Sauna
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Sauna usage offers numerous health benefits, as discussed on the . Regular exposure, especially two to three times a week, can lower the risk of cardiovascular events and improve overall longevity. People who use saunas four to seven times weekly experience even greater benefits, reflecting a 50% reduction in cardiovascular-related mortality compared to infrequent users 1.
Saunas have physiological effects similar to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as improving blood pressure and heart rate. This makes them beneficial for people unable to engage in traditional workouts, such as the elderly or disabled. Furthermore, combining sauna sessions with regular exercise can enhance cardiorespiratory fitness more than exercise alone 2.
On a cognitive level, the vasodilation caused by sauna use enhances blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognition and potentially reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease by over 60% 3. Additionally, saunas trigger hormonal shifts that could increase growth hormone levels and reduce cortisol, factors that mimic cardiovascular workouts 4.
The recommended usage typically involves sessions lasting 5 to 20 minutes at temperatures between 80 and 100 degrees Celsius (176 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit) 1 5. While saunas are highly beneficial, they are not substitutes for regular exercise but can be complementary to physical activity regimes 6.
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