Most of us know that spending time in a sauna raises the internal body temperature and certainly makes you sweat. Sweating makes the pores open and enables the release of the grime that has built up inside of them and it is also thought that it enables the body to flush out alcohol, salt and cholesterol. Researchers also believe that Saunas and sweating can help to relieve pain, help to control mood, could help to reduce the risk of kidney stones and could reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as 50%.
Fever is actually the body's natural way of fighting off infection by stimulating the immune system and preventing bacteria from growing and spreading. It also makes it uncomfortable for the viruses and bacteria as most need a fairly stable temperature range and level to continue to reproduce. Purely for this reason, it is a good idea to make sure your first aid kit contains a good clinical thermometer. So it makes sense that a sauna which is creating an artificial fever, will be beneficial but research has indicated that they could actually help to save lives.
Results were published recently of a study carried out in Finland over a twenty one year period commencing in the 1980's and involving 2300 men between 42 and 60 some of whom took regular saunas and some who took none at all. The results have shown that the more often the men had a sauna and the longer they stayed in the sauna, the lower their risk of fatal coronary or cardiovascular or Sudden Cardiac Death during the 21 year period.
Those who had two or three saunas a week had a 23% reduction in Coronary heart disease death rates which increased to 48% with between four and seven saunas a week. Similarly the death rate from cardiovascular disease was cut reduced by 27% for those taking two or three saunas a week and 50% for those who had between four and seven. Impressive figures, but when you also look at the risk of Sudden Cardiac death being reduced by 22% for those taking two or three saunas and 66% for those taking four to seven it becomes quite exciting.
The length of time spent in the sauna also made a difference, the longer the time, the greater the benefit. Those staying in the sauna for 11-19 minutes gained a 7% advantage over those staying under 11 minutes, whilst in excess of 19 minutes produced a 52% reduced risk of sudden cardiac death and similar levels for coronary and cardiovascular heart disease
The research hasn't as yet confirmed why saunas have this effect on life span but as the results have been so positive further studies will be carried out to establish the links. It should be stressed however, that saunas are not advisable for the very young, the very old or pregnant women and anyone with existing health problems should always consult their doctor before taking the plunge.
