This week, we wanted to chat about the health benefits of saunas. Saunas are a part of many different cultures and have been around for thousands of years. Japanese, Finnish, Russian, Roman, American Indian, and Turkish cultures all have their own version of utilizing exposure to ambient heat and inducing sweat for health benefits. Sweating is an excellent way to detox and heal the body through its own natural abilities. 
 

Deep sweating is an excellent tool to increase the bodies natural ability to detox. The bodies largest organ is our skin. Sweating allows us to push out toxins through the pores in our skin. A sauna session can allow you to clean your skin more thoroughly than washing the skin as we push the toxins, pollutants, and bacteria out. How cool is that!? In addition, high temperatures kill many strains of bacteria which can help to clear infected, or acne prone skin. 

Sauna use can stimulate your heart rate. Spending time in a sauna can increase our heart rate, mimicking the effect of moderate exercise. Some studies have shown that regular exposure to high heat has even increased cardiovascular endurance. The increased heart rate also helps to oxygenate the blood, enhances circulation to the organs, muscle, and fat tissue which promotes healing  **Note--spending time in a sauna will not replace the bodies need for regular exercise. :)

Regular sauna use has been linked to a reduction in the risk of developing heart disease. What is this attributed to? In addition to the increased blood flow experienced from an increased heart rate, taking time to relax and unplug can be hugely beneficial in reducing risk of heart disease. This simple act of taking time to relax lowers stress and anxiety, and decreases blood pressure.

Some studies have found that taking a sauna at the beginning of an illness can help fight off infection. Sitting in a sauna increases the body's core temperature which is like inducing a fever, which is our bodies first line of defense against illness. It is hard for pathogens to survive in higher temperatures. 

Saunas can help to alleviate sore, tired muscles after a workout. If you take a sauna after a workout, your increased heart rate that you experience in the sauna can help to increase blood flow to repair your muscles as well as carry away the built-up lactic acid that is created in your muscles during exercise. 

Remember to stay hydrated before and after taking a sauna, as prolonged sweating can cause dehydration. Also, if you feel lightheaded or dizzy during your time in the sauna, exit immediately and re-hydrate while sitting in a cool space. Also, please note that saunas are often contraindicated during pregnancy.