Cart

Your cart is empty

Continue shopping now

How Sauna Use Increases Life Expectancy

By Curtis Banton

Sauna bathing is an activity that has been around for thousands of years, mainly for the purpose of pleasure and relaxation. However, emerging evidence suggests that beyond therapeutic use, there are several health benefits. 


Acute heat exposure during sauna use has been found to be comparable to moderate physical exercise. When looking at our blood pressure and heart rate during sauna bathing in comparison to a dynamic exercise test, sauna bathing was equivalent to an exercise load of approximately 60-100 watts. The sustained decrease in blood pressure after heat exposure also suggests a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.


Large studies conducted in Finland have shown that compared to men who never used the sauna, moderate sauna users (2-3 times per week) are 27% less likely to die from cardiovascular related causes. In addition, frequent users (4-7 times per week) are 50% less likely to die from cardiovascular related causes.


Sauna use also assists the excretion of toxicants that bioaccumulate in the muscles, adipose tissue (fat) and our organs. This is facilitated with sauna use, with the average person losing between 2-5 lbs of water weight in a 30 to 45 minute session.


We are often exposed to Bisphenol A (BPA) which is found in plastic bottles, food packaging, beverage can linings and other products. BPA is a known endocrine disruptor, once considered to be a weak environmental estrogen but may be similar in potency to estradiol in stimulating some cellular responses. BPA primarily bioaccumulates in adipose tissue, with evidence suggesting that it is excreted via sweating and that sauna bathing may facilitate this process.


Heat exposure from sauna use is also great for our brains. A large observational study in Finland has shown that middle-aged men who used the sauna 4-7 times per week had a 65% reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, compared to men who only used the sauna once per week.


Heat stress also activates heat shock protein response, which has been linked to longevity through delaying senescence and slowing progression of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. 


In summary, sauna use is associated with longevity, especially with more frequent use. By exposing ourselves to acute bouts of heat exposure, we can induce heat shock proteins, which can help keep proteins in our bodies from becoming misfolded and forming aggregates, which is associated with diseases of aging.





Sources:


  1. Sauna bathing is an activity.. (Laukkanen JA, Laukkanen T, Kunutsor SK 2018)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30077204


  1. Acute heat exposure during sauna use.. (Ketelhut S and Ketelhut RG 2019)

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S096522991930473X?via%3Dihub


  1. Large studies have been conducted.. (Laukkanen T, et al. 2015)

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2130724


  1. 0.5kg of sweat.. (Podstawski R, et al. 2014)

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/tswj/2014/307421/


  1. BPA is a known endocrine disruptor.. (Rubin BS 2011)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21605673


  1. BPA primarily bioaccumulates.. (Genuis SJ, et al. 2012)

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jeph/2012/185731/


  1. 65% reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.. (Laukkanen T, et al. 2017)

https://academic.oup.com/ageing/article/46/2/245/2654230


  1. Heat stress also activates.. (Leak RK. 2014)

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12079-014-0243-9

Previous
Next

The Wellness Club

Sporty & Rich Wellness

Adverse Reactions to Food: Allergies versus Intolerances

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @dermahealthnutrition Many food-related symptoms are mistaken for "allergies" when in fact they may be food intolerances. Food allergy and food intolerance are two distinct reactions with unique characteristics in terms of their underlying mechanisms. Accurately distinguishing between the two conditions is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately for improving the wellbeing of those affected.

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness

5 Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @coreflexpilates Many of us know about the physical benefits of exercise, but what about the psychological benefits of exercise? Exercise can help ease anxiety and depression, improve your sleep and keep your memory in check. Here are five benefits your mental health will get from regular exercise. Better Sleep - E

Read more
Irregular Periods: What Do They Mean?

Irregular Periods: What Do They Mean?

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co A woman’s period is a vital sign. Just like your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and breath rate, a woman’s cycle is indicative of her health overall. An imbalanced period indicates suboptimal health.  The menstrual cycle is incredibly complex and requires a constellation of factors to align for it to occur at regular intervals. Factors that can delay a period or...

Read more
Micro-Needling with PRP for Facial Aging

Micro-Needling with PRP for Facial Aging

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co Facial treatments that slow and treat the signs of ageing have become increasingly popular as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, more invasive methods like injectables and surgery. Micro-needling is one I am frequently asked about, as it can benefit the skin’s appearance, soften fine lines and improve overall texture and plumpness — but

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - A New Way to Navigate Break-Ups

A New Way to Navigate Break-Ups

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @ericabassotherapy As a society we have historically romanticized long-term relationships and marriages even if they are totally unhealthy. All of us have likely applauded the model grandparents who stuck it out in their marriage for fifty-plus years, without thinking to inquire about how they both truly experienced the relationship throughout that time. When it...

Read more
Sulforaphane: The Powerful Nutrient in Broccoli Sprouts

Sulforaphane: The Powerful Nutrient in Broccoli Sprouts

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @emma.walsh Broccoli sprouts might be small, but you likely know that this tiny green superfood is packed with health benefits. This is thanks to the high concentration of an antioxidant called sulforaphane. It’s a sulfur-rich phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables, but is most potent in broccoli sprouts. You might not have heard...

Read more
People Pleasing: What Causes It and Strategies To Stop

People Pleasing: What Causes It And Strategies To Stop

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @ericabassotherapy Do you often confuse ‘being nice’ with doing things out of fear of being disliked or rejected by others? In my therapy practice I commonly work with individuals who struggle with people pleasing tendencies. People pleasing is not a formal mental health condition, rather a set of behaviors that involve placing the needs of others above one’s own needs. This excessive wish...

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - Treating Acne: which blood tests can be helpful

Treating Acne: Which Blood Tests Can Be Helpful

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co When one of my patients presents with skin concerns, a component of my plan is always testing, particularly when it comes to acne. Acne is a concern that can arise for a variety of reasons and bloodwork is a helpful tool in understanding its root cause. Without understanding the cause of breakouts,...

Read more
The Energetic Properties of Foods

The Energetic Properties of Foods

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

  By Dr. Natazia zu Stolberg, L.Ac, DACM Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Nutrition extends beyond just the nutritional content of a particular food by focusing on specific medicinal properties as well as the energetic properties each food holds, and how these energies interact with the body. Foods are categorized as cold, cool, neutral, warm or hot.  In TCM, maintaining a predominantly warm diet...

Read more
Microneedling with Exosomes: The Benefits and the Science Behind It

Microneedling With Exosomes: The Benefits And The Science Behind It

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @snatchedbh In recent years, microneedling has gained immense popularity as a non-invasive skincare treatment for a variety of skin concerns, including acne scars, fine lines, and overall skin rejuvenation. But what if we told you there's a way to enhance the benefits of microneedling even further? Enter "microneedling with exosomes" a cutting-edge skincare technique that's been making waves in...

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - Why Cold Water and Smoothies are Making you Bloated

Why Cold Water and Smoothies are Making you Bloated

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

    By Dr. Natazia zu Stolberg, L.Ac, DACM In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the stomach is seen as a pot, with the fire under it being our metabolism. This digestive fire is crucial for the efficient breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients and smooth flow of Qi...

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - 10 Ways To Calm Anxiety

10 Ways To Calm Anxiety

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @curanaturopathy Anxiety is a complex and multifaceted emotional and physiological response to perceived or anticipated threats, which we commonly refer to as stressors. This response is characterized by various cognitive, emotional, behavioural, and physical symptoms.  It’s no doubt that anxiety serves a true purpose as a natural and adaptive reaction to prepare us to deal with challenges...

Read more