What Happens to Your Heart and Brain When You Regularly Use the Sauna?

SadaNews - Your heart and brain become healthier when you use the sauna regularly. Regular sauna use can help improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, cardiovascular fitness, and reduce the risk of death related to heart diseases. It can also reduce stress, improve mental health, and benefit brain health.

Your blood pressure might change

While sitting in the sauna may temporarily raise blood pressure during and shortly after the session, regular sauna use has been shown to lower systolic blood pressure and reduce the risk of death associated with high blood pressure, according to "Verywell Health."

Untreated high blood pressure increases the risk of aneurysm, dementia, heart attacks, kidney damage, memory and learning issues, metabolic syndrome, erectile dysfunction, strokes, and vision loss.

Your cardiovascular fitness might improve

Cardiovascular fitness level shows the body's ability to take in oxygen, transport it to all its parts, and use it during physical activity. This is important for athletic performance and improving fitness. Research has shown that cardiovascular fitness levels improve with regular sauna use, even without additional physical activity.

Your cholesterol levels may decrease

Research has shown that alongside regular exercise, regular sauna use lowers levels of harmful and total cholesterol. Harmful cholesterol is the type that contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries when levels are too high. Since this increases the risk of heart issues like heart attacks and strokes, sauna use can help prevent these problems.

Your risk of heart disease may decrease

Regular sauna use can reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death by 63 percent. It also helps lower the risk of deaths associated with coronary heart disease and cardiovascular diseases.

While it may be beneficial for the heart, it is also essential to use the sauna safely. Some conditions pose significant risks, such as a recent heart attack; therefore, consult a doctor before starting sauna use.

Your risk of stroke may decrease

Research has shown that regular sauna use reduces the risk of first-time strokes. This type of stroke occurs when arteries are blocked by plaques or a blood clot prevents adequate blood flow to the brain. The increased blood flow that occurs with regular sauna use helps reduce the risk of stroke.

Your risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia may decrease

Using the sauna can lead to a 65 percent reduction in the risk of Alzheimer's disease and a 66 percent reduction in dementia risk when used four to seven times a week. Additionally, the risk of dementia can be reduced through regular sauna use. This occurs by helping to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow.

Other benefits of sauna use related to dementia and Alzheimer's disease include improved alertness, concentration, attention, memory, and mental clarity.

Your relaxation and mood may improve

Research has shown that sauna use helps promote relaxation, clear the mind, and enhance happiness and positive feelings. This can be observed through changes in brain activity via EEG and through reports from individuals using the sauna, indicating both physiological and tangible benefits. Additionally, the enjoyable experience makes it easier to commit to it consistently, increasing its effectiveness.

Your mental health may improve

Regular sauna use can improve mental health and well-being and reduce the risk of mental disorders such as psychosis, depression, and anxiety. This is achieved by stimulating endorphin release and increasing serotonin levels. Additionally, it supports relaxation, which helps alleviate anxiety and depression.

Is sauna use safe?

Despite the physical and mental health benefits associated with regular sauna use, there are also risks. For individuals with health issues, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, recent heart attacks, or heart diseases, it is essential to seek a doctor's opinion before using the sauna.

Be sure to drink enough water when using the sauna, and stop if you feel unwell, with possible symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, stomach upset, or lightheadedness.