{"id":1960,"date":"2018-07-16T02:58:06","date_gmt":"2018-07-16T02:58:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=1960"},"modified":"2021-05-18T18:26:54","modified_gmt":"2021-05-18T18:26:54","slug":"10-exceptional-sauna-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/10-exceptional-sauna-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Exceptional Sauna Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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You have seen saunas at fitness centers and spas, and maybe you even know people who have them in their homes. Sitting in hot, steam-filled rooms isn\u2019t new; in fact, it is a centuries-old practice. Native Americans used what they called \u201csweat lodges\u201d and the Finnish have been practicing sauna therapy for some 2,000 years. But why are saunas so popular? How can purposely sitting in a room where you sweat possibly be enjoyable?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Believe it or not, there actually are several health benefits associated with using saunas. From easing aching muscles to deep relaxation, people who use saunas tout they offer a tremendous amount of health benefits. If you are a little bit skeptical about the advantages that using a sauna can provide, keep on reading to learn 10 of the most exceptional health benefits that sauna therapy can provide \u2013 and all of them are backed up by science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Detoxification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first and most notable health benefit that using a sauna can provide is detoxification<\/a>. Your body is able to rid itself of the toxins that you absorb from the foods you eat, the beverages you drink, and the air you breathe on its own; but it can only do so to a certain degree. Given the large amount of toxins that we are exposed to on a regular basis, it\u2019s almost impossible for the body to detox itself naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A sauna can help take detoxification to new levels. Being exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged period of time allows the body to sweat, and that sweat draws out toxins that you can\u2019t get rid of on your own. Several studies have found that using a sauna regularly can be an effective way to purify the body by flushing out toxins that are stored deep within the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Total body relaxation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re feeling stressed <\/a>to the max (or even just a little), spending some time in a sauna may help you feel more relaxed. The simple act of sitting in a quite space without having to attend to any obligations is relaxing in and of itself; but that\u2019s not the only reason why using a sauna helps promote relaxation. It turns out that when you are exposed to high temperatures, your body releases endorphins, those feel-good hormones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The increased production of endorphins helps you achieve deep relaxation. It also helps to eliminate the buildup of lactic acid in your muscles, which tends to make you feel tense. The combination of doing absolutely nothing for a period of time combined with the increased production of endorphins means that you can achieve total relaxation from using a sauna. So if you are in need of some relaxation, consider spending some time in a sauna. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Stress relief<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It only stands to reason that the more relaxed you are, the less stressed out you will feel, which brings us to our next incredible health benefit of using a sauna: stress relief. The more stressed out you are, the more your body produces the stress hormone cortisol<\/a>. The more cortisol you produce, the more stressed out you become. It\u2019s a vicious cycle; stress leads to cortisol production, and the more cortisol you produce, the more stressed out you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using a sauna is a great way to combat the production of the stress hormone, and in turn, reduce your stress levels. That is thanks to the increased levels of endorphins your body produces when you sweat. Endorphins naturally suppress cortisol levels, making you feel less stressed out. Add to that the fact that you are giving yourself time to focus on nothing but yourself and you can\u2019t help but feel stress lifting off your shoulders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Eases aches and pains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s from working out, sleeping in an awkward position, or sitting at a desk for prolonged periods of time, aches and pains in the muscles <\/a>are very common ailment. These aches and pains are caused by a buildup of lactic acid in your muscles, as well as simply overusing them, or not using them enough. Whatever the source may be, aches and pains in your muscles can be downright uncomfortable and even debilitating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can impede your ability to partake in activities that you enjoy, or make even the simplest tasks difficult to complete. Bathing in a sauna can be the answer to your aches and pains. The exposure to high temperatures helps to flush toxins, including the buildup of lactic acid. It also helps promote blood flow, which soothes pain and stiffness in the muscles. If you\u2019re feeling pained, a few sessions in a sauna can help bring relief. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Better sleep<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are having a hard time falling asleep or find that you spend more time tossing and turning throughout the night than you actually do sleeping, you might want to consider using a sauna. Several research studies have found that bathing in a sauna can promote better sleep. How? \u2013 There are actually a number of reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, when your body is overloaded with toxins<\/a>, sleep can be marred. Second, when your cortisol levels are high, falling asleep or achieving a deep, rejuvenating sleep can be difficult. Third, tense muscles can cause aches and pains that can also affect your sleep. Using a sauna helps to flush out toxins deep within your body, promotes increased production of endorphins and suppresses cortisol, and helps to ease tension in your muscles. All of these things combined make it easier to fall asleep \u2013 and stay asleep. Instead of sleeping pills, try using a sauna to get a better night of sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Improved skin health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Skin <\/a>is your largest organ, and it serves several important functions. Most notably, it helps to prevents harmful microbes that you are exposed to on a regular basis from making their way into your body, helping you avoid developing dangerous infections. Your skin is also exposed to a tremendous amount of dirt and debris, which gets trapped in the pores, causing various conditions, such as blemishes and contact dermatitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using a sauna can help to promote the health of your skin. When your skin is exposed to heat, you sweat, and when you sweat, your pores dilate. As you sweat, the dirt, debris, and microbes that have accumulated in your pores are released; in other words, bathing in a sauna not only detoxifies your body, it also detoxifies your pores. Cleaning out and unclogging your pores is extremely restorative. It helps to promote more radiant skin and can also reduce the incidence of breakouts and other afflictions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Strengthens the immune system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If it seems like you are sick more often than not, there\u2019s a good chance that your immune system<\/a> is weak and needs a boost. Spending time in a sauna can give your immune system the pick-me-up it needs to help you fight off nasty germs and avoid getting sick as frequently. While you are sitting in a sauna, your core body temperature rises, which triggers the immune response of your body, thereby helping it combat infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, spending time in a sauna will help to increase the production