• What are the benefits of sauna

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    Sauna has several health benefits, as discussed by in various episodes of the podcast. Here are some of the key advantages:

    1. Cardiovascular Health: Regular sauna use significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular events. Individuals who use the sauna two to three times per week are 27% less likely to die from cardiovascular events, and those who use it four to seven times a week have a 50% reduction in risk compared to those who use it only once weekly 1.

    2. Hormonal Benefits: Sauna exposure can lead to increased growth hormone release, sometimes by up to 16-fold. This hormonal change supports various health benefits, including increased stroke volume of the heart and dilation of blood vessels, mirroring some effects of cardiovascular exercise 2.

    3. Cognitive Benefits: Regular sauna sessions also enhance cognition by promoting blood flow to the brain. Frequent sauna use is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, with some studies showing a reduction greater than 60% in those using saunas frequently 3.

    4. Immune System Enhancement: Sauna use increases the activity of the innate immune system by boosting leukocyte levels, which can help fend off colds and flus. However, it’s important to avoid excessive heat exposure when already feeling ill 4.

    5. Detoxification: Sweating in the sauna helps excrete heavy metals from the body, like cadmium, lead, and aluminum, which are primarily eliminated through sweat 5.

    Overall, deliberate heat exposure through sauna use is a powerful tool for improving health and longevity by reducing mortality risks, boosting hormonal and cognitive function, enhancing the immune response, and aiding in detoxification.

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