What are the main benefits of sauna use?

Sauna use offers a range of significant health benefits, highlighted by Andrew Huberman and his guests on the Huberman Lab:

1. Cardiovascular Health: Regular sauna sessions (2-7 times per week) significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. People who use saunas frequently have a lower risk of mortality from cardiovascular diseases 1 2.

2. Cognitive Benefits: Enhanced blood flow to the brain, due to vasodilation from sauna use, can improve cognition and reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease 2.

3. Hormonal and Endocrine Effects: Sauna exposure increases growth hormone levels dramatically, which can aid recovery and muscle growth. It also reduces cortisol, helping with stress management 3 4.

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     Sauna Benefits

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     Sauna and Cognition

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     Sauna Benefits

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     Sauna Health Benefits

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     Sauna Benefits Explored

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     Sauna and Immunity

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     Sauna and Mental Health

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4. Detoxification: Sweating from sauna use enhances the excretion of heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and aluminum, supporting detoxification 5.

5. Immune Support: Regular sauna use can boost the innate immune system by increasing leukocyte counts, which may help in preventing illnesses like colds and flu 6.

6. Mental Health: Frequent sauna use is associated with improved mental health outcomes and may decrease the risk of developing psychotic disorders 7.

These benefits are derived from the stress response induced by high heat, which mimics cardiovascular exercise and initiates beneficial biological processes throughout the body.