Using a Sauna For Your Immune System

Saunas can be a blissful retreat for anyone seeking to soothe tired muscles, brush off the chill of a frosty winter, or just don't have the time to leave home for a full-fledged spa experience. Have you ever wondered how relaxing in a sauna could translate to more than just an unwinding escape? 

As it turns out, the benefits of these steamy sanctuaries go beyond mere relaxation. Research shows that there might be a golden link between regular sauna sessions and a robust immune system.

The question is, how does this magical transformation occur from simply sweating it out in a sauna? This article will uncover the science behind the sauna and how it can boost your body's natural defenses to fight off colds, the flu, and other infections.

Different Types of Saunas

There are three main types of saunas: traditional, steam, and infrared. Each of these has its benefits and drawbacks, so it's essential to know which is right for you before jumping in.

Traditional Sauna

Originating from Finland, these saunas have been a part of Finnish culture for thousands of years. You'll typically find a closed space in a traditional sauna with wooden interiors, a heater, and sauna stones. 

The heater warms the stones, giving out dry heat in the room. These saunas are extremely hot, with temperatures typically ranging between 150 degrees to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. 

You can throw water on the stones to produce steam and increase humidity, allowing for a more personalized sauna experience. The heat improves your circulation and helps you sweat, making you feel relaxed and invigorated.

Steam Sauna

Unlike traditional saunas, where dry heat is the main attraction, steam saunas use steam to create a moist atmosphere. The temperature in these saunas is lower, generally around 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but the humidity is significantly higher, often reaching 100%. This warm, misty environment can help clear chest and nasal congestion and hydrate your skin.

Infrared Sauna

Infrared saunas are the modern take on traditional saunas that eliminate the need for heating stones and relying on hot, steamy air. These cutting-edge saunas use infrared light waves that warm your body directly instead of just heating the air around you. 

This results in a lower ambient temperature, usually around 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a more breathable option for those who find high heat uncomfortable. Direct heat transfer offers numerous benefits, including joint and pain relief, deep tissue detoxification, and muscle relaxation. 

Infrared saunas are also an excellent option for those looking to improve their skin health, as they can help stimulate collagen production, resulting in firmer, smoother, and more radiant skin.

Sauna Immune System: The Connection

The immune system — nature's extraordinary defense mechanism — is crucial in maintaining our health. It's a complex network of cells and proteins that protect our bodies from harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that could cause illness, yet our immune systems can sometimes get compromised.

Johns Hopkins Medicine explains that certain harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol intake, along with poor nutrition (think processed foods, excessive sugars, unhealthy fats), can significantly impair the immune system's ability to function properly. 

Beyond these lifestyle factors, certain medical conditions, like auto-immune diseases, cancer, or even chronic stress, can affect our immune system's strength and efficiency.

A sluggish immune system can manifest through tell-tale signs, including persistent exhaustion and lethargy, noticeably slow wound healing, high-stress levels, frequent digestive issues, and perpetual bouts of common ailments like colds or the flu. 

If you're tired of taking over-the-counter medicine and looking for a natural and enjoyable method to boost your immune system, consider taking sauna sessions daily. 

A noteworthy 2013 study published in PubMed Central observed a significant increase in white blood cells, lymphocyte, and neutrophil counts in the test subjects following a sauna session. These cells play a crucial role in the body's immune response, suggesting that sauna use may enhance the body's capacity to fight off infections and diseases.

How precisely do saunas help? Sauna heat increases your core body temperature, temporarily replicating the conditions of a fever. This "phantom fever" prompts the body to ramp up white blood cell production and release other protective cells into the bloodstream. This not only helps kill lingering germs but also enhances your immune health. 

Research demonstrates that sauna bathing also helps increase C-reactive protein and stimulate the production of heat shock proteins, which play an essential role in cellular repair and defense. This enhancement in your body's protein repertoire helps fend off stress and inflammation, adding another layer of protection to your immune shield.

When your immune system is working efficiently, you won't have to worry about the seasonal bugs pulling you down or those random health hiccups. Since sauna bathing also helps flush off harmful toxins from your body, you'll always feel more energized and lively. 

Sauna Side Effects & Precautions

Using a sauna can have various health benefits, such as easing pain, reducing stress, and improving cardiovascular health. 

However, there are also some possible side effects that you should be aware of before using a sauna:

• The intense heat of the sauna can cause you to lose a lot of water through sweating. This can lead to dehydration, affecting your blood pressure, heart rate, and electrolyte balance. Consider drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session to prevent dehydration. 

• You should also avoid alcohol and medications that may impair sweating and produce overheating. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or faint in the sauna, you should leave immediately and cool down gradually.

• The heat of the sauna can cause your blood vessels to widen, which can lower your blood pressure temporarily. However, some people may experience a rise in blood pressure due to the increased heart rate and cardiac output. If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, consult your doctor before using a sauna.

• You should also avoid switching between the sauna's heat and cold water in a swimming pool, which can cause further blood pressure changes.

