Sauna & Heart Health According to Dr. Mark Hyman
Dr. Mark Hyman cites this very interesting study as well as some of the benefits of saunas :
Scientists rigorously examined the risk of death and heart attacks in more than 2,000 Finnish sauna users over a 20-year period. 1
Since almost everyone in Finland uses saunas at least once a week, this was the control group. The average temperature in the saunas was 174 degrees Fahrenheit.
People who used a sauna two to three times a week had a 24% lower risk of death, and heavy users, who went to the sauna four to seven times a week, had a 40% lower risk of death compared to those who went only once a week.
By spending about 20 minutes versus 10 minutes in the sauna, the risk of cardiac death is reduced by 52%.
Heat therapy works by increasing the production of heat shock proteins (HSPs):
- Altered and damaged proteins are one of the hallmarks of aging, and protein damage can manifest as malformed or unfolded proteins.
- HSPs help proteins fold or, if they are too damaged, break them down and recycle them so that damaged proteins do not accumulate.
- HSPs also activate our internal antioxidant and repair systems.
- They prevent protein damage caused by oxidative stress and reduce AGEs, advanced glycation end products formed when excess sugar binds to proteins and creates inflammation.
Also heat therapy...
- Improves cardiovascular fitness
- Increases heart rate variability
- Promotes insulin sensitivity
- Regulates blood sugar and blood pressure
- Increases endorphins for a feeling of well-being
- Reduces stress hormones
- Improves sleep
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
Maison Jacynthe disclaims all liability. All information contained on this page is not intended to replace justified allopathic treatment or to disregard the expertise of the medical profession. It is up to each individual to take charge of their own health, to inform themselves, and to make the necessary changes to improve their condition. Therapeutic supervision by a qualified health professional is obviously recommended.
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