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Can You Use a Sauna With Titanium Implants?

By Saunas.org - Kat | | Elderly, Frequently Asked Questions, Health Benefits, Radiant Heat Vs. Convection Heat, saunas.org, Titanium Impants

An increasing number of individuals are having their joints replaced with a variety of metals, alloys, and plastics. The number of hip and knee replacements seems to be increasing parallel to the number of individuals using sauna therapy regularly. Naturally, this confluence of factors begs the question: Is it safe to sauna with joint replacements?

Joint replacement technology is in constant evolution, and the answer to the aforementioned question is difficult. It is best to narrow down the search for the answer with relation to specific types of materials used in joint replacements. 

From cadavers, to plastics, ceramics, and titanium, many different types of materials are used in joint replacements. For the purposes of this article, the focus material will be titanium.

Is it safe to use a sauna with a titanium hip or knee replacement? Determining the safety and efficacy requires a careful analysis of how infrared heat or more accurately light impacts titanium, and also how high atmospheric temperatures interact with titanium. Ultimately, an individual can decide alongside their trusted healthcare professional whether it is best to use an infrared sauna or a traditional sauna if they have a titanium replacement or implant. 

If you have a titanium joint replacement or implant of any kind it is always advisable to consult with a medical professional before engaging in sauna therapy, regardless of the type of sauna. 

Titanium and Near Infrared Light as a Disinfectant For Implants

Emerging evidence suggests that among the most effective means of disinfecting a surgical area that has recently received a titanium implant is with near infrared light. This is not the same intensity of light as used in an infrared sauna, however, it does suggest that this light frequency is regularly used immediately after surgery. The use of high intensity near infrared light on a titanium implant to disinfect the point of incision directly after surgery does not necessarily mean that frequent and continued use of a near infrared sauna would necessarily be safe (1).

While it is true that light in varying spectrums, particularly red and near infrared light is used regularly to heal flesh wounds and to disinfect the area in lieu of antibiotics, the question still remains how would titanium hold up to the infrared spectrum of light with repeated exposure over a long period of time. There simply is not enough data on this to demonstrate safety.

Titanium Joint Implants and Infrared Light: Absorbent Versus Reflective

The evidence surrounding the impact that infrared light has on titanium in general, and more specifically on titanium implants is varied, and at times conflictive. 

Titanium can be used as a blocker for UV light (2), the shorter wavelengths are scattered when confronted with titanium, however as light moves into longer wavelengths across the color light spectrum into near and far infrared wavelengths, titanium becomes absorbent to these wavelengths. (3)

Given that during an infrared sauna far infrared light moves beyond the initial layers of the epidermis into the soft tissues of the body, it remains unclear how a titanium implant would respond over time to the absorption of this light frequency. 

Titanium is absorbent to infrared light which is in stark contrast to its reaction to the UV light spectrum, this fact may be a motion toward a concern for those taking regular infrared sauna with titanium implants. 

While infrared light is found naturally in sunlight, when applied synthetically in high doses it is known to have different impacts on different material. Titanium appears to absorb this bandwidth of light. At this point in the evolution of both infrared saunas and joint implants there is simply not enough available data to say for sure how titanium in joint implants will respond to the infrared heat of a sauna. 

Infrared saunas, in the modern era, have only been available to the public since the late 1970s, and more broadly available in the past twenty years. As such there has not been significant time to research how infrared light will impact joint implants in the long run. Furthermore, joint implants are also a relatively new technology and are ever changing, and therefore the opportunity to measure how a titanium implant will respond to regular infrared sauna bathing over time is impossible to know for sure. 

If you have a titanium implant and would like to engage in infrared sauna bathing it is recommended that you consult with a medical practitioner.

Titanium Joint Implants and Traditional Saunas

The fundamental mechanism of heating a traditional sauna versus an infrared sauna may change the success rate for individuals living with titanium implants. Infrared heat is radiant light that moves in waves, and as previously mentioned these light waves are absorbed by titanium rather than dispersed.

In contrast, traditional saunas rely on heating up the atmosphere of the sauna cabin structure. This convection heat will not penetrate into the body as the radiant heat of infrared light does. While, an individual will sweat profusely in a traditional sauna and the core body temperature will increase, the soft tissues and organs of the body will not be affected directly as they would under the influence of infrared heat. 

