Relax in a Sauna and Improve Athletic Performance?
Saunas have long been used for several health benefits including high blood pressure control, immune system boost, body detoxification and post workout relaxation. Research findings support sauna therapy in post workout recovery, muscle growth and improved athletic endurance. In a recent study, running to exhaustion time improved 23-30% after sauna for three weeks, twice a week for 30 min. The researchers attributed this change to increased blood flow to the heart and increased plasma volume (natural blood doping?!). Since 1989 scientists have known Growth Hormone levels increase after sauna, supporting muscle growth and repair.
Lactic acid and uric acid from your muscles are found in sweat after workouts. Sweating in the sauna also helps your body remove toxic substances like heavy metals (mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium) and organic pollutants such as BPA and pesticides. Some of these toxins are thought to be associated with chronic disease such as autoimmune disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease to name a few.
There are three main types of saunas, wet, dry, and infrared. The infrared sauna is considered the best, dry and steam also work the temperature is not as easy to control. Use caution when first starting saunas. Drink plenty of water, start slowly (3-4 min) and work up to 15-30 minutes. Always ask your doctor first if sauna therapy is all right for you.
Find a sauna near you; relax and sweat your way to improved performance!
- Dr. Inez Kelleher
Saunas have long been used for several health benefits including high blood pressure control, immune system boost, body detoxification and post workout relaxation. Research findings support sauna therapy in post workout recovery, muscle growth and improved athletic endurance. In a recent study, running to exhaustion time improved 23-30% after sauna for three weeks, twice a week for 30 min. The researchers attributed this change to increased blood flow to the heart and increased plasma volume (natural blood doping?!). Since 1989 scientists have known Growth Hormone levels increase after sauna, supporting muscle growth and repair.
Lactic acid and uric acid from your muscles are found in sweat after workouts. Sweating in the sauna also helps your body remove toxic substances like heavy metals (mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium) and organic pollutants such as BPA and pesticides. Some of these toxins are thought to be associated with chronic disease such as autoimmune disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease to name a few.
There are three main types of saunas, wet, dry, and infrared. The infrared sauna is considered the best, dry and steam also work the temperature is not as easy to control. Use caution when first starting saunas. Drink plenty of water, start slowly (3-4 min) and work up to 15-30 minutes. Always ask your doctor first if sauna therapy is all right for you.
Find a sauna near you; relax and sweat your way to improved performance!
- Dr. Inez Kelleher