Key Takeaways -
- Numerous research studies suggest that sauna use has the potential to diminish your risk of developing certain chronic conditions.
- Studies have uncovered that regular sauna sessions may significantly diminish the chances of developing hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Studies have demonstrated that regular sauna bathing can help enhance blood circulation and reduce tension in the arteries, decreasing one's risk of heat-related illnesses.
Are you looking for a natural way to reduce the risk of chronic diseases? If so, saunas may be the answer.
Relaxing your body and mind is only one of the many benefits that sauna therapy can offer. Studies have actually indicated that regular sessions in a sauna may even help to reduce your chances of developing chronic illnesses.
Visiting the sauna regularly has been scientifically proven to help lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.
In this article, we will explore how regular sauna use could benefit your health, as well as what precautions you should take before using a sauna. So read on to find out more about how saunas can help improve your overall well-being.
What Are Chronic Diseases?
Chronic diseases are LONG-LASTING conditions that usually can be controlled but not cured. They are diseases that last three months or more and can often worsen over time.
COMMON chronic illnesses include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, depression, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorders [1].
Chemical exposure can also lead to chronic health effects such as asthma and cancer [2]. It is important to take PREVENTATIVE measures to reduce the risk of developing a chronic illness by making healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
Living with a chronic disease can be DIFFICULT, but there are many resources available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Pro Tip: Regular sauna use is only one way to help reduce the risks associated with chronic diseases.
Regular Sauna Use and Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases
Regular sauna use has been linked to a REDUCED risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer.
Studies have also suggested that sauna use can IMPROVE mood, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system (including the autonomic nervous system) [3].
Sauna bathing is thought to provide health benefits because it causes physiological CHANGES that mimic those seen during exercise.
These include increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood circulation, which can help REDUCE stress and ease muscle tension. The high temperatures also stimulate sweating, which helps rid the body of toxins while supporting soft tissue and skin health.
Research has found that people who REGULARLY use a sauna are less likely to die from any cause than those who don’t [4]. Regular sauna use may also reduce the risk of stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, respiratory illnesses like asthma, and even some cancers.
In addition to these potential health benefits, simply spending time in a sauna provides an opportunity for relaxation, which can help bring about feelings of CALMNESS and well-being.
Pro Tip: Try using traditional Finnish saunas over a relaxing infrared sauna. Infrared saunas are still beneficial to health, but a Finnish sauna has been used for centuries and provides a more authentic experience.
Cardiometabolic Health Benefits of Sauna Exposure
Regular sauna use has been shown to improve cardiometabolic health by PROMOTING healthy blood pressure, increased heart rate variability, and improved endothelial dysfunction.
Sauna bathing can also help LOWER cholesterol levels, decrease inflammation and oxidative stress, improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control, reduce fat mass, increase cardiovascular fitness, and even reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death.
What’s more, regular sauna use may help to reduce stress and fatigue, improve mental clarity, increase ENERGY levels and enhance overall well-being [5].
Cardiovascular Disease and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing
Regular sauna use is thought to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, including reducing the RISK of stroke, hypertension, and dementia.
Other potential health benefits associated with regular sauna bathing include improved respiratory conditions such as ASTHMA [6], reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, improved insulin sensitivity and glucose control, increased cardiovascular fitness, decreased fat mass, enhanced mental clarity, increased energy levels and overall well-being.
Pro Tip: Remember to drink plenty of water before, during and after a sauna session.
Ultimately, the best way to ensure that you are getting the most out of sauna bathing is to consult your doctor about any POTENTIAL health risks and consider incorporating regular use into your overall health routine.
Doing this can help you reap all the potential health benefits associated with sauna use and enjoy a HEALTHIER life.
Can Using the Sauna Reduce Risk for Alzheimer's Disease?
Although the data is still inconclusive, studies have hinted that regular sauna use may result in a LOWER risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Taking advantage of this ancient practice could possibly lead to protection from some neurological illnesses[7].
Evidently, studies indicate that the warmth produced from a sauna session may ENHANCE cognitive performance, bolster insulin sensitivity and glycemic control, reduce inflammation and oxidative strain, as well as boost cardiovascular fitness.
Risks and Precautions When Using a Sauna
With every benefit comes a risk. Before using a sauna, it is important to UNDERSTAND any risks associated with regular use. Let's take a closer look:
Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the most COMMON risks associated with sauna use. It is important to stay properly hydrated before, during, and after using a sauna in order to reduce your risk of dehydration.
Low Blood Pressure
The hot temperatures experienced in a sauna can cause a DROP in blood pressure which can be dangerous if you have a pre-existing condition or are taking certain medications.
It is important to check with your doctor before using a sauna if you have a pre-existing condition or are taking any MEDICATIONS that could be impacted.
Heat Exhaustion/Fainting
The intense heat in a sauna can CAUSE dizziness, nausea and even faintness. Make sure to take breaks and cool off if you start feeling lightheaded.
Pro Tip: If you experience any of these symptoms, stop your sauna session immediately and seek medical attention.
Heat-Related Skin Rashes/Burns
Exposure to hot temperatures for too long can lead to heat-related skin RASHES or burns. It is important to listen to your body and not stay in the sauna for extended periods of time, especially if you start to feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed.
Conclusion
From improved cardiovascular health to reduced fat mass and enhanced mental clarity, using a sauna on a regular basis can provide many remarkable perks. Nonetheless, it is important to remain aware of the potential risks associated with frequent sauna usage.
If you have any pre-existing conditions, are taking medication, or simply beginning a sauna routine, it is essential to consult your doctor first. Please ensure that no harm will come from using the sauna by talking with a medical professional before diving in.
By gaining an in-depth knowledge of the associated threats and likely rewards, you can guarantee that your sauna experience is enjoyable and advantageous.
Sources -
- About Chronic Diseases. Published 2023. Accessed February 1, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/about/index.htm#
- - Division of Research Safety | Illinois. Illinois.edu. Published 2019. Accessed February 1, 2023. https://drs.illinois.edu/Page/SafetyLibrary/HealthEffectsOfChemicalExposure
- Hussain J, Cohen M. Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2018;2018:1-30. doi:10.1155/2018/1857413
- Daignault M. Can spending more time in the sauna save your life? USA TODAY. Published February 10, 2022. Accessed February 1, 2023. https://eu.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2022/02/10/sauna-heart-health-life-expectancy/6733339001/#
- Psychreg. What Are the Mental Health Benefits of Saunas. Psychreg. Published July 7, 2021. Accessed February 1, 2023. https://www.psychreg.org/mental-health-benefits-sauna/
- Clearlight Saunas. Sauna For Asthma: Why Heating Yourself Makes Life Better For Asthmatics. Infraredsauna.co.uk. Published November 7, 2022. Accessed February 1, 2023. https://www.infraredsauna.co.uk/blog/sauna-for-asthma#
- Can using the sauna reduce risk for Alzheimer’s disease? | Cognitive Vitality | Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation. Alzdiscovery.org. Published 2021. Accessed February 1, 2023. https://www.alzdiscovery.org/cognitive-vitality/blog/can-using-the-sauna-reduce-risk-for-alzheimers-disease#
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