How Regular Saunas Could Save Your Life
Middle-aged men who take frequent saunas are around half as likely to die from heart conditions as those who do not, according to a new study.
The study was conducted among 2,315 men aged 42 to 60 from eastern Finland, where there is a strong sauna tradition.
Can Regular Saunas Protect Against Early Deaths?
Regular sessions also appear to protect against early deaths from any cause, lowering the risk by 40 per cent for those having a once-daily sauna.
Overall, those who visited saunas most often – as much as once every day – experienced the greatest benefit.
Even compared with men who took one sauna a week, their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease was 50 per cent lower.
Enhanced Health Benefits of Longer Saunas
Longer time spent sweating it out in each sauna session also enhanced the health benefits, with more than 20 minutes offering the most protection.
Researchers followed their progress for around 21 years comparing death rates between those who went to the sauna once a week and others who made more frequent visits.
During the follow-up period they recorded 190 sudden cardiac deaths, 281 fatal cases of coronary heart disease, 407 deaths from cardiovascular disease and 929 deaths from ‘all causes’.
Lower Risk or Sudden Cardiac Death
The risk of sudden cardiac death was found to be 22 per cent lower for men who had two to three sauna sessions per week and 66 per cent lower for those visiting a sauna four to seven times a week.
Spending more than 19 minutes in the sauna was associated with a 52 per cent reduced risk.
Dr Rita Redberg, from the University of California at San Francisco, who is the journal’s editor-in-chief, said:
‘Although we do not know why the men who took saunas more frequently had greater longevity (whether it is the time spent in the hot room, the relaxation time, the leisure of a life that allows for more relaxation time, or the camaraderie of the sauna), clearly time spent in the sauna is time well spent.’
Naked Saunas
A naked sauna, also known as a nude sauna, is a popular activity among naturists and offers various health benefits above and beyond those of a regular sauna.
Some of the key benefits are:
Detoxification
Sweating is a natural way for the body to eliminate toxins, and the high temperatures in a sauna can help stimulate the sweating process. By using a naked sauna, you allow your skin to breathe and sweat more effectively, which can enhance the detoxification process.
Improved Circulation
The heat from a sauna causes blood vessels to dilate, which in turn improves blood flow throughout the body. This increased circulation can help promote healing, reduce muscle soreness, and alleviate joint pain. Going naked in the sauna eliminates the constriction caused by tight clothing, allowing for better blood flow.
Stress Relief and Relaxation
Spending time in a sauna can promote relaxation and help reduce stress levels. The heat encourages the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain relievers and mood elevators.
Additionally, a naked sauna can further enhance relaxation by allowing you to fully embrace the warmth and heat, without the interference of clothing.
Improved Skin Health
Using a naked sauna can have various benefits for your skin. The sweating process helps unclog pores and remove impurities, which can lead to clearer and more radiant skin.
Moreover, increased blood circulation can provide skin cells with essential nutrients, promoting skin health and a youthful appearance.
Conclusion
By removing clothing, you can maximize these benefits and fully enjoy the relaxing and rejuvenating effects of a sauna session.
