You may associate conventional hot saunas with detoxification and weight loss. But did you know that they can also help you live longer?
Multiple studies have shown the impact of sauna baths in reducing the all-cause mortality rate. They also may improve the quality of life by reducing the risk for certain illnesses and alleviating the symptoms of certain health conditions.
There are different types of saunas, ranging from regular saunas to infrared saunas, and each has their own unique advantages. But before diving into how they can potentially benefit you, make sure that you’ve done enough research on how they interact with your body so you know what to expect.
In this article, we’ll dig into what a sauna bath can do to your body and how it can help you to live a longer, and higher quality life. We’ll also tackle the effects, advantages, and benefits of using a sauna bath.
Do saunas reduce the mortality rate in humans?
Yes, they can. Saunas can help people live a longer, healthier life. It has been shown that using a sauna between 2 and 7 times a week to reduce the risk of all-cause mortality.
Two large studies found “striking risk reductions” for all-cause mortality in males who used saunas 4-7 times a week, comparing those who only used as sauna once a week. It seems the benefits seem to increase with each use. That is, it’s more effective for those who use a sauna bath at least four times a week.
This is not limited to men, however. It’s been shown that both men and women may benefit from regular sauna baths.
One 2015 Finnish study even established that the risk for SCD (Sudden Cardiac Death) was 22% lower in men who went for 2-3 sauna sessions weekly and 63% lower in those who opted for 4-7 sauna sessions per week. The statistics are really quite impressive. If you or anyone in your family is at risk for heart disease, you might want to speak to your medical professional and consider a sauna session.
How saunas interact with your body
The most common type of sauna is known as the Finnish sauna, a dry and hot bath that uses temperatures ranging from 80-100°C. Sessions typically last between 5 to 20 minutes, depending on how comfortable you are during the bath. Some people can go for longer times without any issues.
One 2015 study claimed that there was a 52% decreased risk for SCD in patients who underwent sauna therapy for more than 19 minutes compared to those who had treatments under 11 minutes.
Sauna bathing, a type of passive heat therapy, causes the heart rate to increase up to 120-150 beats per minute. Body temperature increases, and sweat is secreted at a rate of 0.6-1.0kg/h. This response is consistent with what happens during a regular exercise routine, except that the participant is not exerting any sort of physical effort. The difference between exercise and sauna bathing is that, in the latter, blood flow to the extremities increases while blood flow to the internal organs slows as a result of increasing body temperature.
As your heart rate rises, your blood pressure drops, and your arteries become less stiff during your time inside the sauna bath. This may help you overcome circulatory problems, as oxygenation increase all throughout your body.
How saunas can benefit your health
Saunas can help people achieve a good standard of health, especially for those who cannot exercise due to mobility problems, obesity, or chronic illnesses. Healthy individuals can also use saunas as a preventive measure. Below, we’ll outline in more detail how saunas can benefit your health.
Heart health
Sauna baths can help your blood pressure reach healthy levels, thereby reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease (including stroke, sudden cardiac death, and coronary heart disease). It may also lower the incidence of arrhythmias, and improve your endothelial function.
Reduced inflammation
Inflammation is factor in a variety of diseases, not just joint ailments. Chronic inflammation may cause cell damage and tissue injury. Sauna treatments have been found to lower levels of C-reactive protein, a marker for major inflammation.
Healthier brain function
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, two of the most bothersome neurocognitive conditions that affect the elderly population, are caused by many factors. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and reduced heart function are the top contributors to the development of these neurocognitive diseases.
A 2017 study found a decreased hazard ratio for both diseases in men who underwent weekly sauna sessions. Similar to the findings in studies involving cardiovascular diseases, the researchers found that the more sessions the patients had per week, the less likely they were to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Stronger lungs
Though steam rooms are typically more preferable to saunas when treating respiratory ailments, saunas may also be used to clear up your airways.
Sauna baths help increase lung capacity and ventilation, making them a useful treatment for those who suffer from chronic conditions such as bronchitis or asthma. For healthy individuals, frequent trips to the sauna may also help deter respiratory diseases, including pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Alleviation of joint pains
Musculoskeletal disorders often cause much pain and discomfort. Many people use hot compresses or sleep with heating pads to alleviate the symptoms. Thankfully, you can now add sauna baths to your list of pteotnial remedies.
The heat generated from saunas can improve joint ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.4 Since saunas can also reduce inflammation, frequent treatments may be useful to help keep your joint pains at bay.
Glowing skin
Sauna baths improve the circulation to your skin, giving you a healthy glow from within. There is also evidence that saunas may help treat skin conditions. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that causes red, scaly patches to appear in affected areas. It can be treated and controlled, but it may flare up due to diet changes, weather, and stress. Hot sauna baths have been found to help soften and slough away the hyperkeratotic scales that are associated with psoriasis.
Looking for a sauna treatment?
Look no further – our clinic here at Cryospa offer sauna treatments that may help you achieve the health benefits described in this article. Our infrared sauna treatment in Sydney presents a range of potential benefits, ranging from detoxication to alleviating joint pain.
As you know, sauna baths have many benefits. However, choosing a the right sauna treatment near you may be tricky. You don’t want to end up with inexperienced or careless providers.
At our treatment centre, we’ll guide you step by step and make sure that you have the best possible sauna experience. Let us help you take that step to improve your health today.
