We all know how good saunas feel after a long day. But did you know that saunas offer a plethora of health benefits? Saunas can improve your cardiovascular health, help you detoxify your body, and improve your skin. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the many health benefits of saunas.
Sauna Benefits for Your Heart
Saunas have been shown to improve cardiovascular health in a number of ways. First, saunas can help reduce blood pressure. A study of 2,315 men found that those who used a sauna four to seven times per week had a significantly lower risk of developing high blood pressure than those who only used a sauna once per week. Other studies have found that sauna bathing can also reduce the risk of stroke. In one study of 1,621 Finnish men, those who used a sauna four to seven times per week had a 60% lower risk of stroke than those who only used it once per week. Additionally, saunas can help improve heart function. A small study of 20 heart failure patients found that regular sauna use improved their ejection fraction (a measure of heart function) by an average of 13%.
Detoxifying Your Body Through Sweating
Saunas can also help rid your body of toxins through sweating. One study looked at the concentration of lead in sweat and found that it was 10-times higher after just 20 minutes in a sauna than before exposure. Another study measured the concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, nickel, and mercury in sweat and found that they increased after exposure to a sauna. While more research is needed to determine how effective sweating is at eliminating toxins from the body, it’s clear that saunas can help increase the elimination of some toxins through sweating.
Improved Skin Health
In addition to helping you sweat out toxins, saunas can also improve your skin health. One study found that regular sauna use improved acne by reducing the number of pimples and whiteheads on the face. Saunas can also help promote collagen production, which is important for maintaining healthy skin. In one study, women who used a Finnish dry sauna four times per week for three months had an increase in collagen production as well as skin elasticity and moisture levels. Another study looked at the effects of infrared saunas on wound healing and found that they helped promote collagen production and increased blood flow to the area, both of which are important for wound healing.
As you can see, there are many potential health benefits associated with regular sauna use. If you’re looking for ways to improve your cardiovascular health, detoxify your body, or simply improve your skin health, consider adding saunas to your routine.
