system. If good health is important to you and your family, a sauna is one of the few ways to truly clean up your system from the inside out.You’ll Boost the Immune System.

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Notice how the body responds to an infection or illness with a fever? This is exactly why an infrared sauna is so beneficial for the user’s immune system. By creating an “artificial fever,” the deep heating of the infrared rays tricks the body into exercising its immune response – thereby strengthening the overall immune system and boosting your general resistance to illness.

Provides Pain Relief

If you or your loved ones suffer from achy joints, muscle pain or other musculoskeletal concerns, a sauna can be a saving grace. Muscles tend to relax when heat is applied, which promotes greater range of motion and flexibility – especially important if you plan on doing Yoga or light exercise while in the sauna. The circulatory benefits of spending time in a sauna can boost the transportation of oxygen-rich blood to the muscles, helping speed up recovery.

Stress Reduction

What can be better than delivering a gift of less stress this holiday season? Even a short stint in a sauna can help you and your loved ones feel more relaxed and ready to tackle the stresses of life. And, a sauna in the home removes an added stress – visiting the health club or gym and having to share a sauna with total strangers. The immune system boost correlates with a better ability to stave off illness, which can also boost your overall sense of wellbeing and minimize stress.

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Improves Skin Tone

By safely elevating the heart rate and boosting circulation, an infrared sauna can reduce the appearance of cellulite and help remove impurities in the skin. The profuse sweating wash away dead skin cells, leaving your pores purified and beautifully clean. The enhanced blood circulation balances skin tone and texture, and users often report significantly better results when treating acne, psoriasis, eczema and other skin conditions.

Helps Address Age-Related Joint Issues

The joints tend to tighten and stiffen with age, but infrared saunas have been used for years now to treat this debilitating condition. Having a sauna in the home can promote frequent use, and that may be therapy enough to help you or your affected family member feel better. Saunas have been used to treat muscle spasms, sprains, bursitis, neuralgia and other joint concerns.

Makes Exercise More Effective

Yoga is terrific, but have you ever tried hot yoga? Better yet, have you ever experienced hot Yoga in the comfort of your own home – without having to get in the car and drive to the fitness center? If you haven’t, consider this a huge benefit of having a sauna in the home. Yoga is amazing for the mind and spirit, and works wonders in creating a healthy body, and hot Yoga takes the entire thing and cranks it up a notch. Even simple exercises and stretching routines are more effective when performed in a sauna.

So infrared saunas make terrific holiday gifts, but which model is right for you and your family? The answer isn’t so simple, but there are a few questions to help you before ordering your personal relaxation chamber:

  • What are your size constraints?

It will save you time, money and hassle if your new sauna integrates easily into your allotted space. A compact unit like the Sanctuary 1 from Clearlight might be the answer.

  • What’s your budget?

Decide ahead of time what your budget is.  Remember, though, that you’ll save your family time and money by installing a sauna in the home and foregoing that expensive fitness club membership.  A high quality infrared sauna will last you a lifetime.

  • What features are important to you?

Have you considered the benefits of chromotherapy (light therapy)? Maybe a reservation mode is important to you. Or, specific cabinetry and glass designs are something you’ll want to consider. Today’s infrared saunas offer a variety of unique models with a range of diverse features.

Ordering a new infrared sauna this holiday season not only represents an incredible gift for your loved ones, it is also an investment in the health and wellness of your family. For more information about Clearlight infrared saunas, contact the sauna experts at Infraredsauna.com today!

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF YOGA?

While common belief is that yoga has been around for almost 5,000 years, today’s popular yoga styles – Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Bikram and Hatha, have come into prominence over the last 1,500 years. Little has changed in terms of the individual poses and their intrinsic benefits, but the popularity of yoga as a healthy art form has done nothing but explode in prominence over the past thirty years. Yoga is good for your mind, your body, and your spirit. Let’s look at some of the ways yoga can help you feel your best from the inside out.

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What Are the Physical Health Benefits of Yoga?

Flexibility

Yoga poses gently force you to stretch, twist and bend your frame – and then hold each pose for a specific time. Do it right and you’ll quickly see better flexibility. This can translate into fewer injuries, pulled muscles and overall discomfort throughout your daily routine.

Muscle Tone

Yoga is a toning exercise – one that creates long, lean muscle tone that can more effectively support the musculoskeletal system. Yoga can make you strong, too. Think of the advanced yogis who perform headstands or handstands; that takes incredible strength and balance.

