Siw Hansson Kaulbach, founder and CEO of Radiant Health, shares her personal health tips based on her own experiences.
This year marks 17 years since I became seriously ill. I went from a position as Nordic Communications Manager in a major international company in Copenhagen to being completely bedridden. Fortunately, I am now fully recovered, and although it was tough, I can honestly say that I am very glad it happened.
It forced me to pause and thoroughly review my own health. It was also during that period that I discovered infrared heat and light therapy, and it became the start of Radiant Health.
I understood that I needed to take a more active role, learn more about the body, and explore both traditional and functional approaches. Over time, this transitioned from something I had to do to something I wanted to do – a lifestyle that gives me energy, resilience, and well-being in my everyday life.
I have compiled 10 of my health tips that I believe have had the greatest impact on me:
1. Infrared heat: my most important health hack
Infrared heat (IR) has been the most transformative health investment I have made, and the reason I started Radiant Health. IR heat penetrates deeper into tissues than traditional heat and can contribute to increased blood circulation, better oxygen supply to cells, detoxification of the body, reduced muscle tension, and simply lower stress levels. I use an IR SaunaPod with or without red light therapy depending on my needs. On days when my energy is low or my body feels “heavy,” I lie in the infrared sauna blanket. This provides a form of total recovery that brings me back into balance.
2. Clean lifestyle
I prioritize a clean lifestyle and try to make conscious choices in daily life that reduce unnecessary exposure to chemicals. I buy organic and pesticide-free whenever possible, and I also share a simple hack in this reel for how to remove pesticide residues. In addition, I have replaced all plastic cutting boards and now only use wood or steel, as plastic can release unwanted substances into food. I have also opted out of Teflon in the kitchen because it can leach "forever chemicals" with long-term use. At home, I have a water filter, and in 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 liver and detoxification
When my body needs extra detox support, 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 abdomen/liver with heat. Either while I take a sauna or with an infrared heat belt.
- Herbs like dandelion root, milk thistle, nettle, and ginger, often in the form of an herbal tonic that I make and steep overnight.
- Glutathione, the body's most important antioxidant, is a must for me and has been for many years. More on that below.
4. Red light therapy: glow, skin health, and cell energy
Red light therapy directly affects cells by supporting mitochondrial energy production, which can lead to better skin quality, more even skin tone, and increased radiance. It also has anti-inflammatory and circulation-boosting effects.
I use the LumaRed Wrap regularly all over my body – especially in winter's darkness – to give my skin and energy levels a natural boost.
5. Some antioxidants and vitamins I don't skip.
Antioxidants help the body manage oxidative stress and counteract free radicals, which affects skin, energy, immunity, and aging. I also need extra replenishment of certain vitamins. I swear by these, among others:
- Astaxanthin: One of the most powerful natural antioxidants known. Supports skin elasticity, good for eye health, reduces inflammation, and improves endurance. Often called the "beauty antioxidant" because it provides a visible glow.
- Glutathione: Naturally produced in the liver, but decreases with stress, age, illness, and toxins. I have low natural production, so I notice a big difference with extra supplementation. Plays a key role in detoxification, immune function, cell protection, and reduction of oxidative stress.
- Vitamin C: Water-soluble antioxidant used in the skin, immune system, and connective tissue. Essential for collagen production, skin radiance, and protection against free radicals.
- Vitamin B-complex + extra B12 (bioactive/methylated form): Important for energy, nervous system, detoxification, hormones, and stress response.
- Vitamin D with K2: Essential in the Nordic climate for immunity, mood, skeletal health, and energy.
- Omega-3: Supports inflammation balance, skin health, and brain function.
- Magnesium: A key mineral for sleep, muscles, nervous system calm, and recovery.
6. Electrolytes: hydration that affects everything
The electrolytes from Radiant Health were specially formulated by me for optimal hydration. They contain salts (Himalayan salt) and minerals (potassium, magnesium, and calcium) in a perfect combination. I've also added a little extra taurine (an amino acid), which supports fluid balance, energy, and mental clarity.
They are completely natural, without artificial sweeteners, and have a pure natural lemon flavor. I use them daily, especially in the morning, during exercise, and of course when I take an IR sauna.
7. Diet and gut health: clean eating and conscious choices
I largely avoid ultra-processed foods and sugar, and choose the most nutrient-rich ingredients possible.
I eat both meat and fish, but much smaller quantities of fish over the past 15 years. When I do, I opt for small and lean fish species with lower levels of heavy metals than the large, fatty 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 gut health, I focus on fiber, polyphenols, vegetables, and a diverse gut flora. For extra support, I use Vivomixx, a probiotic I have used for about 15 years in periods if my stomach acts up or preventatively. 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 eating. Creon from the pharmacy is an option, or enzymes from the brand Shift.
Otherwise, I get a lot of inspiration from my good friend and nutrition expert Helene Ragnhild and doctor Berit Nordstrand, ambassador for Radiant Health – both strong and skilled voices for gut health and cleaner food choices.
8. Good relationships: an underestimated health factor
I am a real family person, and my relationships mean everything to me. I have a large and warm network of friends whom I actively nurture, and who I feel are an absolutely crucial part of both my physical and mental health.
Close relationships do more than just provide us with good moments – they actually affect the body biologically. They can reduce stress hormones, stabilize the nervous system, and increase the production of hormones like oxytocin and serotonin, which provide 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 prioritize this highly and cherish 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 - infrared heating vest is fantastic for pain in the neck, back, shoulders, and chest. HeatHug has especially helped me with tension headaches. If I notice it building up, I put on the vest and after 15 minutes, I feel fine again.
- HeatMeUp - infrared heating belt is absolutely brilliant for menstrual pain or stomach cramps! Before, I had to resort to paracetamol. I no longer need to.
10. Me-time: strength, recovery, and mental clarity
Finally, it's important to emphasize alone time – so crucial for having the energy for everything else in life. For me, this includes:
- Strength training: Especially important for us women to preserve muscle mass, support hormones, and keep bones 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 my best 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 provides clarity and direction both short-term and long-term, and helps me prioritize what is important.
These small, consistent rituals make me more robust, focused, and balanced in everyday life.
Do you have any routines you swear by?
