In recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the rates of certain degenerative conditions; however, one condition in particular has seen a significant increase in mortality: Alzheimer's disease.This alarming trend has prompted researchers and scientists to intensify their efforts to find effective methods to treat and prevent this debilitating disease.
Among the various avenues investigated, sauna use has emerged as a potential approach in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. A study shows that a valued and relaxing Scandinavian tradition can drastically reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. True, many traditional cultures—like Native Americans—understand the physical (and spiritual) value of sweating in a sweat lodge or sauna. Frequent sauna use is excellent for detoxification and reduces the risk of dementia.
In a 20-year Finnish population study of 2,315 healthy middle-aged men, researchers examined the relationship between participants' sauna habits and their odds of developing Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. The study – the first to examine the effect of sauna use on dementia rates – was led by Professor Jari Laukkenen from the Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition at the University of Eastern Finland, and was published in the journal Age and Aging.
Sauna use is an extremely popular and widespread cultural tradition in Finland, with more than 3 million public and private saunas existing in the country of 5.4 million people.
The research participants - all regular sauna users - were divided into three groups: those who enjoyed the sauna for 15 minutes four to seven times a week, those who used the sauna two to three times a week and those who did so only once per week.What the researchers found was eye-opening: The most frequent sauna users enjoyed a dramatic 66 percent reduction in their risk of dementia and a 65 percent reduction in their risk of Alzheimer's disease—compared to weekly users. Those who used a sauna two to three times a week also reduced their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia – reducing the odds by about 20 percent. But they did not enjoy the same robust level of protection as the most common sauna users. And the benefits of frequent sauna use do not end there.
dr. Laukkenen noted that the heat generated by saunas appears to protect not only the memory but also the heart. Life-saving effect: frequent sauna use reduces the risk of heart disease and sudden cardiac death. In an earlier study published in 2015 in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers found that those who used a sauna four to seven days a week had significantly lower rates of death from heart disease, sudden cardiac death, and stroke than weekly users—a pretty significant benefit. for simple relaxation for 15 minutes in a heated room! The team then reported that frequent sauna use improves cardiovascular health – along with the condition and function of blood vessels – and is associated with lower blood pressure and improved left ventricular function. Not surprisingly, the researchers praised frequent sauna use as a “recommended habit”. Sauna use offers cardioprotective and neuroprotective benefits similar to those of exercise Although researchers are still unsure of the exact mechanisms by which saunas improve health, they report that saunas can offer a cardiovascular state that is surprisingly similar to that resulting from aerobic exercise. This is extremely good news, especially for those people who suffer from low energy and difficulty exercising. Researchers in the JAMA study noted that the sauna increased blood flow through the skin—leading to a greater cardiac output and paralleling what occurs during low- and moderate-intensity physical exercise.
Of course, we should state the obvious: Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and heart disease.
In particular, aerobic exercise can help minimize brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease more effectively than any drug currently on the market.
In one particularly noteworthy study, exercise helped people with mild cognitive impairment significantly reduce levels of tau protein, a brain chemical linked to Alzheimer's disease.
The experience of sweating in a sauna actually mirrors the benefits and neuroprotective effects of physical activity – a boon for people who can't or don't want to commit to a regular exercise routine.
More life-saving benefits: Regular sauna use promotes the destruction of tumors and helps eliminate carcinogenic substances
As if these sauna benefits weren't impressive enough, recent research supports the cancer-fighting effects of frequent sauna bathing. Ž
In a review published in Lancet Oncology, the authors attributed beneficial effects to heat therapy in controlling cancer and increasing survival rates. Because cancer cells are less heat tolerant than healthy cells, the heat produced in a sauna can create “heat shock” proteins on their surfaces, causing them to be more susceptible to immune system attacks. Research has shown that heat therapy also activates natural killer cells and macrophages – part of the body's defense system (and mortal enemies of tumors). In short, an increase in body heat promotes the death of tumors - while sweating helps the body detoxify and eliminate various carcinogens, heavy metals and other toxins from the environment. Fortunately, conventionally trained medical professionals and organizations are beginning to take notice. The American Cancer Society recognizes heat therapy as a “promising” way to improve cancer treatment, while the National Cancer Institute notes that heat therapy has been shown to reduce tumor size.
Of course, these experts (trained by the pharmaceutical industry) stress that heat therapy must be combined with other forms of cancer treatment to be effective, such as chemotherapy. But wouldn't it be great to study the anti-cancer effects of the sauna – along with natural therapies? The outcome of emerging sauna research seems to be this: While there is no substitute for actual physical exercise, sauna use appears to offer many major health benefits. Of course, you should get the go-ahead from a trusted integrative physician before starting a sauna routine—especially if you're dealing with a life-threatening medical condition. Then get ready to enjoy this relaxing, therapeutic and soothing custom – while reducing your risk of dementia and heart disease.
Sources for this article include:
NIH.gov
PsychologyToday.com
Academic.oup.com
