Short answer
Saunas are a wonderful place to relax, socialize and heal the body. The health benefits of taking a little time to sit in a sauna are astounding.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Saunas are great for numerous reasons, both physically and mentally. For one thing, bathing in a public sauna tends to promote relaxation and social interaction. With temperatures soaring well past 100 degrees, there isn't much else to do in a sauna besides sit (or lay) down and talk to others.
Saunas make you sweat. The high temperature causes most people to lose about one pint of sweat within a short period of time. This abundant sweating helps clear your body of toxins and helps with weight loss. Furthermore, the heat activates your scalp's sebaceous gland, which moisturizes your hair, keeping it healthy and looking good.
The heat has also been shown by various studies to relieve stress, help increase white blood cell count (thus improving the immune system), and to improve blood circulation. In fact, according to one study done in Finland (the word "sauna" is, in fact, Finnish), men who used the sauna every day were less likely to develop heart disease than men who did not.
There is a caveat, though. People with low blood pressure or those who are dehydrated may become dizzy from the heat. If, however, you do not suffer from these two ailments (hydration, of course, can be fixed by guzzling down some water) and want a place to relax, socialize, and improve your overall well-being, then a sauna is just the place to do it.
One last thing to mention about saunas. Due to the intense heat, people who use a sauna regularly build up a tolerance to heat. This is good news for athletes who have to perform in high endurance sports. Relaxing in the sauna may lead to feeling less fatigued on the field.
Possible short-term side effects
- overheating can cause:
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dizziness
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arrhythmia
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stomach pain
Benefits
- may improve blood circulation
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good for socialization
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calming / relaxing
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helps increase white blood cells
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improves heat tolerance
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flushes toxin out of the body via sweat
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activates sebaceous gland
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-20-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-20-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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