The many claims about the health benefits of saunas. Lose weight, cleanse the body of toxins, relieve arthritis symptoms, improve respiratory problems, snake oil etc.. or scientific fact? You be the judge.

Lose weight

When you’re in a sauna your heart rate increases while your body works to cool. 300 to 500 calories are burned during a session 30 minute sauna.

True, but in a sauna the heart is the only muscle being exerted. The construction and tone the muscles of regular exercise gives the equivalent calorie burn with the additional benefits of dial tone. For optimal weight loss, do some exercise, then take a sauna afterwards.

Eliminate toxins

The “Saunas rid the body of toxins” is a claim made by many sauna sellers, and it is a common-held belief among devotees of sauna. However, there is no scientific evidence that heavy metal (such as lead and mercury) is removed or other serious toxins from the body by sauna use. There is also no evidence that sauna use is useless is this respect. Until more careful study is done, this is an unfounded claim.

Lowering Cholesterol

This is another dubious claim put forward by many sauna retailers. Taking regular saunas is said to reduce cholesterol without any change of regime. There is no scientific evidence for this.

was there real benefits?

Because of exaggeration, one might be tempted to absorb all claims of therapeutic value. It would be wrong – there are real benefits to taking saunas and their regular use may be an effective part of a routine health

During a sauna increases heart rate and blood vessels dilate. Blood flow increases and heavy sweating is induced skin. The nasal passages open allowing sinuses to drain.

The heat experienced in saunas can have real benefits. Patients with arthritis and rheumatism, for example, feel less pain and will experience greater joint mobility. Athletes can benefit from a sauna before the development, lead joints and muscles to become more flexible, thereby reducing the risk of damage.

Relaxation, the best medicine

Perhaps the biggest health benefit of sauna is the relaxation it creates. The effort is often at the root of many health problems. Saunas relax itself, and provide a great way to unwind at the end of a day. A sauna before bed promotes deep sleep, which is crucial to revitalizing the body.

People with health problems should consult a doctor before using a sauna, but for the vast majority of people, the sauna is safe and beneficial when taken in moderation