Research: Frequent Sauna Bathing May Protect Men Against Dementia; Finnish Study Suggests
Sauna?
Another great article in Science Daily featuring research on the benefits of sauna therapy. Again, I’ve included the whole article and the link below.
“Frequent sauna bathing can reduce the risk of dementia, according to a recent study carried out at the University of Eastern Finland. In a 20-year follow-up, men taking a sauna 4-7 times a week were 66% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia than those taking a sauna once a week. The association between sauna bathing and dementia risk has not been previously investigated.
The effects of sauna bathing on the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia were studied in the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study (KIHD), involving more than 2,000 middle-aged men living in the eastern part of Finland. Based on their sauna-bathing habits, the study participants were divided into three groups: those taking a sauna once a week, those taking a sauna 2-3 times a week, and those taking a sauna 4-7 times a week.
The more frequently saunas were taken, the lower was the risk of dementia. Among those taking a sauna 4-7 times a week, the risk of any form of dementia was 66% lower and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease 65% lower than among those taking a sauna just once a week. The findings were published recently in the Age and Ageing journal.
Previous results from the KIHD study have shown that frequent sauna bathing also significantly reduces the risk of sudden cardiac death, the risk of death due to coronary artery disease and other cardiac events, as well as overall mortality. According to Professor Jari Laukkanen, the study leader, sauna bathing may protect both the heart and memory to some extent via similar, still poorly known mechanisms. “However, it is known that cardiovascular health affects the brain as well. The sense of well-being and relaxation experienced during sauna bathing may also play a role.”
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161216114143.htm
Story Source:
Materials provided by University of Eastern Finland. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
Journal Reference:
Tanjaniina Laukkanen, Setor Kunutsor, Jussi Kauhanen, Jari Antero Laukkanen. Sauna bathing is inversely associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in middle-aged Finnish men. Age and Ageing, December 2016 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afw212
Cite This Page:
University of Eastern Finland. “Frequent sauna bathing may protect men against dementia, Finnish study suggests.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 16 December 2016. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161216114143.htm>.
Podcast: Dr Rhonda Patrick with Dr. Jari Laukkanen on Sauna Use for the Prevention of Cardiovascular & Alzheimer’s Disease
Sauna?
Use of Sauna and Cold to Increase Net Resilience, Mitochondrial Biogenesis, Mood and Longevity
A fantastic video linked below by Dr Rhonda Patrick on the health benefits of saunas and cold water exposure on the brain, metabolism and longevity.
She claims that our bodies are beautifully designed to handle all types of stress.
Definitely worth a watch.
I’ve certainly found these benefits from regular sauna use, so listening to this will reinforce my resolve to continue. Why would I not anyway as you feel so good afterwards…and you’ll have the best sleep in years.
Sauna Therapy Significantly Enhances Fitness Post Exercise.
It all begins with an idea.
Regular exercise and sauna bathing have each been shown to improve cardiovascular function in clinical trials. However, experimental data on the cardiovascular adaptations to regular exercise in conjunction with sauna bathing in the general population are lacking.
Therefore, a study at the University of Jyvaskyla in Finland, by Earric Lee and co. in 2022, compared the effects of exercise and sauna bathing to regular exercise using a multi-arm randomized controlled trial.
The results found that whilst regular exercise improved CRF (cardiorespiratoty fitness) and body composition in sedentary adults with CVD risk factors, when combined with exercise, sauna bathing demonstrated a substantially supplementary effect on CRF, systolic BP, and total cholesterol levels.
Sauna therapy can be used as a tool post exercise to substantially improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors.
SAUNA?
Benefits of Sauna Therapy
Sauna Therapy and Pine Needle Oil research:
The skin is the body’s largest organ and our interface with the physical world. Through perspiration, it acts as an important vehicle for the elimination of toxins. The skin is often referred to as the ‘third kidney’.
Saunas assist greatly in the elimination of toxins. In the process the skin is cleaned of surface bacteria and dead skin cells – something that cannot be done by just taking a shower or bath. The sauna also cleans the capillaries, resulting in vastly improved skin condition.
