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

About this episode

This episode explores the science and benefits of sauna therapy with Connie Zack, co-founder of Sunlighten.

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…

People in this episode

Host: McCall McPherson

Guest: Connie Zack

Topics covered

• sauna therapy
• infrared saunas
• detoxification
• heart health
• wellness routine

Keywords

• sauna
• infrared therapy
• detox
• cardiovascular health
• wellness

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Sunlighten

More episodes of Modern Thyroid and Wellness

• 85: Your Home Could Be Making You Sick – The Hidden Mold Exposure Keeping You Tired, Inflamed, and Stuck with Dr. Philip Oubre · June 11, 2026 · 46 min
• 84: You Can Look Fine and Still Be Struggling – Real Stories of Thyroid Healing, Hope, and Finding the Right Support · June 4, 2026 · 29 min
• 83: You’re Not Lazy, Broken, or Alone – Real Thyroid Healing Stories from the Modern Thyroid Clinic VIP Retreat · May 28, 2026 · 27 min
• 82: GLP-1s Beyond Weight Loss – The Future of Women’s Health, Fertility, Hormones, and Longevity | SXSW Panel Discussion Featuring McCall McPherson, Natalie Crawford, Jessica Shepherd & Shannon Ritchey · May 21, 2026 · 1h 14m
• 81: You’re Doing Everything Right but Still Feel Sick - The Thyroid Nutrition Mistakes Keeping Hashimoto’s Symptoms Alive with Ginny Mahar · May 14, 2026 · 46 min
• 80: What I Actually Do for My Health – My Real Routine, Supplements, Treatments & Truth Behind the Scenes with McCall McPherson · May 7, 2026 · 31 min