Sauna & Heart Health according to Dr. Mark Hyman
Dr Mark Hyman mentions this very interesting study along with a few advantages of sauna use:
Over a 20-year period, researchers closely studied the mortality and heart attack risks among over 2,000 sauna users in Finland.1
Since almost everyone in Finland uses saunas at least once a week. The control group was this one. The saunas had an average temperature of 174 degrees Fahrenheit.
Individuals who used a sauna two to three times a week had a lower risk of death by 24%, and frequent users, who used a sauna four to seven times a week, had a 40% lower risk of death compared to those who only used it once a week.
By spending about 20 minutes instead of 10 minutes in the sauna, the risk of cardiac death is decreased by 52%.
Heat therapy works by stimulating the production of heat shock proteins (HSP):
- Altered and damaged proteins are one of the hallmarks of aging, and protein damage can manifest as malformed or unfolded proteins.
- HSPs help proteins refold or, if they are too damaged, break them down and recycle them so that damaged proteins do not accumulate.
- HSPs also stimulate our natural repair and antioxidant mechanisms.
- They prevent protein damage from oxidative stress and reduce AGEs, the advanced glycation end products formed by excess sugar binding to proteins and creating inflammation.
Additionally, heat therapy ...
- Improves cardiovascular fitness
- Increases cardiac rhythm variability
- Promotes insulin sensitivity
- Regulates blood sugar and blood pressure
- Increases endorphins for a feeling of well-being
- Reduces stress hormones
- Improves sleep quality
Reference:
1. Laukkanen T, Khan H, Zaccardi F, Laukkanen JA. Association Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Events. JAMA Intern Med. 2015;175(4):542–548. Doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.8187.
Warning: Maison Jacynthe disclaims all responsibilities. The information contained on this page does not seek to substitute a justified allopathic treatment nor to dismiss the expertise of the medical profession. It is up to each individual to take charge of their health, to inform themselves, and to make the necessary changes to improve their condition. Therapeutic supervision by a qualified healthcare professional is obviously recommended.
