Sweat It Out: 4 Big Health Wins from Regular Sauna Sits

As we move into the colder months, the idea of indulging in a hot, relaxing sauna becomes more and more enticing. While seeking warmth might seem reason enough, did you know that regularly spending time in a sauna can also provide some essential health benefits? Let’s explore a few ways this warm haven can help you dodge some severe health risks.

High blood pressure warriors

Firstly, having regular sauna sessions can do wonders for your blood pressure. A study published earlier this year showed that those who visited the sauna four to seven times a week had a 50% lower risk of developing high blood pressure. By targeting this health risk, sauna sessions provide an effective strategy to keep your blood pressure in check.

Big hearts and saunas

With its blood pressure benefits, it’s no surprise that sauna sessions can also lead to a lower risk of heart diseases. A 2015 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that men who spent time in saunas experienced a reduced risk of fatal cardiovascular diseases and sudden cardiac death. The results showed that those who frequented the sauna two to three times per week had a 22% lower risk of sudden cardiac death and a 23% lower risk of fatal cardiovascular diseases compared to those who visited just once weekly. Furthermore, those who enjoyed sauna sessions 4-7 times per week were found to have a 63% lower risk of sudden cardiac death and a 48% lower risk of fatal cardiac diseases, again compared to those visiting only once per week.

This correlation exists because saunas heat your body, allowing your heart rate to increase and blood vessels to enlarge, which speeds up blood flow. All of these factors lead to improved cardiovascular function. Additionally, as previously mentioned, saunas help lower blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor for heart diseases.

Dementia protection

On top of heart health, research by the same team behind the 2015 study linked regular sauna sessions with a reduced risk of dementia. They found that individuals who spent time in a sauna four to seven times a week had a 66% lower risk of dementia compared to those who visited once a week. Although the reason behind this link remains unknown, researchers hypothesize that the relationship between cardiovascular health and brain health and the role relaxation plays in saunas could be potential factors.

Breathing easy

Your heart and brain are not the only parts of your body that benefit from saunas; your lungs do too. Studies have found that individuals with lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic bronchitis, experience improved lung function and more comfortable breathing after spending time in a sauna. A Finnish study that tracked the health of 2,210 men over 25 years discovered that frequent sauna sessions also reduce your risk of developing pneumonia.

Combining workouts with saunas

To get the most out of your sauna experience and maximize the health benefits, try incorporating sauna sessions into your regular exercise routine. Research indicates that those who exercise frequently and spend time in the sauna have an even lower risk of dying from all diseases than people who only visit the sauna. So, next time you finish a workout session, consider treating yourself to a sauna session as well.

If you’re on the lookout for a sauna but don’t want to hit the gym regularly, you can invest in a small, portable indoor sauna. With a wide range of sizes and prices available online, it’s easy to find the right fit for your needs. Considering the numerous benefits it offers, that’s a small investment to protect yourself against various diseases.

To sum it up, saunas offer a wide range of benefits, from protecting your heart, brain, and lungs, to reducing the risk of dementia. Do yourself a favor and make a habit of spending time in a sauna. Your body will thank you.