We know and understand that the lack of oxygen (tissue hypoxia) is one of the main contributing factors to most diseases. The paradox of oxygen is that the higher the oxygen percentage carried by the hemoglobin in your blood, the less oxygen will be delivered to your tissues. The reason for this is that adequate levels of CO2 must be present in the body for oxygen to be released from hemoglobin and delivered to your cells. CO2 levels determine the release of oxygen bound to and carried by hemoglobin.
Simply put, oxygen cannot be delivered to the tissues without an adequate supply of carbon dioxide in your body. This interdependence of O2 and CO2Â gases is known as the Bohr Effect.
You could have 99 to 100% oxygen saturation of the red blood cells, but without adequate amounts of CO2, that oxygen will not be delivered to the cells, leading to hypoxia (insufficient oxygen to support oxidative metabolism) in those areas.
Increasing the CO2 levels within your body by delivering it through the skin in a steam sauna will allow more oxygen to be used by your cells for aerobic respiration. This, in turn, produces more energy and more CO2 at the cellular level. Thus, supplemental CO2 increases the body's production of energy.
Here are some potential benefits to a CO2 sauna.
1. Improved Circulation: CO2 sauna therapy can enhance blood circulation, promoting better oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues throughout the body. This can aid in overall cardiovascular health and improve the function of various organs.
2. Detoxification: Sweating induced by CO2 sauna therapy helps eliminate toxins from the body, including heavy metals and environmental pollutants. This detoxification process can support the body's natural cleansing mechanisms.
3. Stress Reduction: The heat and relaxation experienced during a CO2 sauna session can help reduce stress levels. This can lead to a calmer mind, improved mood, and better mental well-being.
4. Skin Health: CO2 sauna therapy can benefit the skin by opening pores and promoting sweating, which helps cleanse the skin of impurities. This can result in a clearer and a healthier-looking skin tone.
5. Pain Relief: CO2 sauna therapy may help alleviate various types of pain, including muscle soreness, joint pain, and arthritis discomfort. The heat can relax muscles and increase flexibility, while also reducing inflammation.
6. Boosted Immunity: Regular CO2 sauna sessions have been linked to enhanced immune function. The increased body temperature during sauna sessions can stimulate the production of white blood cells, which play a crucial role in fighting off infections and diseases.
7. Weight Loss: While not a replacement for a healthy diet and exercise, CO2 sauna therapy can complement weight loss efforts by promoting calorie burning and fat loss. The increased heart rate and metabolic rate during sauna sessions can contribute to overall weight management.
8. Improved Respiratory Health: Inhaling the warm air in an enclosed CO2 sauna can help clear the respiratory tract and alleviate symptoms of conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and allergies. It can also support sinus drainage and improve breathing.
9. Enhanced Athletic Performance and Recovery: Athletes may benefit from CO2 sauna therapy as part of their training regimen. It can help improve endurance, speed up recovery time between workouts, and reduce the risk of injuries by promoting muscle relaxation and flexibility.
10. Anti-Aging Effects: Some proponents suggest that CO2 sauna therapy can have anti-aging effects by promoting collagen production, improving skin elasticity, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
It's important to note that while CO2 sauna therapy offers potential benefits, individual experiences may vary, and it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new therapy, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
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