Saunas & Weight Loss

Many people debate whether or not saunas are an effective method to lose weight. In fact, using a sauna can provide a variety of benefits for a person looking to lose weight or eliminate toxins from the body.

Eliminate Toxins

Perspiration and sweating is recognized as one of the most effective ways to remove chemical toxins from the body. Other methods of ridding your body of these toxins are limited to feces, respiration and urine. Profuse sweating can also cleanse the skin and improve the texture and color. Chemicals such as mercury, lead, sodium and sulphuric acid are eliminated from the body during perspiration.

Perspiration

Perspiration happens through our sweat glands, which are organs in the skin. These glands secrete sweat, which usually helps regulate your body temperature. There are two types of these glands, eccrine and apocrine. A sauna lasting 30 or so minutes can generate as much perspiration as a 10-kilometer run because your heart is working hard to increase circulation. Weight loss happens when your body fat becomes water-soluble as heat increases.

Benefits

A sauna has many other benefits. The sauna can work as a stress reliever by lowering your blood pressure. This will decrease headaches and boost your emotional mood. Saunas usually raise the temperature in your body, which can give the effect that a fever may have on your body. The body and immune system takes this as an opportunity to fight off viruses or bacteria that may be occupying your body. Saunas can provide cardiovascular benefits because the heat acts as a workout for your heart.

Salt and Water Weight

When a person has excess salt buildup in the body, it can increase water weight. The salt demands water to remain non-toxic. When you are in a sauna, the heat helps rid your body of that excess salt and water weight. Try and limit salt from your diet to prevent further buildup.

Warning

There are risks of using a sauna that you must be aware of. The main risk is staying in the sauna too long and fainting or becoming dizzy. Those who are at risk for heart disease or other related problems should avoid the sauna. If you do start to experience dizziness or breathing issues, get out of the sauna right away. Read what the recommended times are for staying in the sauna before you enter.