The hottest traditional sauna will heat up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit which is still well below the maximum temperature that titanium can withstand. NeoNickle writes in their article on what to look for when buying heat resistant metals and alloys: 

“Titanium alloys have high tensile strength to weight ratio, good toughness, extraordinary resistance to corrosion and an ability to withstand extreme temperatures of 600°C plus.” (4)

It appears that using a traditional sauna, for now, is likely a safer bet for those individuals living with titanium implants. A traditional sauna will offer many of the same benefits as an infrared sauna without the penetrative light waves of infrared light. 

Until further research is done it is always recommended to consult a medical practitioner before exposing your implants to high heat of any kind. 

The Source of Heat Matters When It Comes To Titanium: Heat Resilient Alloys and Metals May Become Feeble Under the Influence of Infrared Light

Ultimately both the technologies of joint replacements and infrared saunas are relatively new and have not been studied enough to provide enough data on the effects of long term use. 

If you would like to benefit from the use of sauna therapy and have titanium in your body as an implant or joint replacement, it is likely safer to use a traditional sauna rather than an infrared sauna until conclusive research is achieved. 

If you are unsure about what activities are permissible with a joint replacement please consult with your surgeon or medical provider. As more and more individuals receive joint replacements and as sauna therapy becomes even more popularized there will likely be more research performed on the conjunctive use of both saunas and titanium implants. 

Sources Cited:

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33255083/
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27943458/
  3. https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/608973/can-titanium-dioxide-rm-tio-2-be-used-to-block-ir
  4. https://www.neonickel.com/neonickel-news/choosing-the-right-alloys-for-high-temperature-service/
  5. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/knee-replacement-implants/
  6. https://www.uiorthomd.com/blog/what-are-hip-replacement-implants-made-of
  7. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236974428_Study_on_Infrared_Absorption_Characteristics_of_Ti_and_TiNx_Nanofilms

How Regular Sauna Use May Positively Impact The Aging Brain: Nrf2 Activation

By Saunas.org - Kat | | Children & Saunas, Elderly, Health Benefits, Healthspan, Heat Shock Proteins, Hormesis, Longevity, Mitochondrial Metabolism, Neurological Benefits Of Sauna use, Nrf2 Activation, saunas.org

Cognitive decline seems to be an inevitable part of the aging process. Even if an individual is not struggling with a specific mind-related illness such as Alzheimer’s Disease, the brain will typically begin to decline in function. Any investigation into the potential to age gracefully, or to reverse some of the biological effects of aging, will undoubtedly include creating ways to keep the mind sharp and perceptive. 

Aging does not necessarily occur in a linear fashion, bound by the progression of the chronological accumulation of years, but rather can be a dynamic dance. This dance  may include the reversal of certain gene expressions so that the experiential mechanism of the body is actually that of a younger biological compilation of molecular expressions. 

Sauna bathing may help in the reversal of certain age related gene expressions, or help to stall the onset of age related cellular degeneration. Specifically, as it concerns the aging brain there is reliable evidence that suggests that sauna use may be the catalyst to a host of positive brain related effects.

What are some of the major factors that contribute to the deterioration of brain function, and furthermore how can regular sauna use help to improve brain function as one ages? This article will attempt to answer these questions by introducing a lesser known, yet still, major player in the game of brain health:  Nrf2 activation. 

Oxidative Stress and the Aging Brain

So, what exactly is oxidative stress, and how does it affect the brain’s aging process? 

The symptoms of oxidative stress are relatively straightforward, in short, they are all ‘aspects of growing old’:

  • Fatigue.
  • Memory loss and/or brain fog.
  • Muscle and/or joint pain.
  • Wrinkles and gray hair.
  • Decreased eyesight.
  • Headaches and sensitivity to noise.
  • Susceptibility to infections. (1)

In more technical terms, oxidative stress is described in detail in a publication from the National Library of Medicine in an article entitled, ‘Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health’. The below quote from this research is a more detailed account of the molecular activity that is associated with oxidative stress: 

“Oxidative stress is a phenomenon caused by an imbalance between production and accumulation of oxygen reactive species (ROS) in cells and tissues and the ability of a biological system to detoxify these reactive products. ROS can play, and in fact they do it, several physiological roles (i.e., cell signaling), and they are normally generated as by-products of oxygen metabolism; despite this, environmental stressors (i.e., UV, ionizing radiations, pollutants, and heavy metals) and xenobiotics (i.e., antiblastic drugs) contribute to greatly increased ROS production, therefore causing the imbalance that leads to cell and tissue damage (oxidative stress).” (1)

Living an average life, even one that is relatively health conscious, is unlikely to escape the clutches of oxidative stress on the brain. Most likely, it may begin with forgetfulness, brain fog, and eventually neurological degeneration. 