Weight Loss

Yoga, especially hot yoga, can burn serious calories and can be a cornerstone cardio activity for anyone looking to trim a few pounds. Though various yoga poses create a wide range of calorie burning situations, experts indicate that yoga burns between 180 and 600 calories per hour or an average of about 400/hour. Compare that to the 363 calories a 160-pound individual burns throughout the course of a one-hour, three-mile run, and you can see how great yoga can be for weight loss.

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Enhanced Fertility

Yoga is a proven stress reliever, and in recent years the practice has been used by fertility experts as another infertility-fighting tool in their arsenal. Since stress has been linked to fertility problems, yoga can help in numerous ways. According to Bethany Grace Shaw, the founder and president of YogaFit, Inc. “Yoga allows the mother-to-be to relax, de-stress, and open up energetic channels, thereby improving chances of conception.” Yoga may also allow for better blood flow to reproductive organs, improving organ function and improving hormone function.

Reduced Risk for Heart Disease

Yoga helps individuals lose weight, improves circulation, boosts capacity for cardiovascular exercise, and keeps the heart at an elevated (but safe) rate during yoga sessions. Yoga helps foster a decrease in arterial plaque, and that minimizes the chance of heart disease becoming increasingly serious for the individual.

 Reduced Risk for Arthritis

There are numerous medications designed to help ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but they certainly aren’t without their side effects. Yoga can help rheumatoid arthritis patients better manage their pain, as well as lower depression levels and increase self-efficacy. Hot yoga is increasingly popular among arthritis sufferers, as the slow, controlled movements and heated environment can be quite beneficial for the joints.

What Are the Mental Health Benefits of Yoga?

Promotes Emotional Health

Exercise, in general, has shown to aid those afflicted by depression, and yoga is included under the wide umbrella of “exercise.” Yoga is often practiced in a group setting, which promotes oxytocin production – the love and bonding hormone. If practiced alone, it helps boost serotonin levels high enough to make virtually anyone feel happier and more positive about life in general.

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Helps with Insomnia

Yoga can be quite helpful for those who find getting a good night’s sleep a challenge. Yoga helps improve circulation, calms the mind, and there are even poses that can be completed at night, before bed, or even during bouts of insomnia to help calm your head. There are a few specific poses that can help you sleep better.

Improves Memory

Research shows that yoga can help improve memory in individuals of any age. By lessening mental stress and tension, yoga helps improve cognitive functioning and allows us to use our mental faculties more effectively and efficiently.

Provides Support for PTSD

Individuals suffering from PTSD may find yoga to be a truly beneficial therapy tool in the fight against their debilitating condition. Studies have shown that yoga can help center and calm those with a PTSD diagnosis, and may be a solid option for PTSD sufferers who have found little relief from traditional psychotherapy methods.

 

Practicing yoga is a terrific way of improving your mental, physical and emotional health, and a lot of attention has been focused recently on the topic of hot yoga. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or you’re just starting out and learning basic poses in a group setting, you may see an even greater spectrum of health and wellness benefits by incorporating hot yoga into your fitness routine. Either way, make yoga a part of your life, and you’ll almost certainly look and feel your best in no time.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL YOGA MONTH IN SEPTEMBER

Yoga is more than just a fitness trend nowadays. Fitness clubs offer yoga classes around the clock, while toddlers and children are being introduced to yoga at a young age through school and extracurricular activities. In addition, famous sports stars, actors and celebrities are quick to flaunt the benefits of yoga – a discipline that has been around for more than 1,500 years! It only makes sense that as yoga continues to weave into our daily lives, we should celebrate and spotlight this ancient practice that has benefited so many people in so many ways. Let’s look at ways to celebrate National Yoga Month, why yoga can be an important part of your daily routine, and some examples of integrating “hot yoga” into your fitness regimen.

Make September Your Month to Remember

Is yoga your go to? Your conduit for stress relief and fitness? Or are you just learning what it means to strike the “down-dog” pose? Like many, you’re somewhere in between. Regardless of your experience, use the month of September as a time to reignite your passion for all things yoga. Here are several ways you can celebrate National Yoga Month.

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Invite Others to Try it

Everything is more fun when you do it with friends, so invite your pals, family members or acquaintances to do yoga with you. During National Yoga Month, more than 1,500 yoga studios participate in a “GET ONE WEEK FREE” event that makes it easy to include those who aren’t ready to fully commit. Check with your local yoga studios to see what kind of offers they’ll have available.

