“Detox” is one of those buzzwords that gets tossed around a lot in the wellness world, usually alongside juice cleanses and expensive supplements. But there’s one powerful (and ancient) method of supporting your body’s natural detox system that’s been around for centuries, and it’s the sauna.
At KOLM Kontrast in Vancouver, sauna sessions are at the heart of what we do. Whether you’re coming in to relax, recover, or reset your mind, there’s something undeniably healing about heat. But can it actually help your body detox?
Let’s break down the science, the myths, and what happens to your body when you sweat it out in the sauna.
What Does “Detox” Actually Mean?
Before we dive into how the sauna fits into the detox conversation, it’s important to define what we mean by “detox.”
Your body is already equipped with an incredible built-in detox system, mainly your liver, kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system, and skin. These organs work constantly to filter out toxins, process waste, and keep everything running smoothly.
So when people say “detox,” they’re usually talking about helping or supporting this natural process. And that’s where sauna use comes in.
How Saunas Support Detox?
1. Sweating Helps Eliminate Waste Through the Skin
When you sit in a sauna, your body temperature rises, your blood vessels dilate, and your heart rate increases, similar to what happens during a light workout. One of the most noticeable effects? You sweat a lot.
Sweat isn’t just water. Studies have shown that trace amounts of heavy metals, BPA, and phthalates (chemicals commonly found in plastics) can be excreted through sweat. While it’s not the primary way your body removes toxins, sweating does offer an additional “exit route” for certain compounds.
2. Improved Circulation and Lymphatic Flow
The heat from the sauna gets your blood flowing and boosts circulation throughout your body. This increase in blood flow can help your liver and kidneys, your primary detox organs, work more efficiently.
Sauna heat may also stimulate your lymphatic system, which is responsible for moving waste and immune cells through the body. A sluggish lymphatic system can lead to inflammation and fatigue, so giving it a nudge with regular sauna use may help keep things moving.
3. Reduced Stress, Better Detox
Here’s something often overlooked: chronic stress can impair your body’s ability to detoxify. When you’re in a constant state of fight-or-flight, your system isn’t focused on repair and elimination, it’s focused on survival.
The deep relaxation you feel in the sauna isn’t just in your head. Heat therapy helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest, digestion, and healing. Less stress, more efficient detox.
The Role of Cold Plunging
While this article is all about heat, we can’t talk about sauna detox without mentioning its powerful counterpart, the cold plunge.
At KOLM Kontrast, many guests choose to alternate between hot and cold for what’s known as contrast therapy. After sweating it out in the sauna, a quick dip in icy water not only feels incredible, it also causes your blood vessels to constrict, flushing out metabolic waste and helping your body recover.
Together, sauna and cold plunge create a dynamic reset for your body and mind. The heat opens everything up. The cold closes and clears. It’s a full-circle wellness experience.
Common Sauna Detox Myths
Let’s clear up a few misconceptions:
“You sweat out all your toxins in the sauna.”
Not quite. Sweat can help eliminate some waste, but most detox happens in your liver and kidneys.
“More heat = more detox.”
Longer or hotter isn’t always better. Listen to your body. Overdoing it can cause dehydration and stress, which work against your detox goals.
“You don’t need to hydrate after a sauna.”
Big no. You’re losing a lot of fluids. Rehydrating, ideally with water and electrolytes, is key to helping your body function properly post-session.
So, Does Sauna Help with Detox?
Yes, but in a supportive way. It doesn’t replace your liver or kidneys, but it can improve circulation, reduce stress, promote sweating, and give your body’s natural detox systems a gentle boost.
Think of it less like a “cleanse” and more like a tune-up. When paired with good hydration, quality sleep, and movement, sauna sessions can be a powerful part of your overall wellness toolkit.
Detox, Reset, and Reconnect at KOLM Kontrast
At KOLM Kontrast, we offer more than just a sauna, we offer a space to reset, recover, and reconnect. Whether you’re coming to release stress, support your body, or simply enjoy the contrast between heat and cold, our guided sauna and cold plunge classes are designed to meet you where you are. Book a session or grab a multi-pass to start building your routine.
New here? Check out our First Timers page for everything you need to know before your first visit.
Your body already knows how to heal. We’re just here to help it along the way.