Saunas have been used for thousands of years by Scandinavians, Russians, North American Indians and many others.
In Russia and Finland, there is a saying that every day you take a sauna is a day that you are not ageing.
Hippocrates, the founder of Western medicine more than two thousand years ago, said: “Give me the power to create a fever, and I shall cure any disease”.
Although misunderstood as a symptom of disease, fever is actually a part of the body’s natural healing response. During a fever, the functioning of the immune system is stimulated, whilst growth of bacteria and viruses are inhibited. All of us would be aware of the great feeling of cleanliness and well being experienced after a fever has passed through us. Saunas elicit similar responses and are often called ‘artificial fevers’.
Extensive research over many years has shown numerous benefits of saunas, including increased circulation, detoxification and oxygenation of tissues and cells, stimulation of the immune system, reduction of stomach acidity, reduction of cold/flu symptoms, increased lung capacity, relaxation, enhanced quality of sleep and reduced soreness post exercise/injury.
Research has supported the use of saunas for treatment of pain management (including arthritis, fibromyalgia, sports injuries etc), in detoxification programs, weight loss, lowering of blood pressure and stress relief.
Russian and Finnish research has shown the sauna to be an irreplaceable training modality for athletes, reducing recovery time and soreness post exercise/injury, and increasing muscle power and concentration. It also reduces the cold, nervous feeling that causes shivering before competition and that can make athletes prone to injury.
The psychological impacts of the sauna have been shown to be just as significant. After a sauna, feelings of stress, lethargy and tiredness are replaced with a generalized feeling of well-being which includes lightness, energy, relaxation and optimism.
Prior to the late 1980 Olympics, forest biochemists in the former Soviet union developed a pine needle oil derived from the non-water soluble fraction of the paste from Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and European Spruce (Picus abies) needles combined with the oil fraction isolated in Siberian Fir (Abies siberica) needle extraction. Their research found that it significantly enhanced the therapeutic benefits of sauna therapy including elimination of lactic acid and reduced recovery time and soreness post competition, training and injuries.
The oil is a natural complex containing many biologically active substances including vitamin E, carotenoids, phytosterols, terpenoids, polyprenols and pure conifer essential oil. It is rubbed on to the torso and any sore or injured areas during a sauna
Research in Russia found that the positive, therapeutic effects of saunas were significantly enhanced when used in conjunction with this oil based conifer needle extract.
This research compared those who used saunas alone with those who complement their sauna with the needle extract. Specifically it was found that far greater than using a sauna alone, using Pine needle oil in conjunction with a sauna:
Increased muscle concentration and power.
As a result it helps replace areas of dimply ‘cellulite’ skin with a toned, muscular look.
Increased sweating.
Improved detoxification and elimination of toxins, lactic acid and other metabolic wastes.
Improved detoxification and elimination of heavy metals.
Reduced soreness post exercise and injury, and speed up recovery time.
Activation the immune system and increased antimicrobial activity both in the skin and further internally.
Increasing adipose tissue in the skin, making the skin softer, more hydrated and younger looking.
Increase the skin’s resistance to irritants.
Leading to a generalized feeling of well being.
Promoting a great night’s sleep.
Assistance with recovery from jet lag.
Benefits of Sauna Therapy
Sauna Therapy and Pine Needle Oil research:
The skin is the body’s largest organ and our interface with the physical world. Through perspiration, it acts as an important vehicle for the elimination of toxins. The skin is often referred to as the ‘third kidney’.
Saunas assist greatly in the elimination of toxins. In the process the skin is cleaned of surface bacteria and dead skin cells – something that cannot be done by just taking a shower or bath. The sauna also cleans the capillaries, resulting in vastly improved skin condition.
Saunas have been used for thousands of years by Scandinavians, Russians, North American Indians and many others.
In Russia and Finland, there is a saying that every day you take a sauna is a day that you are not ageing.
