Summary
Once upon a time, there was a study of over 2,000 middle-aged men that found something quite interesting. The more they used a sauna, the longer they seemed to live. Those who used the sauna four to seven times per week had a 40% decrease in all-cause mortality compared to those who only used the sauna once a week.
But that's not all the study found. Those who used the sauna frequently also had a lower risk of fatal cardiovascular disease. Now, keep in mind, the study only used dry saunas at a hot temperature of 79 degrees Celsius or 174 degrees Fahrenheit, so other types of saunas may have different results.
So, why does sauna use seem to increase longevity? Well, using a sauna can increase heart rate and improve blood pressure and ventricular function. In fact, the effects are quite similar to the effects of regular physical exercise.
But that's not all. Heat stress from the sauna also increases the expression of heat shock proteins, which have been associated with increased lifespan in worms and flies. These proteins have protective functions against aging-related cellular stresses.
Not only that, but heat stress also activates Fox o3, a well-known longevity gene. This gene increases resilience against DNA damage, decreases inflammation, and improves immune function and metabolism.
In conclusion, sauna use seems to have some impressive health benefits, such as increased longevity and a reduced risk of fatal cardiovascular disease. So, if you're looking for a new way to boost your health and potentially add some years to your life, perhaps a trip to the sauna is in order.
