In the wellness buzz world, infrared blankets are the new buzz. Sighted on celebrity endorsement sites and spa promotional pages, they detoxify, they relax, even drastically lose weight. Before, however, you swaddle yourself up with one of them to lose weight come bedtime, a second look at science could be well worth the effort. Do infrared blankets lose weight? Or another hyped health fad that promises more than delivers?
This piece will dissect the way that infrared blankets operate, the actual advantages that they provide, and if they are worth being a part of your wellness regimen if your primary concern is losing weight.
What are Infrared Blankets, Anyway?
Infrared blankets are like giant sleeping bags sewn together with heater elements. They use far infrared radiation (FIR), a form of energy that is on the not-so-visible end of the spectrum, to snuggle up from the inside and warm you. Unlike traditional saunas, where the surrounding area gets heated, infrared blankets penetrate deeper into tissues, so that can be a deeper sweat at lower temperatures.
Most blankets are for household use. You wrap yourself inward, set the temperature (typically 95°F and 167°F), and lie still for 30–60 minutes without moving while perspiring. As claimed by proponents, this process not only relieves tension in muscles, improves circulation, but also burns away calories, melts fat.
The Promised Benefits
Producers and owners of spas normally vow a long list of benefits of infrared blankets. In the top list of promises are:
•Rapid calorie expenditure
•Reduction of cellulite and fat tissue
•Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage
•Relaxation and stress management
•Detoxification of chemicals and heavy metals
•Faster muscle recovery
They are tempting offer--especially for individuals that haven't been able to shed pounds or experience recurring muscle contractions. But we need to separate advertising promises from science.
Do Infrared Blankets Truly Assist For Weight Loss?
This is the million-dollar question. Infrared blankets will, indeed, sweat you out—typically a lot. In a session, a few pounds are lost on the scale. Just remember, though, that that lost weight is largely a result of water weight, not fat.
As you are profusely sweating, your body is shedding off fluids, so the scale decreases. As soon as you rehydrate (and you will, to balance for dehydration), that lost weight returns.
So can blankets with infrared burn fat directly? The answer is not quite. Some small studies suggest that the raising of the core temp raises heart rate and burn a few extra metabolically. For example, studies examining infrared sauna therapy exhibited modest calorie burn, about a brisk walk (300-600 calories per hour). That is not, of course, fat loss. So, weight loss requires a long-calorie deficit, which a weekly session with a blanket with infrared is unlikely to trigger.
Indirect Approaches They May Assist with Losing Weight
Although infrared blankets are not a fat-loss magic pill, they could indirectly assist with weight maintenance through several channels:
•Relaxation and stress relief. Chronic stress can raise cortisol, which is linked to belly fat gain. Regular sessions of infrared might lower stress, indirectly working towards a better-working metabolism.
•Muscle recovery. If infrared therapy eases soreness, you'll be more consistent with exercising—ultimately burning more calories long-term.
•Improved circulation of the blood. Certain clients report being more energetic, even less bloated, after sessions, which can give your encouragement to promote active lifestyles a boost.
That is, infrared blankets can be a helpful adjunct to a healthy lifestyle but can never be a major weight-loss tool.
Do Any Health Benefits Really Exist?
While definitive proof of a link between infrared blankets and drastic weight loss is limited, research verifies some general health benefits of infrared therapy:
•Pain Relief: Infrared therapy can relieve joint and muscle aches, which is why many sportsmen and arthritics are fond of it.
•Enhanced Circulation: Blood flow is enhanced through infrared heat, which can facilitate muscle repair as well as recovery.
•Skin Health: In some studies, infrared therapy has reportedly encouraged collagen manufacture and enhanced skin texture with regular use.
•Relaxation: Infrared heat brings about a parasympathetic response (the "rest and digest" mode), which reduces tension and stress.
By using an infrared blanket for these benefits, there are likely some positive results that will be seen, specifically combined with other healthy habits.
Safety Considerations
Infrared blankets are generally safe for otherwise healthy adults, but there are a few precautions to be aware of:
•Hydration: Heaving sweat increases the risk of being dehydrated. Drink a lot of water before and after your practice.
•Heat Sensitivity: If overheating, low blood pressure, or cardiovascular challenges are a concern for you, talk to a physician before.
•Pregnancy: It is advised not to use infrared heat during pregnancy due to potential harm.
•Skin Sensitivity: Users can feel minor stinging or redness. Do not use lotions or cream before treatments, for they can trigger a burning.
Always read the manufacturer's guidelines before starting, and start off with shorter periods to see how your body reacts.
What to Expect During a Session
It is a weird moment for beginners. You will most likely:
Get your space ready: Lay the blanket out on a heat-resistant surface, such as a massage table or a yoga mat.
Dressing well: Wear lightweight, moisture-wicking apparel. Some like to use towels to wipe off sweat.
Hydrate: Drink water beforehand and keep a bottle of water nearby.
Start on a lower setting: If this is your first time working with infrared therapy, begin slowly.
Relax: These sessions are typically 30-60 minutes. Use the time meditating, listening to some music, or simply relaxing.
By the end, you'll be fairly warm, perhaps tired, and certainly dripping with sweat. It can feel like a warm, purging process.
So, Are Infrared Blankets Worth It?
If fat loss is your only concern, infrared blankets are not going to produce spectacular results individually. That initial weight loss on the scale is largely the loss of water, and the enhanced metabolism is not significantly better than that of a healthy diet and effective exercise.
But if you are searching for:
•A device for facilitating muscle recovery
•A method for managing stress
•A relaxing way to increase circulation and relieve soreness
...infrared blankets can be a useful addition to your wellness program.
Remember: long-term weight loss always comes back to a steady calorie deficit through healthy eating and regular exercise. Infrared blankets can be incorporated to that equation but are not to be relied on as a replacement.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that infrared blankets are not a magic solution for weight loss, despite the bold claims you may see online. They are a nice, comfortable addition to a healthy lifestyle-leaving you feeling good, recovering faster, and perhaps staying more motivated on your way to fitness. But if you're expecting to lose pounds without doing a thing else, you'll be disillusioned.
First, ask yourself what you're looking to achieve. If stress relief, muscle recovery, increased circulation are your goals, infrared blankets can give you real benefits. If weight loss is your concern, you'll otherwise need to address your nutritional program, fitness program, and daily habits.
As always, if you are concerned about your health or medical condition, talk with your physician before initiating infrared therapy. Employed judiciously, infrared blankets can be a comfortable and safe wellness practice—though don't anticipate a miracle that happens while you sleep.
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