Saunas have been used for centuries as a way to relax and detoxify the body. In recent years, saunas have become increasingly popular as a way to improve overall health and well-being. In some cultures like Finland, saunas are even considered a national pastime. And while most of us think of saunas as a way to simply relax, there are many health benefits of saunas that have been backed by science. Below are seven benefits of sauna use that may surprise you.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Multiple studies have shown that regular sauna use can improve cardiovascular health. One large-scale Finnish study found that hyperthermic conditioning which happens after a sauna session can decrease the risk of different cardiovascular issues including sudden cardiac death, coronary heart disease, and congestive heart failure. These benefits are due to increased heart rate and dilated blood vessels, which help improve circulation and lowers blood pressure. Saunas can also help reduce inflammation throughout the body which may improve arterial stiffness and decrease risk factors for stroke.
Improved Lung Function
Sauna bathing can improve your lung function in many ways. First, the heat and humidity in a sauna help to loosen up mucous in the lungs, making it easier to expel. Second, sauna bathing opens up the airways, which makes it easier to breathe. Third, regular sauna use helps to condition the lungs, making them stronger and more resistant to infection. Finally, sauna bathing can help relieve respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis by reducing inflammation in the airways. And since the air we breathe in a sauna is much cleaner and healthier than the air we breathe outside, sauna bathing can also help improve our overall lung health.
Pain Relief
If you suffer from chronic pain, sauna therapy may be a natural and effective way to find relief. A study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that far infrared sauna therapy can help reduce inflammation and pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis. The study?s authors concluded that sauna therapy is a safe, feasible, and potentially efficacious treatment for reducing disease activity in RA (rheumatoid arthritis). Regardless of the type of pain, you?re experiencing, saunas can help by increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles.
Weight Loss
If you?re looking for a way to jumpstart your weight loss journey, consider adding saunas to your routine. Saunas can help promote weight loss by burning calories and promoting sweating. In one study, participants who used a far infrared sauna three times per week for 30 minutes burned an average of 300 calories per session. While this isn?t a huge amount of weight, it?s a good start if you?re trying to lose weight and improve your overall health. Additionally, regular sauna use can help increase your metabolism and decrease your appetite, making it easier to stick to your diet.
Improved Skin Health
One of the most unexpected benefits of saunas is their ability to improve the appearance and health of your skin. Saunas can help cleanse and detoxify your skin by opening up pores and promoting sweating. This increased circulation can also help to nourish your skin and give you a natural, healthy glow. If you suffer from conditions like eczema or psoriasis, saunas can also help to reduce symptoms by relieving dryness and itchiness. However, keep in mind that if you have open wounds, it?s best to avoid saunas until they?ve healed. And, depending on your skin type, you may want to limit your sauna time to avoid over-drying your skin.
Body Detox
Saunas have long been used as a way to cleanse and detoxify the body, and there is some science to back up these claims. A study published in the Journal of Human Kinetics found that far infrared sauna therapy can help remove heavy metals from the body. The study?s authors believe that the benefits are because infrared saunas can help increase sweating, which is one of the body?s natural ways of eliminating toxins. Saunas may also help improve liver function by increasing blood flow and decreasing inflammation.
Improved Brain Function
Saunas aren?t just good for your physical health, they can also improve brain function. In one study, participants who used a far infrared sauna four times per week for four weeks showed improved cognitive function and decreased feelings of anxiety and depression.? The study?s authors believe that the benefits are linked to reduced inflammation and improved blood flow to the brain. Saunas may also help to increase levels of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood and cognition. Additionally, saunas can help improve sleep quality, which is essential for optimal brain function.
As you can see,? there are many potential benefits of using saunas regularly. From weight loss to improved skin health, saunas can have a positive impact on your overall health. If you?re looking for a way to improve your overall health, daily sauna sessions should be your go-to solution. Give it a try for yourself and see how much better you feel!