Hippocrates, the founder of Western medicine more than two thousand years ago, said: “Give me the power to create a fever, and I shall cure any disease”.
Although misunderstood as a symptom of disease, fever is actually a part of the body’s natural healing response. During a fever, the functioning of the immune system is stimulated, whilst growth of bacteria and viruses are inhibited. All of us would be aware of the great feeling of cleanliness and well being experienced after a fever has passed through us. Saunas elicit similar responses and are often called ‘artificial fevers’.
Extensive research over many years has shown numerous benefits of saunas, including increased circulation, detoxification and oxygenation of tissues and cells, stimulation of the immune system, reduction of stomach acidity, reduction of cold/flu symptoms, increased lung capacity, relaxation, enhanced quality of sleep and reduced soreness post exercise/injury.
Research has supported the use of saunas for treatment of pain management (including arthritis, fibromyalgia, sports injuries etc), in detoxification programs, weight loss, lowering of blood pressure and stress relief.
Russian and Finnish research has shown the sauna to be an irreplaceable training modality for athletes, reducing recovery time and soreness post exercise/injury, and increasing muscle power and concentration. It also reduces the cold, nervous feeling that causes shivering before competition and that can make athletes prone to injury.
The psychological impacts of the sauna have been shown to be just as significant. After a sauna, feelings of stress, lethargy and tiredness are replaced with a generalized feeling of well-being which includes lightness, energy, relaxation and optimism.
Prior to the late 1980 Olympics, forest biochemists in the former Soviet union developed a pine needle oil derived from the non-water soluble fraction of the paste from Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and European Spruce (Picus abies) needles combined with the oil fraction isolated in Siberian Fir (Abies siberica) needle extraction. Their research found that it significantly enhanced the therapeutic benefits of sauna therapy including elimination of lactic acid and reduced recovery time and soreness post competition, training and injuries.
The oil is a natural complex containing many biologically active substances including vitamin E, carotenoids, phytosterols, terpenoids, polyprenols and pure conifer essential oil. It is rubbed on to the torso and any sore or injured areas during a sauna
Research in Russia found that the positive, therapeutic effects of saunas were significantly enhanced when used in conjunction with this oil based conifer needle extract.
This research compared those who used saunas alone with those who complement their sauna with the needle extract. Specifically it was found that far greater than using a sauna alone, using Pine needle oil in conjunction with a sauna:
Increased muscle concentration and power.
As a result it helps replace areas of dimply ‘cellulite’ skin with a toned, muscular look.
Increased sweating.
Improved detoxification and elimination of toxins, lactic acid and other metabolic wastes.
Improved detoxification and elimination of heavy metals.
Reduced soreness post exercise and injury, and speed up recovery time.
Activation the immune system and increased antimicrobial activity both in the skin and further internally.
Increasing adipose tissue in the skin, making the skin softer, more hydrated and younger looking.
Increase the skin’s resistance to irritants.
Leading to a generalized feeling of well being.
Promoting a great night’s sleep.
Assistance with recovery from jet lag.
15 Benefits of Sauna Therapy
15 Benefits of Sauna Therapy
Sauna Therapy for Super Health & Wellness. And Connection.
Sauna therapy has gained a bit of momentum as a health modality of late courtesy of podcasting, Youtube etc.
This may come as a surprise to many Australians, where sauna therapy is highly undervalued.
But not so in many parts of the world – and there’s more behind it than just tradition.
Saunas have been used for thousands of years by Scandinavians, Russians, North American Indians and many others.
In Russia and Finland, there is a saying that every day you take a sauna is a day that you are not ageing.
The skin is the body’s largest organ and our interface with the physical world. Through perspiration, it acts as an important vehicle for the elimination of toxins. The skin is often referred to as the ‘third kidney’.
Saunas assist greatly in the elimination of toxins. In the process the skin is cleaned of surface bacteria and dead skin cells – something that cannot be done by just taking a shower or bath. The sauna also cleans the capillaries, resulting in vastly improved skin condition.
