Scientific studies are being highlighted as researchers ask: Can heat therapy strengthen the immune system and prevent future pandemics?
Currently, there are no clinical protocols for the use of heat in the treatment of COVID-19, but in a research report published in June 2020, experts discuss whether heat therapy can be used in the treatment or prevention of future pandemics, such as COVID-19.
Heat health benefits
From ancient times and more recently, research shows that regular sauna use improves blood circulation, respiratory and immunological function, and contributes to pain relief, improved mood, and increased quality of life. Traditional saunas have been shown to reduce the risk of all-cause mortality, as well as sudden cardiac death, cardiovascular diseases, and conditions such as high blood pressure and stroke. In addition, regular sauna use reduces the risk of certain brain diseases, skin conditions, and painful conditions such as rheumatism and headaches.
Epidemiological data further suggests that frequent sauna use is associated with a reduced risk of pneumonia and viral infections. Studies also show that heat treatment, such as infrared sauna, stimulates the immune system to work better. One study has shown, among other things, how white blood cells increase with heat exposure from sauna.
"White blood cells are an essential part of our immune system, among other things, for fighting infections, which is very good news for us sauna enthusiasts," says Siw Hansson Kaulbach, founder of the Radiant Health brand.
Hyperthermia (heat treatment) is used in cancer treatment in Norway. Research shows that regional heat treatment given in combination with chemotherapy regimens improves survival for patients with high-risk soft tissue sarcoma. In the USA, infrared light is now being used to kill cancer cells and tumors that are otherwise difficult to eradicate. This revolutionary new technology shows good results with far fewer side effects.
Viruses are sensitive to heat that humans can tolerate
All life exists within a narrowly defined temperature range, but viruses, which are not technically alive, can remain biologically active in a wide range of environments. Enveloped viruses, such as coronavirus (COVID-19), are most active under dry, cool conditions and are sensitive to heat that humans can tolerate. By nature, all mammals use fever to combat infections. Body temperature increases, and the immune system becomes better equipped to kill microbes (bacteria and viruses).
“Infrared sauna does not cause fever but increases body temperature by a few degrees, thereby forcing the immune system to work better. The sauna helps the body heal itself in several areas,” says Siw.
The founder emphasizes that you should not take an infrared sauna if you have a fever.
Heat as medicine
The IPBES Nature Panel warns in a report launched in October 2020 that more and worse pandemics than COVID-19 may emerge in the future. The question is how the world can best meet this health threat. Could heat treatment be part of the solution?
The research report concludes that heat is a cheap, practical, and widely available form of treatment. Heat has been used throughout human history in the form of hot springs, saunas, hammams, steam baths, sweat lodges, steam inhalation, hot mud, and hot compresses, both to prevent and treat respiratory infections, and to improve public health and well-being.
It remains to be seen whether heat can be an effective treatment or prevention in the fight against pandemics, but based on what science can tell us today, researchers view heat as an attractive alternative for building resilience in society and reducing the impact of future pandemics. With the report, they aim to highlight the importance of integrating ancient traditions with modern medicine, so that society can utilize and combine the best of "both worlds."
Text: Trine Dahlman
