Saunas are an ancient form of relaxation that has long been enjoyed worldwide. They provide a calming atmosphere, which is why many people find them so appealing. But in recent years, saunas have become even more popular to potentially burn fat and calories during weight loss efforts.
It’s important to keep in mind, however, that saunas should never be used as a substitute for traditional exercise or any other form of physical activity. In addition, you should consult your doctor before using a sauna for weight loss if you have any existing health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
In this guide, we’ll explain how a sauna can help burn fat and the potential risks and benefits of using one for this purpose. We’ll also provide detailed instructions on how to use a sauna safely and most effective for fat burning.
What is Sauna?
A sauna is a type of dry heat therapy that involves sitting in a dry, warm room for an extended period. This practice originated in Finland but can now be found in many countries worldwide. The heat and humidity of the sauna allow the body to sweat out impurities and toxins.
This therapy has several health benefits, including improving alertness and boosting circulation. However, one commonly asked question is whether saunas can help people burn fat.
Although no scientific evidence supports this claim, some reports suggest that saunas can temporarily increase metabolism and help reduce water weight. Additionally, relaxing in a sauna can be psychologically beneficial by reducing stress levels and improving overall well-being, which may lead to better diet choices and a healthier lifestyle.
How Does Sauna Help with Weight Loss?
If done properly, saunas can be an effective tool to help you lose weight. The hot, humid air of the sauna helps to raise your body temperature, which increases your metabolic rate and can cause your body to burn more calories. Additionally, time spent in the sauna can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and reduce inflammation, which all contribute to weight loss. Let’s look more closely at how the sauna helps with weight loss.
Increases Metabolism
Using a sauna is an effective way to increase your metabolism, burn more calories, and progress toward weight loss. Heat increases metabolism by increasing the body’s temperature. When your body’s temperature rises, it works to cool down, and this action burns more calories.
As your body uses stored energy to cool itself, sauna sessions can help you expend additional calories leading to increased weight loss. In addition, any session in a sauna increases heart rate and breathing rate by 10-20 beats per minute, making it as effective as many cardiovascular activities.
The high temperatures also lead to increased perspiration which rids the body of waste products and reduces inflammation in the process. During a session in the sauna, you can eliminate up to 300 calories at a time, allowing for accelerated fat-burning and quick results on any fitness journey.
Burns Calories
A sauna can be an effective way to burn calories and lose weight. Spending time in a sauna increases your body temperature, which makes your body work harder, just like exercising at the gym. Your heart rate increases, and your body perspires to cool itself down in response to the warm environment.
It is estimated that spending 30 minutes in a sauna can burn between 300 and 600 calories depending on your weight, age, and time spent in the sauna. Studies have also shown that regular use of saunas can help to burn more fat than regular exercise alone due to increased caloric expenditure.
This increased calorie burning with regular use of saunas can also lead to improved long-term weight maintenance as there is an increase in caloric expenditure even after leaving the sauna. In addition, regular sessions in a sauna may also reduce anxiety and tension, which can help you better control your eating habits, leading to greater success in achieving long-term weight loss goals.
Detoxifies the Body
Detoxification is vital for weight loss as it helps remove impurities from the body and excess water. Saunas are an excellent way to detoxify because they help raise your core body temperature and enhance circulation, increasing perspiration and flushing out toxins. In addition, since sauna use helps bring out the body’s toxins through sweat, this process can help make your metabolism more efficient. When the metabolism works more efficiently, fewer calories are stored in fat cells, resulting in weight loss. In addition, detoxification frees up energy that would otherwise be used for other metabolic processes. This energy can then be used for physical activity, which will also help you lose weight.
Risks of Sauna Use
While a sauna can help induce sweating and burn calories, it is important to be aware of its potential risks. As with any form of physical activity, there is a potential for injury. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are real risks, and it’s important to recognize them. In addition to that, there are other potential risks associated with sauna use that should be considered.
Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the main risks associated with sauna use. With exposure to high temperatures over extended periods, dehydration can occur. Therefore, it’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after you take a sauna to ensure that your body stays hydrated. Your body should remain well-hydrated so that it can sweat profusely. Without adequate fluids, dehydration can increase the risk for various skin conditions and worsen existing medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and arthritis. Additionally, consuming alcohol or coffee before taking a sauna might make it difficult for your body to cool down or may cause you to become more dehydrated. Therefore, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine before using a sauna in order to reduce the risk of dehydration-related health issues.
Low Blood Pressure
One of the risks of sauna use is a reduction in blood pressure. It is important to note that while the risk of developing low blood pressure is higher in those who use saunas regularly, the risk can be minimized by drinking plenty of water and avoiding spending too much time in the heat. Keep an eye on your blood pressure and ensure it stays within an acceptable range while using the sauna. If you feel any signs of too low blood pressure, such as lightheadedness or nausea, you should talk to your doctor about it. Low blood pressure can occur because the heat from the sauna causes your body temperature to rise, forcing it to dissipate more heat than normal and thus lowering your heart rate and consequent decrease in circulation. Avoid overheating to avoid this problem – if you need to cool down during a session, take breaks often, drink plenty of cold water, and step outside for some fresh air while keeping warm by wrapping yourself up.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a serious risk associated with sauna use, and it can be easy to become dehydrated and overheat when in a sauna. All sauna-goers should take precautions by drinking plenty of fluids before, during, and after their saunas sessions. Additionally, paying attention to the signs of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, sweating excessively, or feeling faint, can help prevent more dangerous issues. Individuals should also avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs before using a sauna. Finally, it is important that anyone feeling faint or uncomfortable step outside the sauna until they feel better and then check with their doctor if they have any ongoing concerns.
Conclusion
When it comes to sauna use and fat burning, the research is mixed. On the one hand, some studies have found that sauna use can lead to a brief adrenaline rush or body temperature increase, both of which may result in increased caloric expenditure and potential fat loss. On the other hand, some studies suggest that long-term sauna use does not increase calorie expenditure significantly enough to cause major weight or fat loss over time.
Ultimately, if you want to burn fat with your sauna sessions, you will likely need to pair them with a healthy diet and exercise plan. Regular exercise helps burn calories and strengthen muscles. In contrast, a balanced diet with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats can help optimize your lifestyle for improved health and well-being.