What if we said you could potentially reduce your chances of catching a cold, the flu and possibly even receive some protection against other viruses, such as COVID-19? And what if we added that you don’t need to take a pill or other concoction to receive this protection; all you need do is sit back and relax?
We admit that it does sound unbelievable, but there is evidence that by using a sauna regularly you may be able to reduce the incidence of colds and other ailments.
Sauna bathing and colds
According to an article published in the Annals of Medicine (E. Ernst, E. Pecho, P. Wirz & T. Saradeth (1990) Regular Sauna Bathing and the Incidence of Common Colds, Annals of Medicine, 22:4, 225-227, DOI: 10.3109/07853899009148930), a trial was conducted to test the hypothesis that using a sauna can reduce your chances of getting the common cold.
The trial involved a group of 25 people who regularly used a sauna for six month, while another group of 25 didn’t. Both groups were monitored for the frequency, duration and severity of common colds for this period. The researchers found that the people in the sauna group had fewer colds than the people who didn’t take saunas, particularly in the last three months of the trial when the incidence was roughly halved. The duration and severity of colds did not differ significantly.
The researchers concluded that regular sauna bathing is likely to reduce the incidence of the common cold, however, they stressed that further research is required to prove this.
Sauna heat could be the answer
As we hopefully all know by now with the messaging about COVID-19, viruses such as the common cold and the flu are spread from person to person by physical contact, either directly or indirectly, and by coughing and sneezing.
Using a sauna involves subjecting yourself to heat and it’s this high heat that can help to kill bacteria and viruses before they can cause harm. In essence, it’s similar to using soap and water, or hand sanitiser, to kill germs and viruses on your hands before they can enter your body.
In addition, using a sauna regularly can also boost your body’s immune system. Used in combination with other good health basics – such as good nutrition, hydration, exercise and sleep – saunas can help you ward off colds, other viruses and diseases.
Other health benefits of saunas
- Weight loss
- Pain relief
- Improved circulation
- Improved skin
- Detoxification
- Reduced stress and fatigue
- Reduced swelling, inflammation and joint stiffness
King of saunas
These benefits sound great, you might think, but in these times of social isolation going to a public sauna is out of the question. The good news, however, is that you can enjoy a sauna at home, whenever you want.
Sauna King imports and distributes infrared sauna in Australia. These are saunas that have been used throughout Europe, the US and Canada for the past 30 years, using technology similar to that developed by NASA. Now, thanks to Sauna King, the saunas are available in Australia.
To find out more about the benefits of saunas, and infrared saunas in particular, or how to purchase a sauna for your home, call The Sauna King himself, Ian Groom.