Siw Hansson Kaulbach, founder and CEO of Radiant Health, shares her personal health tips based on her own experiences.
This year it will be 17 years since I became seriously ill. I went from working as Nordic Communications Manager at a large international company in Copenhagen to being completely bedridden. Thankfully, I am now fully well, and even though it was tough, I can hand on heart say that I am very glad it happened.
It forced me to stop and take a thorough look at my own health. It was also during that period that I discovered infrared heat and light technology, which became the start of Radiant Health.
I realised that I had to take a more active role, learn more about the body and explore both traditional and functional approaches. Over time, this went from being something I had to do to something I wanted to do: a lifestyle that gives me energy, resilience and well-being in everyday life.
I have gathered 10 of my health tips that I feel have meant the most to me:
1. Infrared heat: my most important health hack
Infrared (IR) heat has been the most far-reaching health investment I have made, and the reason I started Radiant Health. IR heat penetrates deeper into the tissue than traditional heat and may contribute to increased blood circulation, better oxygen supply to the cells, detoxification of the body, reduced muscle tension and quite simply lower stress levels. I use the IR SaunaPod with or without red light therapy, depending on what I need. On days when my energy is low or my body feels “heavy”, I lie down in the infrared sauna blanket. It gives me a form of total recovery that brings me back into balance.
2. A clean lifestyle
I prioritise a clean lifestyle and try to make conscious choices in everyday life that reduce unnecessary exposure to chemicals. I buy organic and spray-free when possible, and in this reel I also share a simple hack for removing pesticide residues. In addition, I have replaced all my plastic chopping boards and now use only wood or steel, since plastic can release unwanted substances into food. I have also chosen to avoid Teflon in the kitchen, because it can leak forever chemicals with use over time. At home I have a water filter, and for skincare I largely stick to clean products, and rarely use body lotion or full-body products. Small changes that can make a big difference.
3. Detox support: tools for the liver and detoxification
When my body needs extra support for detox, I use a combination of measures that work well with IR sauna and the body's own detoxification systems:
- Binders (zeolite, bentonite, activated charcoal). I use, among others, Superior binder, which I buy from detox.no
- Chlorella (binds heavy metals)
- Castor oil on the stomach/liver with heat, either while I am in the sauna or with an infrared heating belt.
- Herbs such as dandelion root, milk thistle, nettle and ginger, preferably as an herbal tonic that I make and let steep overnight.
- Glutathione, the body's most important antioxidant, is a must for me and has been for many years. More on that further down.
4. Red light therapy: glow, skin health and cell energy
Red light therapy affects the cells directly by supporting the energy production of the mitochondria, which may lead to better skin quality, a more even skin tone and an increased glow. It also has an anti-inflammatory and circulation-boosting effect.
I use the LumaRed Wrap regularly over my whole body, especially in winter when it is dark, to give my skin and energy levels a natural lift.
5. Some antioxidants and vitamins I never skip.
Antioxidants help the body handle oxidative stress and counteract free radicals, which affects skin, energy, immunity and ageing. There are also some vitamins I need an extra top-up of. I swear by these, among others:
- Astaxanthin: One of the most powerful natural antioxidants we know of. Supports skin elasticity, is good for eye health, reduces inflammation and improves endurance. Often called the “beauty antioxidant” because it gives a visible glow.
- Glutathione: Produced naturally in the liver, but declines with stress, age, illness and toxins. My own production is low, so I notice a big difference with an extra top-up. Plays a key role in detoxification, the immune system, cell protection and reducing oxidative stress.
- Vitamin C: A water-soluble antioxidant used in the skin, the immune system and connective tissue. Essential for collagen production, skin glow and protection against free radicals.
- Vitamin B-complex + extra B12 (bioactive/methylated form): Important for energy, the nervous system, detoxification, hormones and stress response
- Vitamin D with K2: Essential in the Nordic climate for immunity, mood, skeleton and energy.
- Omega-3: Supports inflammation balance, skin health and the brain.
- Magnesium: A key mineral for sleep, muscles, a calm nervous system and recovery.
6. Electrolytes: hydration that affects everything
I created the electrolytes from Radiant Health specifically with optimal hydration in mind. They contain salts (Himalayan salt) and minerals (potassium, magnesium and calcium) in a perfect combination. I have also added a little extra taurine (an amino acid), which supports fluid balance, energy and mental clarity.
They are completely natural, with no artificial sweeteners, and have a pure, natural lemon flavour. I use them daily, especially in the morning, when exercising and of course when I use the IR sauna.
7. Diet and gut health: clean food and conscious choices
I largely stay away from ultra-processed food and sugar, and choose the most nutritious ingredients possible.
I eat both meat and fish, but have eaten much less fish over the past 15 years. When I do, I go for small, lean fish species with lower levels of heavy metals than the large, oily fish. As an extra measure, I take chlorella about 20 minutes before fish meals, so that any heavy metals can be bound directly in digestion.
For my gut, I focus on fibre, polyphenols, vegetables and a varied gut flora. For extra support I use Vivomixx, a probiotic I have used for about 15 years, in periods when my stomach plays up or as a preventive measure. It is absolutely fantastic, but not so easy to get hold of. I often buy mine at Balderapoteket in Oslo. I almost always take extra enzymes before I eat. Creon from the pharmacy is one option, or enzymes from the brand Shift.
Otherwise, I draw a lot of inspiration from my good friend and nutrition expert Helene Ragnhild and doctor Berit Nordstrand, ambassador for Radiant Health. Both are strong and skilled voices for gut health and cleaner food choices.
8. Good relationships: an underrated health factor
I am a real family person, and my relationships mean everything to me. I have a large, warm network of friends whom I actively nurture, and who I feel are a crucial part of both my physical and mental health.
Close relationships do more than give us good moments. They actually affect the body biologically. They may reduce stress hormones, stabilise the nervous system and increase the production of hormones such as oxytocin and serotonin, which bring calm, closeness and joy.
For me, quality time with family and friends is not just pleasant. It is the very foundation of my health. I prioritise it highly, and care for the people I love as much and as often as I can.
9. Targeted heat therapy: when the body needs acute relief
I use heat when my body signals a need:
- HeatHug - an infrared heating vest that is fantastic for pain in the neck, back, shoulders and chest. HeatHug in particular has helped me with tension headaches. If I notice one building up, I put on the vest and after 15 minutes I feel fine again.
- HeatMeUp - an infrared heating belt that is brilliant for period pain or stomach cramps! I used to have to resort to paracetamol. I no longer need to.
10. Me time: strength, recovery and mental clarity
Finally, it is important to highlight me time, which is so important for having the surplus energy for everything else in life. For me, this includes:
- Strength training: Especially important for us women to maintain muscle mass, support hormones and keep the skeleton strong. I prefer strength over cardio and notice that my body experiences less stress from it.
- Sleep: The body's most important repair phase, and I try as far as possible to go to bed before 10 pm on weekdays.
- Meditation: Calms the nervous system, reduces stress and improves the ability to stay focused. Sometimes 10 minutes is all it takes. Preferably on my infrared therapy mat.
- Manifestation: Setting aside time for manifestation that gives clarity and direction in both the short and longer term, and helps me prioritise what matters.
These small, regular rituals make me more resilient, focused and balanced in everyday life.
Do you have any routines you swear by?
Disclaimer: The content of this article is intended as general information only. Research on infrared heat and red light therapy is still evolving, and individual results may vary. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Contact a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional if you have questions about your own health, diagnosis or treatment.