To maintain a healthy brain well into the later years of life it is important to combat the effects of oxidative stress on the body. 

Most folks have heard of ‘antioxidants’, and may have looked for such foods that are ‘rich in antioxidants’, to consume, or activities to perform. Antioxidants are the counterpart to oxidative stress, and will help to reduce the expression of its symptoms. 

While this article focuses on the effects of oxidative stress on the aging brain and how to potentially stall, or halt the aging process of this organ, it is necessary to look at what activities or foods an individual can take or do, to prevent further deterioration of this organ. 

The activation of Nrf2 provides protection against oxidative stress, as well as chronic inflammation (an underlying issue with most chronic diseases). (2)

What Is Nrf2 Activation?

Nrf2 is also referred to as NF-E2–related factor 2, and is necessary for the activation of certain gene expressions in order to combat oxidative stress and  its related diseases. (3)

Nrf2 is a protein that controls how certain genes are expressed, its activation is necessary inorder to protect and defend both the body and brain against harmful oxidative stress. According to the publication by Science Direct Journals and Books, Nrf2 activation is described as:

“A protein that controls how certain genes are expressed. These genes help protect the cell from damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules made during normal cell metabolism). Free radicals may play a part in cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other diseases of aging. Also called NFE2L2 and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2.” (3)

To be clear, further research on the matter is necessary as Science Direct does conclude their chapter on Nrf2 and liver health with the following statement: 

“Further studies are required to determine a complete mechanism of signal transduction  from chemicals/radiation to Nrf2 and the role of Nrf2 in cell survival.” (3) 

Despite the fact that further research is necessary to understand the detailed mechanism of Nrf2 it is certain that most individuals, young and old will want to begin a protocol that will help to activate Nrf2. The question becomes how can an individual easily activate Nrf2 safely and more poignantly how can sauna therapy affect the activation of Nrf2?

How Is Nrf2 Activated By Sauna Use?

“Heat stress from a sauna is enough to activate Nrf2, which then increases the production of the heat shock protein, heme oxygenase (HO-1)”  (4)

Here is the truly excellent news: Nrf2 is activated by the hormetic effect of heat stress, such as is experienced during a sauna!

The heat stress experienced in a sauna increases the production of heat shock proteins, which are essential in the activation of Nrf2. In August of 2022 Lifespan Extension Advocacy Foundation published a game changing article on regular sauna use and longevity. This article articulates the essential science behind why sauna use is so effective in activating NrF2:

“Once activated, it travels from the cytoplasm to the cell nucleus, where it regulates an array of genes with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties. This HO-1 then goes on to break down heme, a pro-oxidant, into carbon monoxide and bilirubin, which are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, respectively [18]. The increased presence of HO-1 also suppresses the expression of a number of inflammatory molecules associated with cardiovascular disease.” (4)

Instead of turning to certain foods, vitamins, or beverages to find antioxidants, it is also equally as powerful to spend time in a sauna regularly to activate the magical protein NrF2.

A little bit of heat stress can go a long way to improving the body and also for the brain. The simplicity of spending a few minutes several times a week in the comfort of a sauna to activate NrF2, and therefore a powerful chain of antioxidants to combat age related brain degeneration is deeply appealing. 

How To Use A Sauna To Improve Brain Function In the Later Years

Regular use of your sauna is important, it is more of a lifestyle, than something to be used for the short term. Some doctors recommend the use of the sauna 4-7 times per week, for varying duration depending on age, as well as other proclivities. (2) 

The earlier you are able to begin your regular sauna care routine, the greater the impact will be on oxidative stress. If you are a minor or have children please read the article on how to safely sauna with individuals under the age of sixteen.

Also, remember it is never too late to start! The sooner you begin your sauna program, the sooner you will begin to see results on brain function. If you would like to know how to sauna safely as an elder, you can read the full article here: The Elderly and Sauna Use.

It may be possible to safely and easily access a means of NrF2 activation with sauna use, and therefore begin to reverse the effects of aging on the brain.  

Always consult with your physician or a medical care professional before beginning a regular sauna routine. 

Sources Cited

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5551541/
  2. https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes/nrf2-pathway-sulforaphane-protective-effects
  3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/transcription-factor-nrf2
  4. https://www.lifespan.io/topic/sauna-longevity/
  5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1726490109700358
  6. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/nrf2
  7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10693912/