• Some people may develop skin rashes or burns from the high temperature or the chemicals used to clean the sauna. Avoid using a sauna if you have any open wounds or skin infections. 

• You should also wear loose-fitting clothes or a towel to protect your skin from direct contact with the hot surfaces. After your sauna session, rinse any sweat or dirt with cool water and moisturize your skin.

• Pregnant women should be cautious about using a sauna, as the high heat may affect the development of the fetus. Some studies have suggested that exposure to high temperatures during the first trimester may increase the risk of neural tube defects. 

Best Saunas To Boost Immunity 

The following are some of the best saunas to strengthen your immune system and improve overall well-being:

Almost Heaven Audra Canopy Barrel Sauna

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Audra Canopy Barrel Sauna has a powerful 6kW heater and sauna stones that raise the ambient temperature. To set the mood, an interior LED light ensures a serene atmosphere for complete relaxation. 

Additionally, this sauna can be upgraded with different features like a Himalayan salt panel, mood lighting, a flat floor kit, or even a different sauna door. The sauna comes with two interior opposite-facing benches for comfortable sitting or reclining. 

This sauna is constructed using 1 ⅜ inches-thick ball-and-socket lumber for maximum durability. Plus, the weather-resistant plastic support cradles ensure your sauna stays in tip-top shape throughout the seasons. It is available in white fir, rustic cedar, or clear cedar, allowing you to pick the perfect finish for your personal sanctuary.

What makes it truly amazing is the canopy porch with exterior benches, creating the perfect space to cool down and enjoy your surroundings after a rejuvenating session. The best part? This exceptional sauna can be placed just about anywhere you desire – your backyard, patio, or even your deck — for the perfect relaxing retreat.

Almost Heaven Grayson 4-Person Indoor Sauna

When you're looking for a high-quality, easy-to-install sauna, look no further than the Almost Heaven Grayson 4-Person Indoor Sauna. This gorgeous sauna is crafted with top-tier materials that will last you for years to come. It comes with a 6kW electric heater that heats up to 180 degrees in an hour. The sauna also comes with sauna stones, so just ladle in some water to fill the room with steamy mist.

With front and side floor-to-ceiling windows, this unit offers plenty of natural light while providing an unobstructed view of the surroundings. You can even turn on the interior LED light for extra brightness if needed! 

This sauna features two full-length benches with multi-level seating, so you can enjoy all kinds of seating options when enjoying your sauna time together. This unit is also free-standing, so it can be installed wherever you want without special tools or equipment.

Golden Designs Bellagio - 3-Person Low Emf Far Infrared Sauna

If you find traditional saunas a bit too intense, then it's time to consider the Golden Designs Bellagio - 3-Person Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna. This sauna is built with natural hemlock and provides both durability and an inviting, warm atmosphere. Its nine carbon heating elements produce a more powerful, penetrating heat that can be felt all the way to your core. 

This sauna has a music system featuring Bluetooth capability and two dynamic speakers with a pre-amp, making it easy to enjoy your favorite tunes or listen to relaxing soundscapes while unwinding after a long day.

The sauna boasts an interior reading and chromotherapy lighting system to enhance your relaxation further. Additionally, the interior and exterior LED control panels allow you to adjust settings to your liking with ease and precision. Thanks to its clasp-together assembly, you can easily set it up in your home in just a few minutes. 

FAQs: Sauna Immune System 

Does sauna reduce inflammation?

Absolutely. Research shows that regular sauna sessions can lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a marker of inflammation in the body. This can especially benefit people with chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Does a sauna or a steam room boost the immune system?

A sauna and steam room can boost your immune system, but a dry sauna helps ward off infections and keeps you healthier in the long run.

Can a sauna improve your health?

Yes! Besides strengthening your immune system, sauna helps improve cardiovascular health, enhance respiratory function, rejuvenate skin, and even aids in weight loss. The soothing heat also promotes relaxation and stress relief, which may help improve your mental health. 

Is It okay to sauna everyday?

While a daily sauna session can offer numerous benefits, listening to your body and adjusting the frequency is essential. Generally, experts recommend taking a sauna session two to three times a week, with each session lasting between 15 and 20 minutes. 

What are the disadvantages of a sauna?

As beneficial as saunas can be, they may cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke when used for more than 30 minutes. Research also indicates that saunas may also lower sperm count, especially in men with pre-existing fertility problems. 

If you have certain medical conditions or take medications that can make you more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, you should talk with your doctor before using a sauna.

Conclusion: Sauna Immune System 

While sauna bathing offers a treasure trove of health benefits, one of the most enticing aspects is how it can power up your defenses. This simple yet powerful practice can help you fight off colds and the flu, reduce stress, release endorphins that make you feel good, and even improve the quality of your skin.

If you want to amplify your self-care regimen with a reliable wellness ally, check out MySaunaWorld's superior collection of traditional and infrared saunas. For more information, contact us today, and our friendly staff will help you with the selection process.