12+1 reasons to go to the sauna in winter aka Going to the sauna for health and beauty
You’ve surely heard about the wondrous effects of saunas on health and beauty. But would you put together 5 positives? We’ve found 12 of them for you. So go sauna for the health of body and mind!
P.S. If you have any health problems, check with your doctor to see if a sauna is suitable for you.
1. Flush out toxins
You’ll sweat a lot in the sauna, up to 5 times more than normal. And with the sweat, you’ll also flush out harmful toxins that act as poisons for our bodies. It’ s the toxins that are to blame if you get headaches for no reason, are overly tired or develop allergies.
2. Boost your immunity
Before the cold and slushy weather hits, boost your immunity so you don’t get knocked down on your first public transport journey. A sauna can help you do just that. When your body is exposed to warmer temperatures, it starts producing white blood cells – similar to when you have a fever – that fight off viruses and infections. Preventatively armed with a stronger immunity, you’ll either not get sick at all in the annual flu epidemic or you’ll get through it with ease (similar to getting a flu shot). Plus, as your white blood cells increase, so will your levels of immunoglobin A, which helps to clear mucus and germs faster. This will last for up to a week after a sauna session. That means you should go to the sauna at least once a week.
The infrared sauna is also suitable for people with allergies.
3. You regenerate your body
Especially for sports people, sauna bathing is a recommended regeneration activity. The heat speeds up the heartbeat, dilates blood vessels, accelerates oxygen supply and metabolism, and washes away harmful and fatiguing substances more quickly. Muscles thus receive nutrients more quickly and regenerate faster.
4. Rehabilitate
Sauna therapy is also helpful after injuries, in the treatment of nervous disorders, disc problems, tendonitis and when your muscles are overworked. It’s also suitable for those suffering from arthritis or rheumatism. If you have cold feet, the stirred-up blood will help relieve them. Warmed joints also help people with orthopedic problems.
5. Improves digestive problems
Sauna bathing will help if you suffer from more serious digestive problems such as inflammation of the gallbladder, pancreas, small and large intestine or for ulcers.
6. Lowers the risk of heart attacks
A Finnish study in 2015 showed that men who go to the sauna 4-7 times a week (which is the Finnish standard) have a 63% lower risk of heart attack than men who only go once a week. Considering that according to the Czech Statistical Office, 32% of Czechs die of heart disease, the results of the Finnish study are not insignificant. You better plan your visit to the sauna today.
7. For healthy breathing
Being in the sauna helps with respiratory infections, asthma and pneumonia. Steam sauna, tropical sauna and aroma-essence are definitely a good choice to fight respiratory problems. Their humid climate stimulates the production of defensive substances in the mucous membranes.
8. It improves the psyche and puts you in a good mood
You must have noticed that after a sauna you feel relaxed, calm and in a good mood. This is due to endorphin, the happiness hormone that is released during sauna sessions. After a sauna, you sleep better, feel refreshed and relaxed, and stress, anxiety and headaches subside.
9. Increases testosterone levels
The American Institute of Stress regularly reports worrying figures. One of them is that up to 94% of workers experience stress on the job every day. Moreover, stress is behind the declining testosterone levels in the body. When your body is stressed, it releases the hormone cortisol, which blocks the effects of testosterone. However, after just an hour, a sauna can increase testosterone levels.
10. Reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Finnish researchers have shown a link between regular and frequent sauna use and the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. While they did not show a direct relationship between sauna use and reduced risk, it would be a sin not to exploit any positive correlation here.
11. Better sports performance
If you go to the sauna regularly, your body will gradually get used to the higher temperatures. With the exertion you feel in sport, you won’t tire as quickly. The heat doesn’t get you down. The internet claims that you can increase the time to exhaustion by up to 32% by taking a sauna.
12. Healthier skin and hair
In the heat, your blood vessels and pores dilate and your skin breathes better, getting rid of impurities and dead skin cells. And you simply get younger. Your skin will be firmer, softer and fresher. You can support the rejuvenation process with scrubs or natural honeys, which are better absorbed after the sauna.
The intensive blood circulation also helps to nourish the hair roots. The hair then looks healthier and thicker.
13. You might even lose weight and you’ll definitely feel lighter
Studies disagree on this point. The Journal of the American Medical Association states that in half an hour you will lose up to 600 kcal due to the energy used for the internal processes that the body has to perform (increased heart activity, cooling of internal organs, thermoregulation). However, the fact is that in half an hour in the sauna, your body will lose about half a litre of water. In addition, during the heating of the body, water is broken down better in the body, which helps from swelling.
So which of the reasons convinced you? Whether for health or for beauty, in Jizerka you’ll have the chance to air out in the mountain air and then jump into the sauna to relax. We guarantee that you will feel refreshed in both body and mind.
