What are the specific health benefits of traditional saunas?

Traditional saunas offer numerous health benefits, including enhancing cardiovascular health, improving mental well-being, and boosting immune function. Here are some specific benefits:

1. Cardiovascular Health: Regular sauna use can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. A study found that people who used a sauna two to three times per week were 27% less likely to die of cardiovascular-related incidents compared to those who used it less frequently. This risk reduction increased to 50% for those using saunas four to seven times per week 1.

2. Immune System Boost: Saunas can enhance immune function by increasing white blood cell profiles and beneficially adjusting cortisol levels. This effect is akin to mimicking fever, which helps combat infections 2.

3. Mental Health Improvements: Regular sauna sessions are associated with reduced risks of developing psychotic disorders. More frequent use correlates with general improvements in mental health, potentially due to stress relief and the body's release of endorphins during heats exposure 3 4.

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     Sauna Benefits

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     Sauna Benefits Explained

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     Sauna and Mental Health

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     Sauna Benefits Explored

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     Sauna Health Benefits

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     Sauna vs. Exercise

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4. Hormonal Benefits: Sauna use can increase growth hormone levels, which supports muscle growth, metabolism, and overall physical fitness. It's also associated with reductions in cortisol, the stress hormone, further contributing to stress management and mental health 5.

5. Exercise Alternative: Saunas mimic the effects of moderate aerobic exercise by elevating heart rate and improving blood pressure, beneficial for those unable to perform physical exercise due to disabilities or other constraints 6.

6. Detoxification: Sweating in a sauna can facilitate the removal of heavy metals from the body, such as cadmium and lead, which are excreted predominantly through sweat 4.

Andrew Huberman highlights that these benefits are most effective when saunas are used regularly and safely, considering individual health conditions and consulting with healthcare professionals as needed.