Saunas and their health benefits

06.02.2018
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Saunas and their health benefits

Healthy nutrition and attention to daily activities are the solution for reducing the risk of illness and ensuring the quality of life. Acknowledging activities that benefit health and understanding harmful choices are our trump card. Among the recommended habits are the sauna sessions used by the Maya people 3000 years ago and still present today - mainly in Finland and the United States of America.

Saunas are recommended due to their health and state of mind benefits. The advantages are dementia and hypertension risk reduction, respectively the maintenance of cardiovascular health. To support these principles, a group of researchers from the University of East Finland has conducted a study on 2,300 male subjects.

The study was conducted for about 20 years, and the results showed that higher frequency and longer duration in saunas are directly correlated with lower risk for heart problems and mortality. The percentages showed that mortality was 49% for men who went to a sauna once a week and 31% for those who chose to go to the sauna between 4-7 times a week.

Among the most important effects, the following are mentioned:

1. Reducing stress - the hot steam of the sauna relaxes the muscles of the body and stimulates the release of endorphin

2. Pain Relief - The elevated temperature in the sauna makes blood vessels dilate, causing increased blood circulation and thus reduced muscle pains

3. Calorie burning - Sauna therapy increases the heart rate, as heart activity grows and the body starts to convert more calories into usable energy

4. Eliminating toxins - In an attempt to lower the temperature, the body produces perspiration by reducing the levels of lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury and other chemical substances that are assimilated daily.

Although sauna sessions are recommended and bring many benefits, it is advisable to consult a doctor to avoid causing health problems.

Resources:

https://www.uef.fi/en/-/runsas-saunominen-suojaa-miehia-muistisairaudelta

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/sauna-use-linked-longer-life-fewer-fatal-heart-problems-201502257755

Photo source: Shutterstock


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