We have long missed out on the health benefits of regular sauna use. But the sauna secret is slowly becoming more mainstream to the average person. In this post I will be highlighting some of the advantages of this wonderful life tool.
1. Saunas Improves Cardiovascular health.
No one wants croak over from heart failure but as we get older that possibility becomes more of a reality. That’s why the sauna should be a weekly routine that will increase your chances of avoiding this problem. With regular sauna use we train our heart muscle.
Saunas is akin to mild exercise caused from the heart response. Cardiac output increases and blood vessels near the skin dilate. Heart rate can jump from 60-70 bpm to 120-150 bpm. As the heart rate increases it pumps more blood in the body. This cardiovascular conditioning has been linked to greatly reducing sudden cardiac death and cardiovascular disease by 22 percent and even upwards to 63 percent with more application.
According to a Finland study that followed 2315 men those who used the sauna two to three times weekly instead of once a week experience a 22 percent less chance of sudden cardiac death and 63 percent less chance when used four to seven times. (R)
2. Sauna Improves Skin Appearance
Sauna use produces deep sweat, cleansing us of dead skin cells and then replacing them with new ones. The epidermal layer and the sweat ducts are also deeply cleansed of bacteria and other environmental toxins creating a rejuvenating environment.
The skin will look more healthy and nourished due to the extra capillary circulation which draws more oxygen and nutrient around skin cells. Research observed better epidermal function, corneum hydration (dead cells) and better skin pH after sauna session of 2 x 15-minute at 80 degrees C. (R)
3. Sauna Improve Immunity
The body immune response is triggered by the heat of the sauna, fighting off viruses and infections.
The Journal of Human Kinetics studied the effects of sauna, testing the white blood cell profile, on athletes and non-athletes. Both groups conducted 15-minute sauna session raising core temperature to 1.2 c. Study observation revealed elevated counts of white blood cells, lymphocyte, neutrophil and basophil counts in the white blood cell profile. (R) British Medical Association also reported lower chances of getting colds and influenza by up to 65%.
4. Sauna improves muscle growth and recovery.
The cardiac output brings nutrients and oxygen to the body tissues, helping them to relax and heal. The relaxation within the muscle of the body enables them to relieve muscles aches and break down lactic acid deposits. Growth Hormone and insulin sensitivity are increased creating muscular repair.
Growth of brain cells and improvement in existing ones is also attributed to sauna therapy. Also, sauna use encourages heat shock proteins. Heat shock proteins prevent oxidative stress (muscle breakdown). These proteins are produced by cells in response to stressful conditions such as the sauna. These heat shock proteins have been shown to repair damaged proteins within the body. (R) IGF-1 levels were also reported to increase 142% following sauna use. (R)
5. Sauna helps relieve Stress
We often deal with a lot of stress such as work, lack of sleep, etc. Studies show that these stresses have a negative effect on our brain and body. These stresses effect our cortisol levels (the stress hormone) causing weight gain, acne and high blood pressure. Saunas benefit individuals because it relaxes the muscles and the parasympathetic system (rest and digest). (R)
Endorphins, the feel-good chemical is also produced creating a soothing environment. Heat Shock Proteins can be used by your cells to counteract environmental stress. (R)
6. Sauna Increase Longevity
In some studies, HGH levels increased 16-fold following a sauna session. As we get older Human Growth Hormones drop causing more fat accumulation and muscle breakdown. HGH is responsible for protein synthesis and fat metabolism within your adulthood. Many times, referred to as the “fountain of youth” Human Growth Hormones stimulated by the sauna will turn back the hands of time. Research conducted on flies revealed that mild heat stress increased lifespan up to 15%. (R) As stated before In the Finland study regular sauna use led to decreased heart disease and other forms of heart related problems.