Out of every three Americans, one of them is likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome, making it a leading threat to the health of this nation. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of symptoms, and bio-markers that eventually lead to a poor conversion rate of energy in the body. Many serious illnesses may ensue if metabolic syndrome is not treated early enough.
Metabolic syndrome may lead to Type II diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other non-fatal, but still serious conditions. The underlying cause of metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance, and the goal of any treatment plan is to increase insulin resistance, improve energy conversion, and reduce fat around the abdominal area with a focus on reduction in the locations surrounding the organs.
A recent study has demonstrated that passive heat exposure may be one of the most accessible and effective means of treating metabolic syndrome. If individuals are able to treat metabolic syndrome early on it may be possible to avoid developing Type II diabetes, developing serious heart conditions, or incidents of stroke.
Find out exactly what metabolic syndrome is, the data surrounding heat therapy versus exercise in its treatment, as well as the important role that heat shock proteins play in the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Finally, discover how you can use a hot bath, traditional sauna, steam room, or infrared sauna to prevent the progression of metabolic syndrome.
What is Metabolic Syndrome?
- Syndrome X.
- Insulin resistance syndrome.
- Dysmetabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome is a combination of factors that all result from an imbalance of proper energy conversion in the body. This syndrome is relatively vague as it encompasses many potential symptoms, and leads to several serious diseases. It is estimated that 1 in every 3 Americans is living with some form of metabolic syndrome. (1)
The National Library of Medicine in their publication ‘Metabolic Syndrome’ (2) describes this condition when the authors write this.
“Metabolic syndrome, characterized by a constellation of metabolic abnormalities, including central obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, poses a significant risk for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes mellitus.” (2)
Metabolic syndrome is often associated with an increase in fat surrounding the abdominal area, and especially fatty tissue surrounding the internal organs. This leads to insulin resistance, and ultimately much more dangerous conditions. The National Library of Medicine further reports the etiology of metabolic syndrome here.
“The underlying etiology of metabolic syndrome is multifactorial. The proposed causes include genetic predisposition and multiple environmental or lifestyle factors, including obesity, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy dietary habits.The crux of the syndrome is a buildup of fatty tissue, especially in the abdomen, leading to insulin resistance.” (2)
If it is possible for individuals living with metabolic syndrome to reduce its expression then many diseases affecting Americans today could be avoided. The approach to treating metabolic disease needs to be multi-lateral.
Metabolic syndrome goes by several different names all leading to metabolic diseases: Syndrome X, Insulin resistance syndrome, Dysmetabolic syndrome. (2)
Regular exercise, and other lifestyle changes can alter the existence of metabolic syndrome entirely. The issue for many individuals is actually engaging in the necessary exercise. Given the level of resistance to exercise among many individuals, or simply because exercise can be difficult to execute for the obese, disabled, or even for those self conscious of fat build up around the abdomen, a study was launched to find out if passive heat could be as effective in treating metabolic syndrome as exercise.
Nothing can ever truly replace exercise, however the results of the study are very promising for passive heat as an alternative practice in resolving metabolic syndrome.
The Data that Demonstrates Saunas May be as Effective in Treating Metabolic Syndrome as Exercise
Given the widespread threat of metabolic syndrome on a vast amount of the population, public health awareness is critical in resolving this condition. Furthermore, by treating this syndrome early it is possible to avoid many serious conditions later in life.
A study published by the National Library of Medicine sought to investigate how passive heat could be used as a possible treatment for metabolic syndrome. The results were very positive as compared to the use of exercise alone. The study is entitled ‘The effect of passive heating on heat shock protein 70 and interleukin-6: A possible treatment tool for metabolic diseases?’ (3)
The study originates with the primary issue in question being a lack of exercise in the population living with metabolic syndrome. The authors make this statement as a significant reason for performing their research.
“Increasing physical activity remains the most widely publicized way of improving health and wellbeing. However, in populations that benefit most from exercise (EX), adherence is often poor and alternatives to EX are important to bring about health improvements.” (3)
Exercise can be difficult to achieve for a wide variety of reasons, but the fact that an alternative solution exists is excellent news! The authors suggest a variety of reasons why exercise may be difficult to achieve when they write this.
“However, in populations that benefit most from exercise (EX), adherence is often poor, most likely due to medical conditions and disability, poor motivation and a lack of convenience.” (3)
If you find it difficult to exercise for any reason at all there is an excellent alternative that may be as effective as exercise, if not more and that is Passive Heat Therapy.
The study used 14 male participants all of whom were non-smokers. All of the participants in the study were ‘habitually’ inactive and exercised less than 1.5 hours per week. Additionally, all participants had not participated in sauna use, regular hot baths, or any other passive heat therapies in the previous 3 months. (3)
The participants were divided into 2 separate groups. One group engaged in exercise, while the second group engaged in only passive heat therapy. The participants had their blood profile reviewed before, during, and after the experiment was conducted. Their body mass was measured, as well as several other significant bio-markers. (3)
All participants arrived at the laboratory in a fasted state and having worn a glucose monitor for the past 72 hours.
Several discoveries were found as a result of this study.
