Saunas are remarkably good for you

When we were in Espoo, Finland, our hotel room had a private sauna. It was the best perk ever and we have struggled to adapt to not having it back home. Saunas, as it turns out, provide a high number of health benefits. Most remarkably the benefit of a healthy mind.

According to a study done by the University of Eastern Finland, sitting in a sauna at 176 degrees F for 19 minutes between 4-7 days a week provides a significant decrease (65% or more) in the risk of developing both Alzheimer’s and dementia. They haven’t discovered the exact reason for this benefit; however, the study also indicated an increase in cardiac health. 

When in the sauna, the high heat causes body temperature to rise, which causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to increased blood circulation. This increases the resting heart rate to 120-150 beats per minute. That is the same level as aerobic exercise for most people. You can burn calories just sitting there.

Increased blood flow is a catalyst for many health benefits, especially when combined with heat. Benefits can include higher production of antibodies, detoxification through sweat, and healthier arteries that are better able to deal with everyday stresses. Perhaps it is the presence of these healthy blood vessels in the brain that allows it to avoid damage later in life.

Trying to get these benefits in a non-sauna environment has proven challenging. The closest I’ve gotten is a very hot bath or shower, but results are not the same. There is something special about the dry heat that is difficult to create outside of the sauna.

Short of installing a sauna into the home, those of us in the States are left with the option to pay for a membership to a fitness club. The money may be worth it, though, to reap the priceless benefits offered by frequent sauna use.

What did I learn from this?

Going to the sauna is a no-impact workout that is also good for your mind.