Heath benefits of the sauna
Sauna is not a first-choice treatment for cardiovascular disease. Despite this, some studies have found positive effects.
Can a sauna decrease the risk of Alzheimer's?
The same study from Finland, apart from looking at cardiovascular diseases, also looked at the incidence of dementia in the 2315 male volunteers.
Men who went to the sauna 2 or 3 times a week reduced the risk of dementia by 22% and their risk of Alzheimer's by 20%. However, the men who went 4 to 7 times a week to the sessions had a decrease in risk of almost 65% in both neurodegenerative diseases.
Despite these conclusions, the study does not approve that the reduction is significant, because there may be other related elements, such as dementia patients do not usually use saunas.
You may be interested: Early Alzheimer's: everything you need to know
Other possible benefits of the sauna
A review in the American Journal Medicine explains the different benefits associated with the sauna. However, it concludes that more research and trials are necessary to make claims about them.
Although the sauna causes expulsion of liquids, it does not produce dehydration in the skin. Rather, it may be beneficial in patients with psoriasis. However, in atopic dermatitis, sweating can worsen symptoms such as itching.
Because the sauna promotes relaxation, the brain perceives less pain. Therefore, in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis it serves as an adjunct to calm pain and mobility of the joints.
Thanks to the humidification of the airways, it produces relief in the symptoms of patients with asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Can the sauna have risks?
In most healthy people, sauna sessions produce benefits and do not pose risks. However, those who have a particular disease, especially cardiovascular, should first consult the doctor. What are the possible risks?
Dehydration
Expelling fluid profusely can cause the body to become dehydrated. It is possible to lose up to half a liter of water in a sauna session. This can pose a risk, especially in patients with kidney problems who cannot control water losses. Therefore, it is essential to consume water before and after the sessions.
Glass with cold water
Drinking water before and after a sauna session can help reduce the risk of dehydration.
Pressure disturbances
The fact of causing vasodilation causes people to have lower blood pressure. If a person with uncontrolled base hypotension does a sauna session, it can aggravate their disease.
In addition, if you go from the warm room environment to the colder pool water, your body may turn up the tension to stabilize, which can lead to transient hypertension that can cause you to pass out.
What to remember about the sauna and its benefits?
As we have seen, the evidence supports some health benefits of the sauna. Despite this, caution is advisable in order to avoid accidents or unwanted reactions. In case of dizziness or headache, it is better to suspend the session.
On the other hand, in case of having an illness or being pregnant, it is best to consult the doctor. The professional will be in charge of determining if it is safe or not to do the session.
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