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should you sauna? the good and bad of steam
there are some health benefits, as well as risks, to getting steamy.
mar 26 2021
2 minute read
some countries are seeing a bump in personal sauna sales amid the pandemic.
getty
saunas are hot right now. the traditionally finnish structures, designed as a place to experience dry or wet heat sessions, are having a moment as the covid-19 pandemic has seen many consumers look to upgrade their home life with all things ‘wellness.’
but are saunas really that good for you? or are they just steamy bacteria breeding grounds?
spa and bathhouse culture has evolved over thousands of years , taking different forms in different cultures. from turkish baths and russian banyas , to the japanese onsen , the practice of submerging oneself in a hot water or steam bath for self-care purposes is a ubiquitous tradition. however, no version is likely as popular as the sauna.
a hot spring in beppu oita, japan.
getty
a mainstay of modern spas and gyms, the sauna originated in finland where there are an estimated two million saunas today — one for every two or three citizens.
the good things about saunas
the benefits of sauna use are widely reported and studied. sitting in one is said to, among other things, help with chronic pain, inflammation, insomnia, high blood pressure, heart failure and even brain function . while using a sauna to aid in weight loss is a myth, there is some evidence that the sweating experienced while sitting in a sauna is similar to passive cardiovascular conditioning .
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saunas can also potentially help with some skin ailments such as acne , and one study out of finland claimed increased sauna use correlates with reduced risk of “all-cause mortality.”
“increased frequency of sauna bathing is associated with a reduced risk of [sudden cardiac death] scd, [fatal coronary heart disease] chd, [fatal cardiovascular disease] cvd, and all-cause mortality,” the researchers of the study wrote as part of their conclusion.
with all these positives, along with a couple celebrity endorsements , it’s no wonder the market for at-home saunas has started to heat up.
“with covid, it’s a busy market on steroids,” rick mouw, president of almost heaven saunas in holland, michigan, told the new york times in december. “no one can say a sauna helps with covid, but it does provide people who want to live a healthier lifestyle overall with another activity you can experience at home at the moment.”
and the downsides?
well, similar to hot tubs, which we know are gross little pathogen pools, a sauna can certainly be a breeding ground for germs simply because bacteria thrives in warm, moist areas. but wearing flip-flops, keeping your sauna clean by wiping it down after use, and keeping up with other regular maintenance should keep you clear of much of the nasty germs.
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saunas can also cause blood pressure to drop, so people with low blood pressure should consult their doctor before using a sauna.
lastly, if you were planning on using a sauna to ‘sweat out the toxins’ (possibly from a little too much quarantine wine), not so fast. it turns out that this common sentiment is
a myth
, as most of the body’s toxins such as alcohol, mercury and aluminum are removed by the kidneys, liver and intestines.
the notion of entering a sweaty, confined and potentially germy wooden box may not appeal to some people. but for those who like it hot, follow hygiene guidelines, enjoy safely, and don’t forget a towel.
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