Saunas And Their

Health Benefits

There are many claims about the health benefits of saunas. They are said to be good for losing weight, cleansing the body of toxins, lowering cholesterol, relieving the symptoms of arthritis, and treating respiratory problems like bronchitis and laryngitis. Sounds like a miracle cure, doesn't it? Do any of them have a sound scientific foundation? Let's take a closer look.

Losing Weight

There are plenty of weight loss programs that suggest saunas are an effective way to lose weight. They point to the fact that when you are in a sauna your heart rate increases and your body is working to cool itself. You may hear a figure of 300 to 500 calories burned during a 30-minute sauna session.

It is true that the heart rate increases during a sauna, and it is also true that this burns some calories. But during a regular exercise session your body is using many muscles; in a sauna the heart is the only muscle being exerted.

Building and toning muscles is more important for weight loss than exerting your heart. The bottom line is: If you want to lose weight, do some exercise. A sauna afterwards is a bonus, but it will not help much in your weight loss program.

Eliminating Toxins

"Saunas rid the body of toxins" is a claim made by many sauna manufacturers and retailers, and it is also a commonly-held belief among sauna enthusiasts. However, there is no scientific evidence that heavy metals (such as lead and mercury) or other such toxins are eliminated from the body by sauna use. These kinds of claims are heard even more in relation to infrared saunas, but either way, there's no evidence for it.

Lowering Cholesterol

This is another dubious claim put forward by many sauna retailers. Taking regular saunas is said to reduce cholesterol without any change in the diet. There is no scientific evidence for this.

Are There Any Real Benefits?

After looking at some of the quackery associated with saunas, one might be tempted to write off all claims of therapeutic value. Don't be too fast--there are real benefits to taking saunas, and their use can be an effective part of a regular health regime.

During a sauna the heart rate increases and the blood vessels dilate to accommodate the increased blood flow. Blood flow to the skin increases and heavy sweating is induced. The nasal passages open allowing the sinuses to drain.

Less Pain, More Mobility

The heat experienced in saunas can have real health benefits. Arthritic and rheumatic patients will feel less pain and experience greater joint mobility. This effect, though, will not last long outside the sauna. Athletes can benefit from a sauna before working out, because the heat causes the joints and muscles to become more flexible.

Relaxation, The Best Medicine

Probably the biggest health benefit of the sauna is the relaxation it induces. Our modern lives are loaded with stress, and its accumulated affects can be at the root of many health problems. Saunas are relaxing and calming, and provide a great way to unwind at the end of the day. A sauna before bed promotes deep sleep, which is necessary to revitalize the body.

People with health problems should consult their doctors before using saunas, but for most people the sauna is safe and beneficial when taken in moderation.