Add This to Boost Heart Health, Aid Recovery, Flush Toxin & Relieve Stress

What’s this magical thing that can improve your cardiovascular health, aid in post-workout recovery, flush toxins and release stress, you might ask? 

It’s the sauna. Or more specifically, sauna bathing. 

‍Saunas have been around for centuries, dating all the way back to 2,000 BC, where they originated in Eastern Europe. Most gyms, spas and even hotels these days feature saunas, and chances are you’ve found yourself sitting in this heated wooden room before or after a workout at some point. 

While it’s obvious that saunas feel nice and help to loosen up your muscles, here are a few other health benefits you’re receiving every time you sauna bathe: 

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Improve Heart Health

If you’ve ever spent more than a few minutes in a sauna (or hot bath or whirlpool, for that matter), you know that before long, your heart begins to race as your body heats up. As your core temperature rises, your blood vessels begin to dilate and your heart rate rises, essentially giving you the same effect as a light cardio workout (read: you’re also burning calories while essentially doing nothing). 

While you shouldn’t completely replace typical cardio activities like walking, running and biking with just laying in a sauna, regular sauna usage has been shown to reduce the risk of all-cause mortality, as well as reduced risk of stroke, cardiac incidents and hypertension. 

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Speed Up Post Workout Recovery

Suffering from a stubborn muscle strain or stiff joints after a workout? Hit the sauna. 

The high heat provided by the sauna can help relax muscles, soothe aches and pains, increase circulation and also produce endorphins, which minimize physical pain. Not only that, but sauna bathing after a workout can also help flush lactic acid and toxins from your muscles, increasing the chances that you won’t feel as stiff and sore after an intense workout. 

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‍Promote Relaxation & Relieve Stress

Remember those endorphins that get released when you sauna? Well, not only do they reduce physical pain, but they also have been shown to reduce mental pain, including depression and anxiety. 

The next time you’re in need of a little relaxation, plug in your earphones, lie down in the sauna, and take a few minutes to focus on your breathing, listen to music or a podcast, and just unwind without any distractions. 

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Boost Your Immune System

Winter cold and flu season might be wrapping up, but our immune systems are always under constant attack. Luckily, regular sauna bathing has been shown to help boost your immune system by increasing your body’s production of white blood cells, which help fight off viruses and infections. 

This boost in white blood cells, along with sweating and flushing out toxins, is an amazing recipe for keeping your body healthy year round. 

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Lower Risk for Diseases like Alzheimers

A 2016 study conducted by Finnish researchers found evidence linking regular sauna use with a lowered risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 

The study found that participants who used a sauna 2 to 3 times per week were 22 percent less likely to get dementia and 20 percent less likely to get Alzheimer’s than those who did not use a sauna. Participants who used the sauna 4 to 7 times a week were 66 percent less likely to get dementia and 65 percent less likely to get Alzheimer's than those who usd a sauna once per week. 

More research is needed to confirm these findings, but these early results definitely seem to indicate that sauna bathing has some pretty amazing benefits. 

If you’re looking to add sauna bathing into your routine, but don’t have access to one, we recommend this Infrared Sauna Blanket from Higher Dose. Members of HOS’ staff personally use this sauna blanket, and highly recommend it.