Contents:
- Medical Video: Why You Need to be Using a Sauna - TOP 7 BENEFITS
- Benefits of sauna based on research
- 1. Lower blood pressure
- 2. Relieves pain
- 3. Speed up the recovery of the body after exercise
- 4. Relieve stress
- 5. Lower cholesterol
- The risk behind the benefits of a sauna
- Before the sauna, pay attention to this first
Medical Video: Why You Need to be Using a Sauna - TOP 7 BENEFITS
Saunas have been known for thousands of years and until today are still popular. Not only makes you sweat, various studies have found that the sauna or steam bath offers many benefits for your body's health. Anything? Check out the various benefits of saunas in this article.
Benefits of sauna based on research
A sauna is a special room that is heated with high temperatures between 70 to 100 degrees Celsius. No wonder if a steam bath can raise your body temperature to reach 40 degrees Celsius. Increased body temperature causes blood vessels to dilate, blood circulation to flow smoothly, more sweat out so that you also become more relaxed.
In general, a journal literature review (systematic review) concluded that bathingdry saunacan routinely help reduce blood pressure (systolic and / or diastolic), reduce 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. Lower blood pressure
Research published in a journal Human Hypertension shows that a steam bath for 30 minutes can help reduce systolic blood pressure (top number) and diastolic blood pressure (bottom number). Not only that, the participants included 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 temperature of the heat produced when taking a steam bath can help dilate blood vessels to facilitate blood circulation.
However, if you want to get the benefits of this one sauna, it's good to consult with a doctor first. Because the steam bath is not recommended for people who have a history of high blood pressure and heart disease.
2. Relieves pain
Besides helping to lower blood pressure, smooth blood circulation because 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 the symptoms of chronic tension headaches.
Although further research is needed to ascertain the benefits of this one sauna, researchers believe that steam baths are one simple way to reduce various chronic pain including muscle and joint pain.
3. Speed up the recovery of the body after exercise
In a study published in a journal Springerplussteam bath using traditional or infrared techniques can speed up the recovery of the body after exercise. This happens because steam baths help repair muscle tissue that has an injury after exercise.
In fact, one study was published in a journal Human Kinetics found that a steam bath for 30 minutes 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 eliminate stress, steam bathing can be a place to pull off to calm down. The temperature of a warm room and a calm atmosphere can make you more relaxed and comfortable.
One study published in a journal Psychosomatic Medicine even found that steam baths can improve relaxation in patients with depression.
This is actually not surprising. Because, all things that make your soul and mind more calm and peaceful will have a positive effect on your mental health. Kathryn added that the benefits of saunas for health may not be very visible at first. However, over time, a steam bath can significantly affect your mental health.
5. Lower cholesterol
If after check up It is known that your cholesterol level is high, you can consider a steam bath to help lower cholesterol.
One study published in the journal Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health found that someone who routinely took a steam bath for 20 days found that his total cholesterol level had decreased. This makes the researchers conclude that the benefits of a sauna are similar to doing moderate intensity physical exercise.
Even so, it does not mean you do not need regular physical training. You are still advised to actively move and routinely do physical exercise to burn bad fat attached to the body. In addition to active moves, don't forget to pay attention to your food intake too.
The risk behind the benefits of a sauna
Even though it offers many health benefits, steam bath also has risks that should not be underestimated.Steam bath can causes 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 due to a sauna. People with certain conditions, such as kidney disease, may be at higher risk of dehydration.
Before the sauna, pay attention to this first
Given the risks behind the benefits offered, thennot everyone can 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 safety for you.
Make sure you don't take a steam bath for more than 30 minutes. To avoid dehydration, You must fulfill your fluid intake by drinking lots of water before and after a steam bath. If when you do a sauna you suddenly feel less fit, immediately finish this activity. Avoid drinking alcohol before or during a sauna because it can make your body hot and dehydrated.