Visit any health center across the country and you’ll find people that are obsessed with the Benefits of Saunas. For centuries people have been reaping the rewards of saunas, but still so many don’t utilize them, even if it is part of a gym membership.
5 Benefits of Saunas you may not be aware of
However, there’s also now a growing trend of people installing home saunas, with brands such as Sun Stream Saunas utilizing infrared technology and providing the ability to fit into homes of all shapes and sizes. But why are people so obsessed with them, and what is putting off people using them?
Well, understanding is probably a big part of that. The people that love them clearly understand the benefits of them, while those that don’t perhaps don’t understand. So what are the main benefits that we may not be aware of exactly?
Improved Cardiovascular Health
While we might think of activities such as running to boost cardiovascular health, regular sauna use can also have a similar impact. That’s because the heat generated in a sauna causes blood vessels to dilate, improving blood flow and circulation around the body. In turn, this lowers blood pressure and improves heart function over time.
Studies have even shown that frequent use of saunas can also reduce the risks of heart attacks and strokes, as the heat stress experienced in a sauna encouraging the body to produce heat shock proteins, which protect cells and support cardiovascular resilience.
Enhanced Athletic Performance
Sauna can also be really useful in boosting athletic performance. Sport and fitness enthusiasts often incorporate saunas into their training regimes post workout as they can help with recovery, muscle growth as well as endurance.
Through sweat, we remove metabolic waste products and toxins that can reduce muscle soreness and accelerate recovery, enhancing performance the next time you work out.
Alongside this, many athletes also saunas as part of pre-competition routines to prepare their bodies for performing.
Immune System Boost
People perhaps are even less aware of the fact that spending regular periods in saunas can also strengthen the immune system and help the body fight off infection. The exposure to heat stimulates the production of white blood cells which are important in fighting off illness, while the sauna has also been associated with reducing the likelihood of respiratory infections such as colds.
This is due to the increase in the body’s temperature mimicking a mild fever, of which our immune responses then kick in, thus promoting immune system readiness.
Skin Health Benefits
Interestingly, saunas are also really useful for improving skin health. Alongside a full skin care routine, saunas help open up pores and allow for deeper cleansing and the removal of impurities.
This can reduce the chance of spots, promote a clearer complexion, while also stimulating collagen production. Collagen is important in maintaining our skin’s elasticity, as well as reducing the fine lines and wrinkles that develop over time.
Stress Reduction and Mental Wellbeing
Finally, as well as reducing stress, improving muscle recovery and more, saunas can have a really profound effect on our mental health. The whole environment aids the body in releasing endorphins, which is integral in boosting our mood, similar to when we do exercise.
It’s also a more passive form of meditation, with people often finding mindfulness in the quiet, calming space of a sauna. It’s a place for reflective thinking and as a result studies have found saunas to be impactful in reducing anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions.
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