Saunas are heated rooms often featured at spas and wellness centers. They are designed to be a mode of relaxation and stress relief. In some cases, saunas are utilized for weight loss. Ask a doctor before using a sauna on a regular basis to prevent adverse health effects.
Types
Traditional saunas are heated rooms built of wood. Heated rooms can reach in excess of 100 degrees F. Saunas are also equipped with mist that boosts the humidity. Exercise and weight loss equipment that mimics the effects of traditional saunas also are on the market. The "sauna suit," for example, is a heated device made of rubber, plastic or nylon. Heated sauna belts are worn around the waist and claim to help you shrink your stomach.
Effects
The heat and humidity associated with saunas helps you relax and opens up the pores. According to Diet Spotlight, this combination of effects results in toxin removal, which can lead to minimal weight loss. The high temperatures of saunas are the feature most associated with weight loss. Saunas make your body perspire, causing you to lose water weight in a short amount of time.
Benefits
In addition to helping you lose water weight, saunas purportedly boost a slow metabolism. According to Dr. Lawrence Wilson, who writes about sauna therapy, a slow metabolism is often attributed to an underlying health condition such as hypothyroidism or adrenal gland disease. An increased metabolism helps your body burn calories more efficiently. Wilson also advocates sauna usage as a means of toxin removal through sweating. Diet Spotlight states that saunas and sauna products are beneficial for athletes who want to shed a few extra pounds prior to a weigh-in.
Side Effects
The high heat associated with saunas can easily leave you dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to other health repercussions, such as dizziness, fainting, excessive fatigue and heat stroke. To prevent dehydration from sauna usage, drink liquids immediately after each session. Keep in mind, however, that drinking water may negate any water weight lost through sauna use.
Considerations
The immediate effects of saunas are minimal. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, or NCBI, a 2003 study conducted by the University of Granada revealed that athletic women lost up to 1.4 percent of body weight after three 20-minute sauna sessions. This is equivalent to a loss of 2.1 pounds in a 150-pound woman. The men in the study lost up to 1.8 percent of body weight. In addition, the NCBI explains that the rapid weight loss affected athletic performance in women, namely jumping capabilities. Saunas are not a long-term solution for weight loss, because the weight lost can be quickly regained from drinking liquids.
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