Saunas have been used for centuries as a form of relaxation and therapy, and recent studies have shown that they may even be beneficial for your heart health. In fact, bathing in a sauna could help reduce your risk of developing heart disease. One study conducted over 20 years and tracking 2300 sauna users revealed that those who frequented saunas more often (four to seven times per week) had lower mortality rates from stroke and heart disease. Here are a few key takeaways from the study:
Sauna-goers who used the sauna four to seven times per week had a 61% lower risk of stroke compared to those who used the sauna once a week or less.
Those who used the sauna four to seven times per week also had a 50% lower risk of dying from heart disease compared to those who used the sauna once a week or less.
The study also found that the duration of time spent in the sauna didn’t necessarily matter; even shorter sauna sessions were linked to positive health outcomes.
Of course, it’s worth noting that while these findings are promising, there are still plenty of other factors that influence heart health. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, and avoiding smoking are all important steps to reducing your risk of heart disease. That said, if you enjoy sauna sessions and are looking for a relaxing way to potentially boost your heart health, it might be worth considering adding more sauna sessions to your routine.