Donate Your Skills

If you are a seasoned yogi, or at least good enough to safely show others how to complete basic holds and poses, consider donating some of your time to get others excited about the practice. You can keep it as casual and simple as you’d like, and focus on showing those new to yoga how to complete poses safely, comfortably and correctly.

Share it Online

Yoga offers a host of health and wellness benefits, so talk it up whenever you can. Share on social media anytime you master a new pose, complete a challenging routine, or simply have a good time at the yoga studio or while practicing the art form at home.

Try Hot Yoga

Even those who have spent years practicing yoga may not have much, if any, experience with hot yoga. This is yoga that is performed in a heated room or sauna. The addition of the higher temperature element makes for a unique experience that must be felt to be understood. To celebrate National Yoga Month, give a new style of yoga a try.

Why Should Yoga Be a Part of Your Fitness Routine?

For centuries now, yogis have firmly advocated for the health and wellness benefits of their discipline, and modern science tends to back up their wellness claims, too. Yoga is good for you. But what exactly are the real-world health benefits of sticking to a fitness routine that includes yoga? Let’s look at some of the big ones:

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  • Increased Muscle Tone and Strength

Think yoga isn’t challenging because you don’t move very quickly? Give it a try – you’ll likely build and tone your muscles quickly.

  • Weight Reduction

Though your heart rate won’t hit a fever pitch like it would during a session on the treadmill, the consistent elevated heart rate experienced during yoga burns calories to help aid in weight loss.

  • Better Flexibility

Once you get good at basic yoga poses, you may be surprised how soon you experience increased flexibility and athletic performance.

  • Circulatory health

Yoga improves circulation, provides a cardio workout and boosts your body’s ability to move blood, oxygen and vital nutrients throughout your system.

  • Stress reduction

Yoga is a proven stress fighter, and it has become a mainstream, non-medicinal anti-depressant that can help individuals attain mental clarity, calmness and focus.

What Are the Benefits of Hot Yoga?

Hot yoga is simply the art of doing yoga in a hot environment. The average studio temperature for a hot yoga experience is 90-105 degrees Fahrenheit with at least 40% humidity. Many individuals claim that this type of yoga experience is more relaxing and therapeutic than traditional yoga classes. The natural looseness and flexibility gained while in the sauna-type atmosphere acts to enhance each yoga movement. Expect a beginner’s hot yoga session to last about half an hour (though you should stop the moment you feel overheated, dizzy, etc.) and a session for a veteran yogi to stretch 60-90 minutes or more.

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There are numerous benefits to doing yoga in a heated space, including:

  • An even greater boost to the circulatory system than with traditional yoga.
  • Accelerated weight loss, thanks to the increase in metabolic rate while in the heated area.
  • Detoxification is a big health benefit, as all that sweat acts as a high-speed shuttle bus for toxins.
  • Hot yoga can be great for the mind and spirit, as it is generally more challenging than traditional yoga and imparts a sense of accomplishment at the end of the session.

If you’re going to do hot yoga, make sure you keep these tips in mind:

  • Hydrate

Make sure you adequately hydrate before, during, and after a hot yoga session. Just as you should always consume plenty of water when a sauna is part of your life, adding in the extra stress of exercising while in the sauna demands an even greater level of fluid intake than normal. For each 30-minute period of hot yoga, add at least 8-ounces of additional water or sports drink intake to your daily totals.

  • Don’t Push it too Far

There is a natural tendency among many of us to push through pain, fight the urge to quit and win at all costs – but that can be dangerous in a hot yoga class. Yes, you’ll want to exert effort and work hard to hold poses, but never to the point of total exhaustion, light-headedness, or pain. Know your limits, and gradually seek to elevate them. The importance of listening to your body is communicated in all yoga classes.

  • Watch What You Eat

You obviously know that eating too heavy before a hot yoga session or any exercise routine for that matter, is likely to result in pain, discomfort and a sense of “why did I do this to myself?” Instead, eat lightly before your session, and focus on fueling your body with natural foods that have a high-water content.

  • Make Sure You’re Healthy Enough

Most people are 100% healthy enough to safely complete hot yoga sessions, and those that aren’t quite there yet can work up to it without too much effort, but it always pays to ensure you’re healthy enough for any exercise program.

Adding hot yoga to your routine is a great way to kickoff National Yoga Month, and adding a new infrared sauna to your home or office is a terrific way to ensure you always have access to the ideal hot yoga environment. For more information on saunas that are perfectly designed to support your yoga routine, speak to one of our infrared sauna specialists today.