Sweat your way to better health with sauna
Used to getting a sweat on in the gym? Adding some heat exposure therapy through regular sauna sessions can unlock a higher level of health and fitness benefits, including quicker recovery, better cardio fitness, and faster detoxification, says New Body Plan’s Joe Warner
In an era of high-intensity workouts and dietary fads, could the key to optimum health and fitness lie in a heat-filled room? Welcome to the world of sauna, a seemingly leisurely activity that packs a punch. The benefits of this age-old ritual go far beyond relaxation. This centuries-old Finnish tradition, once a communal pastime, is now a scientifically-backed tool in the fight for a healthier body and a sharper mind. It’s time to get hot and steamy with science.
TL;DR Regular sauna use has been linked to an array of health benefits, from cardiovascular health and muscle recovery to mental wellbeing. It promotes deep sweating, leading to detoxification, and has been associated with improved endurance performance. The prescription is simple: more heat, better health.
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Can sauna usage improve cardiovascular health?
Absolutely. Regular sauna bathing has been found to have several significant benefits for cardiovascular health, in ways that mimic the effects of moderate or even high-intensity exercise. As you immerse in the heat, your heart rate increases, similar to how it would in response to a cardio workout. Concurrently, your blood vessels expand, a process known as vasodilation. This vasodilation enhances blood circulation throughout the body, ensuring your cells receive more oxygen and nutrients.
A noteworthy study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension indicated that regular heat exposure use could lower blood pressure in men suffering from hypertension. When high blood pressure is alleviated, the risk of heart disease drops significantly, making heat treatments a potential non-pharmacological treatment for cardiovascular health. Moreover, a 2018 study from the American Journal of Hypertension found that heat exposure therapy could reduce the risk of stroke, adding another feather to its heart-healthy cap.
How does sauna aid in muscle recovery and growth?
It’s no secret that workouts can take a toll on your muscles, and recovery is crucial to keep progressing. A post-workout sauna session can speed up this recovery process. The heat from the sauna enhances blood flow, similar to a process called “active recovery”. This increased circulation ferries oxygen and nutrients to your muscle tissues faster, promoting healing and aiding in the growth and repair of muscles.
The relationship between sauna use and muscle growth isn’t just anecdotal. A study in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that sauna use could stimulate the production of human growth hormone (HGH), which plays a vital role in muscle growth and recovery. By naturally boosting HGH levels, you could potentially augment your muscle growth and speed up recovery times.
Is there a mental health aspect to sauna bathing?
Yes, the mental health benefits of sauna bathing can be as profound as the physical ones. The heat from the sauna triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, providing a natural high, akin to the “runner’s high” often reported by endurance athletes. These chemicals can promote a sense of relaxation, reduced anxiety, and overall wellbeing.
Moreover, a study in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that regular sauna bathing had a positive effect on patients with mental health disorders. It suggested that the sauna could be a promising adjunct treatment for mental health disorders, due to its ability to enhance mood and induce relaxation, without the side effects commonly associated with pharmaceutical interventions.
Does sauna have an impact on endurance performance?
Interestingly, sauna use can have a beneficial impact on endurance performance. Much like how high-altitude training can improve an athlete’s endurance by forcing the body to adapt to lower oxygen levels, sauna training can stimulate adaptations that enhance endurance performance.
In a study from the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, participants who used the sauna post-workout saw improved endurance running performance. The heat exposure from the sauna results in an increase in plasma volume – this enhances oxygen transport to your muscles, thereby boosting your endurance capacity. So, if you’re training for a marathon or just want to improve your stamina, incorporating sauna sessions into your training regimen could be beneficial.
Can sauna bathing aid detoxification?
Yes, sauna bathing can contribute significantly to the detoxification process. The body naturally detoxifies through digestion, respiration, and perspiration. When you step into a sauna, perspiration is the primary detoxifying mechanism. As the heat induces deep sweating, the body can expel toxins, including heavy metals like lead and mercury, through the skin. It’s essential, however, to consider that sauna bathing is not a standalone solution for detoxification but a potent tool that complements a broader lifestyle approach to maintaining overall health.
5 ways to get more out of your sauna
- Start slow: As with any new routine, it’s vital to start gradually. Begin with shorter sessions of around 10-15 minutes, and as your body acclimatises, you can increase this time. Avoid pushing yourself to stay in the heat longer than is comfortable.
- Hydrate well: Saunas cause you to sweat significantly, leading to a loss of fluids and electrolytes. Be sure to hydrate before, during (if necessary), and after your sauna session. Replenishing electrolytes can be useful, so consider a drink with added minerals post-sauna.
- Cool down: After a sauna session, allow your body time to cool down. Jumping into a cold shower or pool, or just sitting in a cooler area can enhance the benefits of the sauna and make the experience more enjoyable.
- Combine with other relaxing activities: Make your sauna session a holistic relaxation experience. Combine it with other activities like yoga, meditation, or even light reading. However, be mindful of the safety aspects – electronics and paper might not mix well with the sauna environment.
- Find the right sauna: Not all saunas are the same. Experiment with different types – wood-burning, electrically heated, infrared – and find one that you enjoy the most. The right ambiance, temperature, and humidity level can significantly enhance your sauna experience.
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