**Santa Fe Spas: Altitude Stealing Summer Lasers?**
By Franklin Everett ShawThe air in Santa Fe bites with a dry, crisp cold that seeps into your bones. It’s a beautiful, stark contrast to the warmth you crave, a warmth that promises relaxation and detoxification. Infrared saunas are increasingly popular, but are they right for Santa Fe? The answer is nuanced, and depends entirely on how you approach them.
Infrared saunas offer a different experience than traditional saunas. Instead of heating the air around you, infrared light penetrates the skin, directly warming your body. This allows for lower ambient temperatures, making it potentially more tolerable for some.
But Santa Fe, New Mexico, presents unique challenges. The city sits at an elevation of approximately 7,200 feet (2,194 meters). This altitude, combined with the region’s arid climate, significantly impacts how your body responds to heat exposure, especially in an infrared sauna.
The primary concern is dehydration. At higher altitudes, your body loses moisture more rapidly through respiration. The air is thinner and drier, forcing your body to work harder to oxygenate your blood. This increased respiration leads to greater fluid loss. Add the heat of an infrared sauna, and you have a recipe for rapid dehydration.
Consider this: a typical infrared sauna session can cause you to lose a significant amount of water through sweat. In Santa Fe, that loss is amplified. This can lead to headaches, dizziness, and even altitude sickness exacerbation.
Mitigation Strategy 1: Hydration, Hydration, Hydration. This isn’t just about drinking water during your sauna session. It’s about pre-loading your body with fluids in the hours leading up to your session. Aim for at least a liter of water with electrolytes in the two hours before entering the sauna.
- Example: Before your evening sauna, start hydrating in the afternoon. Add a pinch of Himalayan pink salt to your water for added electrolytes.
During the session, continue to sip water. Afterwards, replenish your fluids with another liter of water, again with electrolytes. Consider adding a hydration multiplier like Liquid I.V. or Nuun tablet to your post-sauna water.
Mitigation Strategy 2: Gradual Acclimatization and Shorter Sessions. If you’re new to Santa Fe or haven’t fully acclimatized to the altitude, start slowly. Begin with shorter sauna sessions, perhaps 10-15 minutes, and gradually increase the duration as your body adjusts.
- Case Study: A friend visiting from sea level tried a 30-minute infrared sauna session on her first day in Santa Fe. She experienced severe lightheadedness and nausea. A shorter, 15-minute session a few days later, after acclimatizing and increasing her water intake, was much more manageable.
Mitigation Strategy 3: Monitor Your Body. Pay close attention to how you feel. If you experience any symptoms of dehydration or altitude sickness, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath, immediately exit the sauna and rehydrate.
- Pitfall: Many people push through discomfort, thinking they’re “detoxing.” This is a dangerous misconception. Listen to your body and prioritize safety.
Mitigation Strategy 4: Consider the Time of Day. The humidity in Santa Fe tends to be slightly higher in the mornings. If possible, schedule your sauna sessions for earlier in the day to minimize the impact of the dry air.
Mitigation Strategy 5: Pre- and Post-Sauna Protocols. Before entering the sauna, take a cool shower. This will help lower your core body temperature and prevent overheating. After the sauna, take another cool shower to help your body cool down gradually. Avoid sudden temperature changes.
- Challenge: Many people skip the cool shower, wanting to prolong the feeling of warmth. However, this can lead to overheating and dehydration.
Mitigation Strategy 6: Choosing the Right Sauna. Not all infrared saunas are created equal. Look for saunas with adjustable temperature settings. This allows you to customize the heat to your comfort level and prevent overheating.
- Actionable Insight: Far-infrared saunas are generally considered gentler than near-infrared saunas. If you’re sensitive to heat, opt for a far-infrared model.
Mitigation Strategy 7: Consult with a Healthcare Professional. If you have any underlying health conditions, such as heart problems or respiratory issues, consult with your doctor before using an infrared sauna, especially in a high-altitude environment.
Mitigation Strategy 8: Electrolyte Balance is Key. Water alone isn’t enough. You need to replenish the electrolytes you lose through sweat. Sodium, potassium, and magnesium are crucial for maintaining fluid balance and preventing muscle cramps.
- Practical Value: Instead of sugary sports drinks, opt for natural electrolyte sources like coconut water, bone broth, or electrolyte supplements.
Mitigation Strategy 9: Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine. Both alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, meaning they promote fluid loss. Avoid consuming these beverages before and after your sauna session.
Mitigation Strategy 10: Be Mindful of Medications. Some medications can increase your risk of dehydration or heat sensitivity. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any potential interactions.
Mitigation Strategy 11: Humidify Your Environment. Consider using a humidifier in your home, especially during the dry winter months. This can help increase the humidity in your environment and reduce fluid loss.
Mitigation Strategy 12: Post-Sauna Nutrition. Replenish not only fluids and electrolytes but also nutrients. A light, easily digestible meal or snack after your sauna session can help your body recover.
- Example: A smoothie with fruits, vegetables, and protein powder is a great post-sauna option.
Using an infrared sauna in Santa Fe can be a beneficial experience, but it requires careful planning and attention to your body’s needs. By following these strategies, you can minimize the risks of dehydration and altitude sickness and maximize the benefits of infrared therapy. Remember, moderation and awareness are key to enjoying a safe and effective sauna experience in the high desert.