The skin is the body’s largest organ and our interface with the physical world. Through perspiration, it acts as an important vehicle for the elimination of toxins. The skin is often referred to as the ‘third kidney’.
“Give me the power to create a fever, and I shall cure any disease”.
These are the words of Hippocrates, the founder of Western medicine more than two thousand years ago.
Although misunderstood as a symptom of disease, fever is actually a part of the body’s natural healing response. During a fever, the functioning of the immune system is stimulated, whilst growth of bacteria and viruses are inhibited. All of us would be aware of the great feeling of cleanliness and well being experienced after a fever has passed through us. Saunas elicit similar responses and are often called ‘artificial fevers’.
Extensive research has been carried out on the benefits of sauna therapy, particularly in Russia, Scandinavia and Japan.
In this blog, I will draw on some of these findings to outline 15 of these benefits:
1. You feel fantastic afterwards – First and foremost, and this has nothing to do with research, you feel fantastic after a sauna – especially if you have a cold shower or swim immediately afterwards. It is a feeling of cleanliness, aliveness, and relaxation.
2. Improved circulation
3. Enhances detoxification – via increased sweating.
4. Increased oxygenation of tissues and cells – leading to more energy and less chance for bacteria and viruses to thrive.
5. Stimulation of the immune system – including less colds and flus.
5. Improved skin quality – it enhances removal of toxins from sub-cutaneous fat cells below the skin’s surface, so your skin looks cleaner, fresher and softer.
6. Improved sleep quality – those who have regular saunas will tell you of sleeping like a baby afterward.
7. Improved weight loss.
8. Reduced stomach acidity.
9. Lowering of blood pressure.
10. Benefits in treatment of pain management – including arthritis, fibromyalgia and sports injuries.
11. Stress management.
12. Improved recovery time following sports training – including reduction in soreness post training or from sports injuries.
13. Increased muscle concentration and power.
14. Reduces the cold, nervous feeling that causes shivering before competition and that can make athletes prone to injury.
15. Last but not least, it is fun – especially if you sauna with friends. It is common in Scandinavia, Japan and Russia, and also at The Esplanade Torquay, for sauna to be part of the activities of an afternoon BBQ or evening catch up with friends. Many cultures also conduct business meetings in the sauna – including me 🙂
If you haven’t embraced the wonders of sauna therapy, then come to The Esplanade Torquay and give it a go. It can take a little getting used to, but it’s worth persisting.
I’ve always aimed for at least 3 saunas per week and use Russian protocols that I learned of 3 sets of 10-15 minutes each in the sauna, with 5 minutes in between each set, and followed by a cold shower (no warm water at all) immediately after the 3rd set.
In between sets, you have the option at The Esplanade Torquay of taking a plunge in the ocean across the road, having an ice bath on our back deck, having a cold shower, or just sitting and enjoying the outside air (no matter what the temperature).
You will feel completely ALIVE afterwards.
To Extend Your Life, Spend Time In A Sauna
Sauna?
Research from Finland
A longitudinal study performed in Finland published in JAMA International Medicine (linked below), following the effects of sauna use of 2,315 Finnish men from 42 to 60 years of age over a 21 year period found that the benefits of sauna therapy should not be taken lightly in a world where 80-90% of us die from lifestyle preventable chronic illnesses.
It turned out the more saunas the men took, the better their chances were for living longer.
The Finnish study found that regular sauna use was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.
Specifically, men who used a sauna two to three times per week had a 24% lower risk of all-cause mortality than those who used a sauna only once a week.
The study also found that the more often men used a sauna, the lower their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
Furthermore, the men who had more than four sauna sessions per week had the lowest risk of death — 40% lower than those who went twice a week — but those who had two to three sessions still got some of the cardiovascular benefits.
I’m glad I get into the sauna regularly. Whilst previous research from Russia, Japan and Scandinavia, going back many years has already confirmed similar benefits, this certainly suggests there is a method to our madness.
And, even better, the sauna I use is a traditional Finnish sauna. Personally, I have always preferred the feeling of well-being I get following a traditional Finnish sauna over a far-infrared sauna.