HEART HEALTH
Regular sauna use is associated with a reduced risk of fatal cardiovascular events.
A study in Finland found a 46% reduction in heart-related deaths among frequent sauna users (3-5 times per week).
Sitting in a sauna may be particularly good for your heart. The heat raises your skin temperature and causes heavy sweating — just a short time in the sauna can produce a pint of sweat. As your body reacts to keep cool, your heart rate increases and may reach 100-150 beats per minute.
Sauna bathing (and an increased heart rate) causes your blood vessels to open, increases circulation and reduces stress levels — similar to the effects of low or moderate exercise.
BLOOD PRESSURE
Over recent years, studies have consistently indicated that using a sauna can quickly lower blood pressure.
To maximize these health benefits, it's recommended to incorporate sauna sessions into your exercise routine. Findings suggest that spending 15 minutes in a sauna following a workout, done 3 times a week, can enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects more than exercising alone.
DEMENTIA
Middle aged men in Finland who take a sauna more than four times a week are two thirds less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or dementia over a 20 year period.
Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland followed 2,315 men aged 42-60 years for 20 years as part of the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Study.
Men who reported taking a sauna 3-5 times per week were 66% less likely to receive a diagnosis of dementia than those who only sauna once a week.
They were also 65% less likely to receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
HEAT & COLD THERAPY
The Soeberg Principle: When using deliberate cold exposure to increase your metabolism, minimize hot showers & sauna after the last cold exposure. Forcing your body to re-warm on its own is a major component of the metabolism & brown fat (healthy, thermogenic fat) stimulation.
Cold & heat exposure for optimal results:
Cold exposure 11 minutes per week, spread out across 2-3 sessions
Heat Exposure 10-15 minutes per session (up to 50 minutes per week)
Listen to Susan Soeberg discuss the benefits CLICK HERE ...
(to skip the preamble start at 10.44 :)