of white blood cells, which are vital for helping your body stave off pathogens that are harmful to your health. Add to all of this the fact that bathing in a sauna helps to draw out toxins, which helps to boost the efficiency of your immune system even more. Studies have found that regular sauna bathing helps to significantly reduce the incidence of colds and flu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Improved heart health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s no secret that the heart is one of the most important organs and in order to stay in good health, it needs to be working properly. Unfortunately, whether they are due to hereditary or the result of poor diet and lack of exercise<\/a>, heart conditions are not uncommon, and these conditions can be extremely detrimental to your health. If you are looking to improve the health of your heart \u2013 and your health overall \u2013 spend some time in a sauna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scientific studies suggest that regular sauna bathing make be as good as \u2013 if not better \u2013 for your heart than regular exercise. One study revealed that those who routinely use saunas have lower blood pressure and stiffness in their arteries than those who do not. Additionally, it was found that the effects of a sauna on heart rate are similar to the effects of exercise on the heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Lose weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You may have heard that saunas can help with weight loss, but like many people, you have probably dismissed this claim. After all, how can sitting still and getting sweaty do anything for weight loss<\/a>? However, it\u2019s been found that the claims that saunas are beneficial for weight loss are actually true! That\u2019s because saunas raise your body\u2019s core temperature, which makes it work hard to cool down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anything that makes your body work harder burns calories, and when you burn calories, you lose weight. Moreover, a sauna makes you sweat, and as you sweat, salt and water weight are drawn out of your body, two things that can do wonders for weight loss. Lastly, spending time in a sauna can help to increase your metabolism, allowing you to digest foods more efficiently, which can also translate to weight loss. So, if you\u2019re looking to shed a few pounds, consider hitting the sauna. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. It makes you feel good!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Last, but certainly not least, spending time in a sauna can just make you feel good, which is definitely beneficial for your health. Relaxation, reduced stress, better sleep, improved heart health, fewer aches and pains, better looking skin, a stronger immune system, and even weight loss are all things that can definitely help you feel better about yourself and improve your outlook on life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, the release of toxins and the increased production of endorphins <\/a>naturally make you feel better. Given the vast health benefits that spending time in a sauna can provide, it only makes sense that you will feel happier and more positive. If you find that you are feeling glum, no matter what you do, maybe hitting the sauna is exactly what you need to start feeling happier, healthier, and better. It\u2019s amazing how much your life improves when you feel better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Balance Hormones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys, releasing adrenaline-like hormones and cortisol into the bloodstream. Cortisol is also known as \u201cthe stress hormone,\u201d due to its effect on the \u201cfight-or-flight\u201d response. When we experience external stressors, an increase in cortisol allows us to make quick decisions on the spot, as well as perform at our athletic peak to escape any threats. It\u2019s for this reason that you hear stories of people jumping from burning buildings and surviving.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when the body remains stressed, the adrenal glands<\/a> continue to produce cortisol, leading to a hormone imbalance that can create the onset of the autoimmune disorder known as, \u201cadrenal fatigue.\u201d In this state, the body remains in an alert state and ends up burning itself out. As a result, you may feel extreme fatigue and insomnia as a result of all of the circulating cortisol in your blood.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking a sauna once a day helps the body relax and reduce cortisol production, by removing stress.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Enhance Circulation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People with circulatory problems will benefit from taking a regular session in the sauna. When our body temperature rises due to the heat of the sauna, blood vessels start to dilate. As they expand, the blood vessels draw in more oxygen, sending it to the muscular and nervous system <\/a>\u2013 optimizing function. This increase in circulation has numerous health benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Increased levels of oxygenated blood remove toxins from your system at an accelerated rate. As a result, your tissues remove free radicals – the particles responsible for the signs of premature aging. This rejuvenating effect leaves your skin looking more youthful and free of wrinkles. The hot steam and added circulatory effect helps you recover from exercise-induced muscular stress as well \u2013 forcing out free radicals while nourishing the muscle with a flood of nutrient-rich blood.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research indicates that infrared therapy, (heat therapy,) recharges the mitochondria, increasing energy levels in the body and brain. Two to three 30-minute sauna sessions per week provide more than enough time in the sauna to benefit from the circulatory effects.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Remove Chemicals and Heavy Metals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We live in a toxic world, and as a result, our bodies risk exposure to more than 80,000 chemicals <\/a>floating in the air and water \u2013 and let\u2019s not forget about the toxins found in the food we eat either. Taking a sauna is an excellent way to remove these harmful particles from your system.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we breathe in the hot steam inside the sauna, our body begins to sweat. As we sweat, we leech toxins through our skin, removing them from the bloodstream. Research shows that the body excretes more toxins through sweat than it does through urine or feces.  Studies show that the body prefers to remove heavy metals like cadmium, arsenic, and lead through our sweat. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other studies show that the concentrations of phytates, (the chemicals found in toys, cosmetics, and clothing,) show up in higher levels in sweat as well. The more you sweat, the more you clean out your system from the effects of toxins.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Benefits the Brain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Build your brain power by taking a sauna a few times a week. Recent research in Finland, (the home of the sauna,) show that men who used the sauna four to seven times a week, for 15-minutes at a time, reduced their risk of developing dementia by as much as 65-percent. Considering more than 5-million Americans suffer from the effects of Alzheimer\u2019s disease, this offers hope for anyone with a genetic predisposition for developing dementia<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers did not mention the exact cause for the reduction in Alzheimer\u2019s markers, but they think it may have something to do with heat therapy and its effects on circulation. When more oxygenated blood enters the brain, it enhances brain health, reducing the chances of developing this dread disease.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a family history of dementia, add this therapy to your prevention protocol to significantly improve your chances of delaying the onset of the disease.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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