Sauna Bath

When it comes right down to it, many things in life seem to have risks attached to them. Sauna risks however, do seem to be on the lower end of the scale, and as with anything - be properly informed to make informed decisions about your health.

Those with high blood pressure or heart disease would be best to avoid using hot saunas. The operative word here being "hot". If the temperatures are moderate, for instance under 90 degrees Celsius (194 degrees Fahrenheit), and they avoid rapid hot to cold changes or cold to hot changes, then the sauna risks are considerably lessened. Interesting fact: research is showing that sauna treatments may actually be good for people with congestive heart failure. The sauna temperatures for this study were at 60 degrees Celsius for two weeks. It seems clinical symptoms improved in 17 of 20 patients.

People with unstable angina, who have had a recent heart attack or severe arterial disease, should definitely not use the sauna. Sauna risks for them are far too high. And for heaven's sake, do not drink alcohol and hit the sauna. Sauna risks for this combination can actually be deadly - the result of hypotension causing arrhythmia. Make it a point to consult with your doctor before trying a sauna if you are a diabetic, pregnant, obese, taking medication, have thyroid and kidney problems, or varicose veins.

Generally speaking though, sauna risks for healthy adults and children are low. In fact, sauna bathing is quite beneficial and can help those with asthma and chronic bronchitis, and help with the pain and joint mobility in patients suffering from rheumatic disease. There is a sauna risk for those with atopic dermatitis - specifically that sweating may increase itching.

Another sauna risk is overdoing it when you first start or when you are feeling unwell. If you stay in high heat for too long, you run the risk of severe dehydration, cause your heart to work overtime and may also cause fatigue and nausea. Keep your sauna sessions to 10 or 15 minutes or less and alternate cooling off and heating up slowly.

If you have just had a major heavy duty work out, it would be wise to not go into the sauna until your heart rate has returned to normal levels. There is a sauna risk of passing out if you go from a workout straight to the sauna. And don't count on the sauna as being your answer to rapid weight loss. What you sweat out will be replaced the minute you drink fluids.

Sauna Bath |