Scandinavians have had healthy lifestyles for centuries. One of their traditions has been saunas, often followed by the quick jump into the snow bank or into a cold lake. New research published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings indicates that frequent sauna use can have the same effect on the body as regular exercise. Yes, sitting in a sauna is similar to a workout. To be beneficial like exercise, however, it has to be done about five times a week. Occasional saunas do not have a benefit.
How Saunas Simulate Exercise
A typical sauna is heated upwards of 175 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter. Spending five to twenty minutes in the sauna will normally get the heart rate to increase to 120 to 150 beats a minute. This is the same range that the heart would beat at when exercising moderately. At the same time that the heart rate increases, blood flow also increases to the skin, and that is an important factor seen in cardiovascular exercise.
The health benefits of sauna baths were studied in Finland. In the people who frequently used saunas, the same benefits of exercise were noted. These people had a 60 percent decease in heart disease and stroke. There was also evidence of improvements in other diseases such as some pulmonary conditions, arthritis, headaches and the flu. Direct findings included decreased blood pressure and decreased artery stiffness.
The effects of frequent sauna sauna use are the same as aerobic exercise. For those with pain and difficulty walking or exercising, the use of a sauna may have a significant benefit to improve cardiovascular fitness. The extreme heat forces increased heart rates and peripheral vascular flow. Since this is pushing your heart rate up, starting a sauna routine should involve the same cautions as an exercise program. Make sure that your heart can tolerate the increased heart rate and the extra work. Consult your physician and get approval to be exercising before you start using a sauna. Other precautions include drink plenty of water and do not drink alcohol.
For more information about using a sauna for your pain condition, reach out to Dr. Cohn’s office today.