Are Steam Rooms Bad For You?
Also Known As: steam shower, steam bath
Short answer
Steam rooms are excellent for you and carry several health benefits. It should be noted, however, that the extreme levels of heat can pose various complications on those with preexisting heart conditions.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
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
Steam rooms are very good for you provided you don't spend too long in one at any single time. While too much time in a steam room can lead to dizziness and rapid heartbeat, a moderate amount of time spent in one can do wonders for your health. A steam room is built so that a steam generator boils water and releases it as steam into the air. Due to a steam room being primarily airtight, humidity builds to 100%, with water condensing on the walls. And if you haven't previously been in a steam room, this condensation does not lead to people getting soaked with water, because of the sloping ceilings found in (most) steam rooms.
As is the case with saunas (which produce dry heat), the heat in a steam room helps improve blood circulation, promotes muscle relaxation, and induces sweating. Sweating helps to clean the pores, purifying the skin and helping to detoxify the body. Furthermore, sweating helps in weight loss. Steam is also good for thinning and opening mucous membranes, which can alleviate sinus pressure, give relief to people with bronchitis, and reduce an asthmatic fit.
Besides its benefits for the respiratory and circulatory systems, a steam bath simply feels good. It is an excellent way to relax and reduce stress, thereby reducing the risk of hypertension.
Although rare, people with heart conditions should note that the intense levels of heat can pose various complications. As an example, the American Heart Association states that using a steam room with high blood pressure can cause the blood vessels to dilate, and thereby cause shortness of breath and / or chest pain. It is always best to err on the side of caution and immediately exit the steam room upon noticing any unusual feelings or pains.
Possible short-term side effects
- may cause dizziness if used for a long time
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may cause rapid heart beat if used for a long time
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may cause complications in people with heart conditions
Benefits
- opens up mucous membranes
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relieves sinus pressure
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reduces stress
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increases blood circulation
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aids in weight loss
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aids in detoxification
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-22-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-22-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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