How Saunas Can Benefit Your Heart Health?
Saunas are amazing for helping you relax and feel good, but can they do more? Heart disease is a serious problem, taking one life every 33 seconds in the U.S. That’s over 700,000 loved ones lost last year alone. It’s scary to think about, especially since so many of us don’t realize the risks. But there’s hope—saunas might be more than just a way to unwind. Let’s explore how they could help your heart.
How Saunas Can Benefit Your Heart Health?
Improved Circulation
Better blood flow means your heart gets more oxygen and nutrients, helping it work more efficiently.
A study found that sauna sessions increase heart rate and circulation, similar to the effects of light exercise.
In short, saunas are a simple and relaxing way to improve circulation and keep your heart healthy.
Lower Blood Pressure
Using a sauna can be great for your heart health by helping to lower blood pressure.
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps.
When this pressure is too high, it can cause your heart to work harder, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Using a sauna can be great for your heart health by helping to lower blood pressure. Studies have shown that combining sauna with exercise can significantly lower blood pressure in people with untreated hypertension.
Another study found that sauna use helped lower diastolic blood pressure, which is the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.
This number shows how much pressure is in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats.
Lowering this pressure is good, as it helps your heart relax and reduces strain, which supports overall heart health.
However, if diastolic blood pressure drops too low, below 60 mmHg, it can cause dizziness or fainting, which is unhealthy.
The normal diastolic blood pressure range is usually between 60 and 80 mmHg. If your blood pressure falls too low, it's important to monitor it closely.
If you have low blood pressure or any blood pressure concerns, it’s crucial to consult your doctor before using a sauna.
Monitoring your blood pressure regularly will help ensure it stays within a healthy range, and your doctor can advise you on whether sauna use is safe for you.
Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases
Saunas can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially when used regularly.
According to a 2018 study, men and women who used saunas more frequently saw a significant drop in fatal cardiovascular events.
The study found that those who used saunas four to seven times a week had a 77% lower risk of CVD mortality compared to those who used saunas just once a week.
Stress Reduction
Stress can seriously harm your heart, but reducing it can help keep your heart healthy.
When you relax, your heart rate slows down, and your blood pressure drops, both of which protect your heart.
Saunas are an amazing way to unwind. A study found that after using a sauna, participants felt more relaxed, with their brain activity showing they were in a calmer state.
The research also showed that people reported feeling physically relaxed after their sauna session.
So, if you want to ease stress and support your heart, a sauna session might just be the perfect choice!
Burn Calories
Burning calories is key to heart health, as it helps reduce body fat, which can lower the risk of cardiovascular issues.
Sauna sessions can help you burn calories by increasing your heart rate and energy expenditure.
A study on young, overweight men found that sauna use significantly boosted heart rate, energy expenditure, and even led to body mass loss.
According to the research, after just a few sauna sessions, participants lost around 0.65 kg.
This proves that sauna use can be a simple, yet effective way to support heart health by burning those extra calories.
Improved cholesterol
Lowering cholesterol is essential for heart health because it reduces the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to heart disease.
A study of young men found that after just 10 sauna sessions, total cholesterol and LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) levels dropped significantly, and these improvements lasted for weeks.
Another study on young women showed similar results: after several sauna sessions, their LDL cholesterol levels dropped, and their HDL (the "good" cholesterol) went up.
Saunas can be one of the best non-invasive therapies for heart health. The heat helps improve circulation, relax blood vessels, and lower blood pressure, giving your heart a good boost.
However, if you're already struggling with heart problems or have heart disease, it's important to avoid using a sauna or, at the very least, consult your doctor before stepping in.
Saunas alone won’t solve all your heart health concerns. To truly improve your heart health, consider adopting other healthy habits like regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and practicing stress-relief activities such as meditation or yoga.