- Energy expenditure during passive heat therapy (PH) was comparable to exercise. The authors describe the surprising energy expenditure during heat exposure here.
“An important secondary outcome is the increase in energy expenditure evident as a consequence of PH. This has important implications for the use of PH as a future intervention that may help to moderate body mass, particularly for individuals unable or unwilling to complete regular physical activity. However, we recognize that PH should be coupled with dietary manipulation to maximize any potential benefit to body composition.” (3)
- Increases in Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) were found in both groups of participants with an emphasis on an uptake in HSP 70. (3)
- There was a marked increase in Interleukin-6 in the participants who engaged in passive heat exposure.
***Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Is an endogenous chemical that is active as an anti-inflammatory actor in the body. (4)
For those living with metabolic syndrome it is excellent news that passive heat exposure either in a sauna, a very hot bath (be aware to not burn the skin), steam room, or infrared sauna is an excellent means of energy expenditure, and is even comparable to exercise. If exercise is off the table for you for any reason, consider sauna use as an acceptable and scientifically reliable method of reducing overall white fat in the body, and around the internal organs. (3)
The very important and noteworthy aspect of this clinical trial was the uptake in HSP 70 which is correlated to an increase in insulin sensitivity, a major danger for those living with metabolic syndrome. (3) Finally, the most exciting discovery was that Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was measured as much higher in individuals who engaged in passive heat, but was not increased in those who exercised. This is very important because IL-6 is responsible for a reduction in overall inflammation in the body. (4)
How do Heat Shock Proteins and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Help in the Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome
Given that metabolic syndrome is often described as insulin resistance syndrome, it is very important to note that an uptake in Heat Shock Protein 70 is correlated with an increase in insulin sensitivity. (3)
Almost all individuals living with metabolic syndrome suffer from insulin resistance and may be walking a fast paced track toward Type II diabetes. If individuals can find a way to engage in some exercise, or better yet, passive heat therapy as seen in a sauna, then they will inadvertently increase HSP 70 and improve insulin sensitivity.
As it turns out HSPs and their uptake play a critical role in resolving cases of metabolic syndrome. (3)
The publication examined here in this article entitled “The effect of passive heating on heat shock protein 70 and interleukin-6: A possible treatment tool for metabolic diseases?” concludes with these remarks.
“The elevations in both HSP70 and IL-6 may promote an anti-inflammatory milieu and help combat the chronic inflammation associated with many disease states. The increase in energy expenditure following PH demonstrates a systemic effect of PH, which has the ability to reduce adipose tissue and further contribute to reducing inflammation.” (3)
This study demonstrates that any disease affected by inflammation would likely respond positively to sauna use, or other means of passive heat therapy by elevating the levels of IL-6. In addition to reducing inflammation, IL-6 is also very helpful in immune function. According to the publication from Medical News entitled ‘What is Interleukin 6?’ written by Dr.Liji Thomas, MD IL-6 is helpful for both innate and adaptive immune system.
“For example, IL-6 is associated with the stimulation of acute phase reactions. These promote the activation of innate immunity, keeping tissue damage at bay.” (4)
Dr. Thomas continues to write the following on immune improvement with an uptake in IL-6.
“IL-6 also helps T-cells to differentiate early in their development. This chemical is required for progenitor cell development, as well as for T-Cells and natural killer (NK) cell activation. In addition, IL-6 helps these cells to achieve pathogen lysis inside the cells.” (4)
If you choose a sauna to rid yourself of metabolic syndrome through an increase in HSP production, reduction in overall fat content in the body, and inflammation reduction with an uptake in IL-6, you may find that you also inadvertently improve immune function as well!
You Can Use a Sauna to Rapidly Improve Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome, but You Must Use it Regularly to Effect Positive Change
The scientific research undoubtedly reveals that sauna use may be equally as effective in the treatment of metabolic syndrome as exercise. Moreover, it clearly demonstrates the importance of increasing biomarkers such as HSP 70 and IL-6 to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation.
If you do choose to use a sauna in the treatment of metabolic syndrome in addition to exercise or in lue of it, then you must do so regularly. This means getting into the sauna, or any other passive heat treatment at least 3 times per week for a minimum of 20 minutes (heat source dependent) if you actually want to create real change in the body.
At this time the heat source that you choose to use for passive heat therapy does not appear to be as significant as it would be in the treatment of other diseases. This fact, however, does not negate the importance of the lifestyle change to incorporate sauna (or other heat therapy methods) into your weekly practice and routine.
Passive heat may not be appropriate if you are living with certain conditions, for example, multiple sclerosis as this disease elicits extreme heat sensitivity. So, please consult with your medical practitioner before beginning a sauna program.
In addition, saunas as well as other heat therapy modalities require a regimented intake of fluids high in electrolytes to maintain appropriate levels of hydration. Stay well hydrated, listen to your body (and medical advisor) as you sit back and let the heat of the sauna increase HSP proteins, reduce inflammation, and burn calories as you enjoy your favorite podcast!
Sources Cited:
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10783-metabolic-syndrome
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459248/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5605168/
- https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Interleukin-6.aspx