People have been taking to heat therapy for years, and we’ll be the first to admit we always thought it was a fad. But more and more studies are coming out praising the possible benefits of sauna use. These include improved muscle development, creation of new brain cells, increased longevity, decreased risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia, increased insulin sensitivity and faster recovery from injury.
Sauna use is a short-term passive exposure to extreme heat, which increases the body’s core temperature. When the body feels intense heat, a thermoregulatory response involving different mechanisms in the body works to condition the body for future heat stressors.
So why is this good for you?
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A study in Finland identified strong links between sauna use and reduced death and disease. The findings showed men who used the sauna two to three times a week were 27% less likely to die from cardiovascular-related issues than men who didn’t use the sauna. Men who used the sauna roughly four to seven times per week experienced twice the benefits – and were 50 per cent less likely to die from cardiovascular-related causes. Frequent sauna users were 40 per cent less likely to die from all causes of premature death. The study also revealed that frequent sauna use reduced the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Men who used the sauna four to seven times per week had a 66 per cent lower risk of developing dementia and a 65 per cent lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to men who used the sauna only one time per week. The health benefits also extend to mental health. Men who used the sauna four to seven times per week were 77% less likely to develop psychotic disorders.
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Photo: Nathan Cowley Pexels|
Most studies have used conventional saunas (as opposed to infrared saunas) over 76 degrees with a minimum of 20 minutes for each session. While Infrared saunas still have incredible health benefits, it seems we are still waiting for more conclusive studies on the effects. Sauna use is another great anti-ageing tool we should all be trying to incorporate into our longevity lifestyle. The heat stress from a sauna drives hormonal responses similar to those elicited by moderate-to-vigorous-intensity exercise. It may be another effective aid to slow down ageing. |
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Photo: Karolina Grabows Pexels