9 Possible Health and Immunity Benefits From Using Saunas Regularly
Although it is unknown exactly when it was first invented, the earliest iteration of the sauna originated over 4000 years ago in northern Europe. Today, saunas are a fixture in gyms, health clubs, and many homes across America.
You probably know saunas as a source of relaxation and restfulness, but what you might not be aware of are the science-backed health benefits saunas can impart upon those who use them regularly. In fact, saunas can have a number of benefits for the human body and mind, some of which may surprise you.
Below, you’ll find nine amazing benefits that come from regular sauna use.
1. Mental Wellbeing
One of the foremost reasons people choose to frequent a sauna is to achieve a sense of calm. The quiet atmosphere, the enclosed space, and the warm temperature can all contribute to feelings of relaxation and reduced stress. But aside from temporary feelings of tranquility, there are also other ways regular saunas can contribute to your mental wellbeing.
One study aimed to find out whether sauna use produced other positive mental effects as well. The result? It found Finnish men who regularly used saunas were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease in the future.
2. Post Workout Recovery
Athletes and everyday exercisers alike have long been told that a spell in the sauna after a workout can help their muscles to recover more quickly and boost their performance. Many doctors and experts give weight to this claim.
It’s believed that the heat can help to reduce the inflammation around the exercised muscles and help to relax them after a grueling workout. This allows muscles to feel better quicker, and train for longer.
3. Improved Circulation
One of the big health benefits saunas boast is their ability to improve circulation through regular use. Sitting in a sauna causes the blood vessels in your body to widen and your blood flow to increase.
Improved circulation has a number of knock-on effects for your general wellbeing. It allows your organs to work as they should, it helps with energy levels and brain function, and it prevents the many undesirable side effects of poor circulation.
4. Healthier Skin
Another fringe benefit of increased blood flow is clear and glowing skin. Regular sauna use promotes blood flow to the skin on your face and the rest of your body, which helps to maintain a healthy complexion.
Spending time in a sauna will also open up your pores, particularly the ones in the skin on your face. The sweat produced by your body due to the high temperature will help to flush out dirt and toxins, leaving you with clean, healthy, enviable skin.
5. Immunity Boost
If you’ve ever left a session in the sauna feeling invigorated, healthy, and full of life, it’s with good reason. Not only are saunas beneficial for your overall health, they can also help boost your immune system and fight infections, as well.
There have been several studies conducted into sauna immunity benefits, and the findings are impressive. One found that spending time in saunas can help to increase white blood cell counts. White blood cells are, of course, an essential component of your body’s immune system.
6. Weight Loss
If you’re working toward losing weight and maintaining a healthier lifestyle, then saunas may be able to help. Saunas, particularly infrared saunas, have been known to increase the metabolic rate of regular users.
A boost to your metabolism means you’ll burn calories faster. Infrared saunas that are around 140 degrees burn an average of 250 calories per hour. It should be noted, however, that while saunas can act as a great addition to a balanced weight loss program, it’s not recommended they replace exercise completely.
7. Lower Blood Pressure
Having high blood pressure can put you at risk for all sorts of ailments and drastically affect your quality of life. There are several things you can do to help maintain healthy blood pressure, and one of them is regular sauna use.
In fact, one study found that men who used a sauna between four and seven times per week halved their risk of developing high blood pressure. For those who have a history of high blood pressure in their family, many experts recommend regular sauna use in addition to an overall healthy lifestyle.
8. Chronic Pain Relief
Anyone who has experienced a chronic illness, either directly or indirectly, will know how difficult and stressful it can be. Many sufferers become frustrated trying to find effective treatments for their particular illness.
It may be surprising to learn then, that research suggests those suffering from chronic pain conditions such as arthritis may benefit from the regular use of infrared saunas. By reducing stress and easing pain, saunas alleviate some of the most serious symptoms of certain autoimmune diseases.
9. Increased Life Expectancy
If you thought sauna health benefits couldn’t get any better, think again. One of the most impressive benefits of saunas and their effects on the human body is that regular sauna use can actually increase life expectancy.
Although more research needs to be done in this area, studies have found routine sauna use reduces the risk of premature death as well as the onset of many diseases.
Saunas for a Healthier and Happier Life
Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet that will cure all your ailments or magic fountain of youth. But scientific research can’t be ignored. It’s clear that using saunas on a regular basis can have immensely positive effects on the human mind and body.
If you’d like to experience the many health and immunity benefits of saunas for yourself, get in touch with us today to request pricing for our extensive range of saunas. Thatcher Pools and Spas is southern Minnesota’s premier pool, spa, and sauna retailer, working to help homeowners achieve their backyard dreams for over fifty years.
