The Workout Is Done…Time For A Sauna!

Just 10 Minutes Reaps Many Benefits for Health and Recovery

If you have never taken a sauna bath you have nothing to fear. Start with shorter visits – 3-5 minutes –  and build up over time but cap your time at 15 to 20 minutes. Just as you should drink plenty of water during and after your work, so should you drink before and after a sauna to avoid dehydration.

Improves heart function: A study has shown that regular saunas may improve heart function in people with heart failure. Another study has shown that using a sauna 4-7 times a week can significantly lower the risk of sudden cardiac death and other heart diseases.

Improves lung function: Studies suggest that sauna bathing improves lung function in people with asthma and chronic bronchitis by helping open up the airways, loosen phlegm, and reduce stress.

Alleviates pain: Sauna bathing has been linked to relieving pain and reducing symptoms associated with bone disorders, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

Prevents skin irritation: Although scientific evidence is lacking, some people have reported that their psoriasis symptoms improved with regular sauna bathing. However, it is not recommended for all types of skin disorders, as saunas can cause atopic dermatitis symptoms to worsen.

Lowers the risk of dementia: A study conducted on healthy Finnish men who had  4-7 sauna sessions a week showed a link between regular saunas and a lower risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases. However, the exact mechanism of action by which a sauna session protects the nerves from degeneration is unclear.

Reduces inflammation: Studies suggest regular sauna baths may lower the levels of circulating inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP levels are usually higher in certain inflammatory conditions.

Lowers cholesterol levels: A sauna bath may help reduce total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

Boosts immune system: Evidence shows that a sauna bath can boost the immune system and bolster your defense against common colds and infections in healthy individuals.