There’s a lot that has been made about the health benefits of sauna bathing, steam rooms, and infrared saunas but how much of the claims are actually true? Sure, a sauna makes you sweat. That said, does it do everything people say? Here we take a look at the top 9 health claims surrounding saunas and how true they are, measured by scientific study and current research.
Immune system.
There is evidence suggesting saunas strengthen the immune system, particularly among people suffering from colds and flus or who are prone to contracting these types of illnesses. When the body’s sitting in heat, more white blood cells are produced at a rapid pace to fight illness and attack viruses.
Skin cleansing.
Heat bathing, a la steam room and saunas, are one of the oldest methods of skin cleansing and moisturizing. Your dead skin cells are shed and replaced, bacteria is rinsed out through deep sweating, cleansing of the pores give the skin a softer look overall, and the sweat brings with it nutrients and more all to the surface of your skin.
Pain relief.
Many users may choose an infrared sauna for pain relief related to fibromyalgia, arthritis, a sports injury, or something else. Under high heat, the body releases endorphins which can act as a tranquilizer on muscle sore and in particular arthritis pain. As the body temperature rises due to heat, this also causes the blood vessels to dilate speeding up circulation. This can also soothe aches and pains. This one’s marked as true!
Deeper sleep.
Saunas have been shown to produce deeper, more relaxed sleeps in several users. Among people using a sauna or steam room to treat insomnia, there exists multiple studies showing they fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Stress relief.
Sauna users frequently cite stress reduction as one of the primary reasons they use a sauna. Numerous studies exist showing how stress can negatively impact our mental and physical health as well as increase the risks of developing certain diseases or conditions. In a warm, quiet sauna, studies have shown the stress relief is very real and true, stimulating the relaxation of muscles and release of endorphins.
Cardio performance.
Saunas have been shown to improve cardiovascular health. In fact, infrared sauna research shows that heart rate can rise up to 120 bpm or 150 bpm in more intense situations. By enjoying saunas regularly, you’re strengthening your heart muscles, cardiac system, and the body’s metabolism.
Detoxification.
There aren’t any official studies out there currently claiming detoxification through sweat to be possible. Despite this, millions still believe in producing a deep sweat to detoxify. Deep sweating, according to some, cause toxins including lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury, and other chemicals to come out.
Calorie burning.
Saunas can cause weight loss although for this to be true, it depends on how you spend your sauna time, how often you go, and a myriad of other variables. In a single sauna session, it’s common to walk away having lost 300 calories or more just by sitting there in the heat. This is because heart activity increases and more oxygen is demanded in the body, resulting in our bodies converting calories into energy.
It’s good for your mental health.
Many people report feeling less anxiety and less depression through using a sauna regularly. Though this is largely anecdotal, there are some larger studies out there confirming that heat therapies such as a sauna or steam room can have a significant impact on mental health.