Table of contents:
- The benefits of saunas are based on research
- 1. Lowering blood pressure
- 2. Relieves pain
- 3. Accelerate the body's recovery after exercise
- 4. Relieve stress
- 5. Lowering cholesterol
- The risks behind the benefits of a sauna
- Before the sauna, pay attention to this first
Saunas have been known for thousands of years and are still popular today. Not only does it make you sweat, various studies have found that a sauna, aka a steam bath, offers many benefits for your body's health. Anything? Check out the various benefits of a sauna in this article.
The benefits of saunas are based on research
Sauna is a special room that is heated to a high temperature between 70 to 100 degrees Celsius. It's no wonder that a steam bath can raise your body temperature by up to 40 degrees Celsius. Increasing body temperature causes blood vessels to dilate, blood circulation flows smoothly, sweat comes out more so that you become more relaxed.
In general, a literature review journal (systematic review) concluded that a bathdry saunaroutinely can help lower blood pressure (systolic and / or diastolic), reduce levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), can reduce stress, and be able to increase pain tolerance.
Here are the various benefits of a sauna that you need to know:
1. Lowering blood pressure
Research published in the journal Human Hypertension shows that a 30-minute steam bath can help lower systolic blood pressure (top number) and diastolic blood pressure (bottom number). Not only that, the participants who were involved in the study were also known to have systolic blood pressure which tended to remain low for 30 minutes after a steam bath. This happens because the hot temperature generated when taking a steam bath can help dilate blood vessels, thereby improving blood circulation.
However, if you want to get the benefits of this one sauna, it's a good idea to consult a doctor first. The reason is, steam baths are not recommended for people who have a history of high blood pressure and heart disease.
2. Relieves pain
Apart from helping to lower blood pressure, smooth blood circulation due to steam baths can also reduce pain in the body. This refers to a study published in the journal Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Based on these studies it is known that saunas can help relieve pain and relieve symptoms of chronic tension headaches.
Although further research is needed to confirm the benefits of this one sauna, researchers believe that a steam bath is one simple way to reduce various chronic pain including muscle and joint pain.
3. Accelerate the body's recovery after exercise
In a study published in the journal Springerplus, a steam bath using traditional or infrared techniques can speed up the body's recovery after exercise. This happens because the steam bath helps repair injured muscle tissue after exercise.
In fact, one study published in the journal Human Kinetics found that a 30-minute steam bath can stimulate growth hormone (HGH) in women, which functions to break down fat and build muscle.
4. Relieve stress
According to a therapist from New York, Kathryn Smerling, Ph.D, although it does not really relieve stress, a steam bath can be a place to pull out to calm down. The warm room temperature and calm atmosphere can make you more relaxed and comfortable.
One study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine even found that a steam bath can improve relaxation in patients with depression.
This is not surprising. The reason is, everything that makes your soul and mind calmer and more peaceful will have a positive effect on your mental health. Kathryn adds that the health benefits of saunas may not be as obvious at first. However, over time, a steam bath can significantly affect your mental health.
5. Lowering cholesterol
If after check up If it is known that your cholesterol levels are high, you might consider taking a steam bath to help lower cholesterol.
One study published in the journal Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health found that people who routinely took a steam bath for 20 days found that their total cholesterol levels decreased. This led the researchers to conclude that the benefits of a sauna are similar to those of moderate intensity physical exercise.
Even so, that doesn't mean you don't need regular physical exercise. You are still advised to be active and do regular physical exercise to burn bad fats that stick to the body. Apart from being active, don't forget to pay attention to your food intake too.
The risks behind the benefits of a sauna
Although it offers many benefits for the health of the body, steam baths also have risks that should not be underestimated. Steam baths can cause blood pressure to drop so people with low blood pressure should consult a doctor first to ensure the safety of the sauna.
In addition, a steam bath can also increase the risk of dehydration due to loss of fluids when sweating from a sauna. People with certain conditions, such as kidney disease, may be at a higher risk of becoming dehydrated.
Before the sauna, pay attention to this first
Given the risks behind the benefits offered, not everyone is allowed to take a steam bath. Basically, steam baths are only for people who are fit and have normal health conditions. If you have a history of chronic heart disease and uncontrolled blood pressure, a sauna may not be safe. Please consult a doctor first to ensure its safety for you.
Make sure you don't take a steam bath for more than 30 minutes. In order to avoid dehydration, you must meet your fluid intake by drinking lots of water before and after a steam bath. If during a sauna you suddenly feel unfit, stop this activity immediately. Avoid drinking alcohol before or during the sauna as this can make you hot and dehydrated.
