Research into heat stress
Environmental stress, such as extreme heat stress or cold stress, is often seen as a challenge to our health and body balance. Our bodies have the ability to adapt quite well to both hot and cold environments.
In fact, several studies have shown that heat stress, especially in the form of a sauna, can be very beneficial to our health, regardless of other lifestyle factors.
The effects
The main purpose of this article is to first discuss the general cardiovascular and other responses to acute heat stress. We then look at the beneficial effects of taking a sauna, such as a Finnish sauna and infrared sauna (blanket). The effects on general health, cardiovascular health and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. There are reasons that may explain these benefits, including an improvement in the circulation of the large and small blood vessels in our body, a reduction in blood pressure and a reduction in stiffness of the arteries. There may also be increased growth of new blood vessels in humans.
Response to heat stress
First, it is important to understand how our bodies respond to heat stress. Heat poses a challenge to our body. However, normally our body can respond well to maintain a normal body temperature. In acute heat stress, blood flow to the skin increases, and our body starts to sweat to remove heat. This is accompanied by reduced blood pressure and an increased heart rate. During prolonged heat stress, breathing is also increased, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain.
Sweating during sauna bathing has an effect on the body's fluid balance. Sweating is the body's natural response to cool down when exposed to high temperatures. Sweating helps regulate body temperature and remove waste products. Sweating in the sauna allows the body to cool itself and this contributes to the feeling of relaxation and stress relief. Sweating in the sauna usually has a positive effect on the well-being of the body. It is important to maintain hydration by drinking well.
Regularly
Repeated exposure to heat, such as in a Finnish or infrared sauna, has similar beneficial effects as regular exercise. It can improve the function of blood vessels, lower blood pressure and stimulate blood circulation in the skin and muscles. A striking adaptation to repeated heat exposure is that our body temperature lowers, which makes us more resistant to heat. The interactions between the cardiovascular system and the brain may also contribute to the beneficial effects of sauna bathing on brain health. Additionally, the increased blood flow to the brain resulting from sauna bathing can improve brain function.
Nerve cells in the brain
Brain function can therefore improve due to the heat stress of the sauna. A sauna can therefore be beneficial to combat Alzheimer's, for example. It improves blood vessels and blood supply to the brain. This can help prevent damage to brain cells. It can help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia. In addition, the relaxing effect of a sauna can reduce stress. This can be beneficial for maintaining healthy brain function.
Cardiovascular disease
Sauna bathing can have a positive effect on our cardiovascular health. People who regularly sauna bathe have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and sudden cardiac death. Sauna bathing can lower blood pressure and improve heart function.
The infrared sauna is a more modern version of the traditional Finnish sauna and works in a different way. While a Finnish sauna heats the air, an infrared sauna directly heats the body using infrared radiation. This can penetrate deeper into the body and potentially provide similar health benefits. Research has shown that infrared saunas have similar effects on cardiovascular function and blood pressure as traditional sauna baths.
Heat stress and cold stress
In addition to the positive effects of heat stress, we would also like to mention the physiological response to cold stress and the activation of brown adipose tissue. The sauna is often combined with cooling , where some people spend a short time in ice-cold water after a sauna. Cold exposure, such as in a cold water bath, can be beneficial in reducing body fat and stimulating blood circulation. Cold exposure can also promote the activation of brown adipose tissue, which can lead to increased energy expenditure. And also for the prevention of excessive fat in the body and related health problems related to metabolism and the cardiovascular system.
Taking an ice bath after a sauna creates an extreme temperature contrast. This provides extra stimulation of the blood vessels and improvement of blood circulation , which can contribute to better health and recovery. The varying effect of heat and cold stress can help reduce body fat and promote health.
Caution
It is important to emphasize that heat stress and cold exposure may be beneficial to our health, but caution should be exercised, especially in people with underlying health conditions. It is always wise to consult a doctor before trying these practices, especially for people with certain medical conditions.
Improve overall health with heat stress
Although heat and cold are often considered stressful, our bodies can physiologically adapt to repeated heat sessions. This can lead to improved heat resistance and overall health, as well as a lower risk of brain disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Cold and heat stress, including the use of a sauna, can be applied as an independent or complementary therapy to exercise and physical activity to maintain or improve our health. However, it appears that the best benefits for cardiac and overall mortality are achieved by increasing physical fitness in combination with sauna bathing. This highlights that different lifestyle habits affect our health. Sauna baths and other forms of heat stress are recommended as health-promoting habits.
