If you’re looking for an enjoyable way to keep your brain healthy and reduce your risk of dementia, spending time in a sauna could be the perfect solution. Did you know that you could slash the risk of dementia by more than half by committing to frequent sauna visits? A surprising discovery from Finnish researchers has found that this pleasurable activity can be highly beneficial for cognitive health.
Frequent sauna visits lead to lower dementia risk
A study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland analyzed the health records of over 2,000 middle-aged men and found a strong link between sauna visits and dementia risk. In particular, the more often participants used a sauna, the less likely they were to develop dementia later in their lives. The study participants who visited a sauna four to seven times per week saw a 66% lower risk of developing dementia and a 65% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to those who went only once a week.
How saunas support cognitive health
So why do saunas have such a substantial impact on cognitive health? The answer lies primarily in two main benefits: aiding the removal of toxins and promoting relaxation.
Saunas encourage the body to sweat, helping to flush out toxins and supporting overall health. In addition to reducing the risk of dementia, saunas have also been shown to improve circulation, relieve pain, decrease insomnia, and promote a healthy immune response.
Saunas also play a significant role in relaxation. Time spent in a sauna allows the body and mind to release tension and ease stress, potentially improving mental function and overall wellbeing.
Types of saunas
When most people think of saunas, they envision a room filled with steamy heat. While these traditional saunas certainly offer health benefits, infrared saunas may be even more effective. Instead of using heat to warm the air, infrared saunas employ infrared light that passes through the skin and directly increases core body temperature. This process allows for more effective detoxification from fat-soluble toxins, including sulfuric acids, heavy metals, ammonia, sodium, and uric acid.
Sauna safety tips
Regular sauna visits can do wonders for your brain health, but there are a few precautions to follow to ensure your sauna sessions remain safe and enjoyable:
- Avoid consuming alcohol before heading to the sauna.
- If you’re taking any medications, check with your doctor to ensure they don’t impair your body’s ability to sweat.
- Avoid the sauna if you’re not feeling well.
- Limit your sauna time to 15 to 20 minutes per session.
- Leave the sauna if you begin to feel dizzy, faint, or sick.
- Allow yourself a few minutes to cool down after your sauna session.
- Drink at least two to four glasses of water after you get out.
So, sit back and relax in a sauna, and you’ll be well on your way to a healthier brain and reduced dementia risk.
