# 73: Sauna Science Explained: Infrared vs. Traditional, Detox, Heart Health, and What to Look For with Connie Zack

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/modern-thyroid-and-wellness-7026828/73-sauna-science-explained-infrared-vs-traditional-detox-heart-health-and-what-to-look-for-with-connie-zack
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/modern-thyroid-and-wellness-7026828/73-sauna-science-explained-infrared-vs-traditional-detox-heart-health-and-what-to-look-for-with-connie-zack.md
Podcast: [Modern Thyroid and Wellness](https://stenobird.com/podcast/modern-thyroid-and-wellness-7026828)
Published: 2026-03-19T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://modern-thyroid.captivate.fm
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/c00b8708-698e-4d51-b471-77c50d0326a3.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/modern-thyroid-and-wellness-7026828/episodes/73-sauna-science-explained-infrared-vs-traditional-detox-heart-health-and-what-to-look-for-with-connie-zack
Duration seconds: 2664

## Resource

What if sauna therapy supports more than relaxation, influencing detoxification, circulation, and long-term health? In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness , McCall McPherson sits down with Connie Zack , co-founder of Sunlighten , to unpack the science, strategy, and real-world benefits of sauna therapy. Connie shares the deeply personal story that led her and her husband to leave careers in pharmaceutical sales and build Sunlighten after seeing infrared therapy transform her brother’s health. Connie and her husband started Sunlighten more than 20 years ago after her brother’s life changed through infrared light therapy, and the company continues to focus on science-backed infrared sauna technology. Together, McCall and Connie break down the differences between traditional saunas and infrared saunas, why all infrared saunas are not created equal, what far infrared actually does inside the body, and how sauna use can support cardiovascular health, detoxification, skin, nervous system regulation, and overall longevity. They also discuss red light therapy, what to look for when shopping for a sauna, and how to think about sauna use as a practical part of a wellness routine. This episode is a helpful guide for anyone curious about sauna therapy and wanting a clearer, more evidence-informed understanding of how to choose the right sauna and use it well. Episode Highlights Connie Zack’s personal story of how her brother’s chronic illness led her into the world of infrared light and sauna therapy Why Connie and her husband left stable pharmaceutical careers to build Sunlighten The difference between traditional saunas and infrared saunas How traditional saunas heat the air, while infrared heats the body more directly Why far infrared is the foundational wavelength in i…

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