A New Study Says Sitting in a Sauna Can Boost Your Heart Health

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(Image credit: Stocksy)

In my experience, people head into saunas for a few different reasons. Many people swear by a sauna sweat session after a particularly grueling workout, as the heat seems to alleviate muscle pain and soreness—studies back this up. Other people seek out a sauna after a late night during which they may have consumed one too many drinks. I've heard people swear by a sauna for detoxifying their bodies, though the science seems to be a little less clear on this one. Other people, like myself, just enjoy being in a sauna, since it's a moment to decompress and breathe.

Whichever group you fall into, know that there is another massive benefit to sauna bathing, and it has to do with your heart. According to The Observer, a new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that people who sauna bathe regularly have statistically better heart health than those who do not.

Throughout the study, researchers followed 1621 Finnish men over the course of 22 years. What they found was surprising. Men who took two to three sauna baths a week lowered their risk of high blood pressure by 24%. Men who took four to seven sauna baths a week lowered their risk by a whopping 46%. Co-author Jari Laukkanen, MD, a cardiologist and a professor of medicine at the University of Eastern Finland, says these results could stem from the body's temperature increase, which dilates blood vessels and increases circulation.

While it's true that no women were involved in this particular study, it's safe to assume that the heart benefits would result in both sexes. So next time you're at the gym or spa and you have the opportunity to hit the sauna for a few minutes, do so. Make it a routine and it might result in a stronger heart over time.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.

Kaitlyn McLintock
Associate Beauty Editor

Kaitlyn McLintock is an Associate Beauty Editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . Although she covers a wide range of topics across a variety of categories, she specializes in celebrity interviews and skincare and wellness content. Having lived in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, she recently relocated back to her home state of Michigan where she works remotely. Prior toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , she freelanced for a variety of industry-leading digital publications, including InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Hello Giggles, and Coveteur. Before that, she held a long-term internship and subsequent contributor position at Byrdie. When she's not writing, researching, or testing Wholesale Replica Bag and greatest beauty products, she's working her way through an ever-growing book collection, swimming in the Great Lakes, or spending time with family.