Unlike a steam room, which warms to 110 to 114 degrees Fahrenheit using heated water vapor, a sauna relies on the radiation of dry heat from rocks and wood to produce temperatures of over 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of its 20 percent or lower humidity rate, a sauna is often the preferred choice of users who seek the benefits of hot temperatures without all the heavy moisture.
Reduce Cold Infections
An article from the "Annals of Medicine" published on the Pub Med website reported that a 1990 study of 50 volunteers found fewer incidences of colds among individuals who regularly used sauna rooms compared to those who did not. However, there were no differences in the severity and length of cold between the two groups. In other words, regular sauna use will not shorten the life or difficulty of a cold, but it can possibly reduce your rate of infection.
Sweating Out Toxins
Many turn to saunas in order to sweat out toxins. While research at Harvard University admits that the dry heat of saunas can produce over a pint of sweat, an article in the "Los Angeles Times" warns that this may not be such a good thing. In fact, only 1 percent of toxic metals is lost via sweating. Even worse, sweating can actually mess up your detoxification system -- your kidneys and liver -- which requires hydration to function properly. Therefore, if you plan on using the sauna to sweat, drink at least two to four glasses of cold water first.
Improve Blood Circulation
The high heat of the sauna can raise the average person's heart rate by over 30 percent, according to research published on Harvard's health website. In turn, this extra blood flow increases circulation throughout the body, especially within the face, providing a redder complexion and better blood flow for over an hour after use.
Muscle Relaxation
Most gym goers frequent the sauna following a heavy routine to help relax their muscles. In fact, research in the Feb. 1, 2001, edition of "The American Journal of Medicine" supports that rheumatic arthritis symptoms can be eased with regular sauna usage. Apparently, the high heat dulls the pain of sore muscles and improves joint mobility.
Weight Loss
Many individuals turn to the sauna as a relaxing way to lose weight. Unfortunately, any weight lost in the sauna is actually water expelled during sweating, which is then recovered during hydration.
Faster Recovery of Water Loss
Experimental results published in a 2008 issue of "Dermatology" found that regular sauna users recover from water loss faster than non-users. Furthermore, the skin of regular users appears to have a healthier pH and less sebum (grease/oil) present during resting periods.
References
- Pub Med: Regular Sauna Bathing and the Incidence of Common Colds
- LA Times: You Sweat, But Toxins Likely Stay
- Harvard Health: Sauna Health Benefits
- "The American Journal of Medicine"; Benefits and Risks of Sauna Bathing; M. Hannuksela MD & S. Ellahham MD; Feb. 1, 2001
- "Dermatology"; Effect of Regular Sauna on Epidermal Barrier Function and Stratum Corneum Water-Holding Capacity in vivo in Humans: A Controlled Study; D. Kowatzki et al.; Vol. 217, No. 2, 2008
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