Why is it worth going to the sauna? Effects

Sauna is the most common and most frequently used treatment in biological regeneration. It consists in bathing in very warm air with little humidity. It takes place in a specially constructed room. It should be emphasized that this procedure involves not only heating the body, but also its rapid cooling. It is also worth noting that the person staying in the sauna, apart from the temperature and its fluctuations, is also affected by changes in air humidity and electric field intensity, as well as by reduced oxygen partial pressure.

The effects of staying in the sauna

Staying in a sauna heavily strains the mechanisms responsible for human thermoregulation. The high temperature during this treatment increases the metabolism by about 11 percent. In addition, it contributes to an increase in body temperature to about 39 degrees Celsius, and skin temperature to even 42 degrees Celsius. During a stay in a sauna, the number of breaths per minute increases to 24–26, as well as the vital and minute capacity of the lungs. As a result, hyperventilation occurs, which leads to a decrease in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood and an increase in the partial pressure of oxygen. In addition, staying in the sauna significantly reduces the tension of smooth and cross-striated muscles, which, by reducing breathing resistance, facilitates breathing.

The influence of the sauna on the circulatory system

During a stay in the sauna, peripheral blood vessels widen and the blood vessels inside the body narrow at the same time. As a result, there is an increase in the number of erythrocytes (red blood cells), an increase in the number of active capillaries in the muscles and internal organs, and the improvement of the oxygen management of the body. The temperature in the sauna increases the heart rate by up to 100–120 beats per minute. This results in an increase in the cardiac output as well as the speed of blood flow through the blood vessels. On the other hand, the peripheral circulation resistance is reduced. Thanks to the above changes, it is possible to deliver more nutrients and oxygen to the muscles. In addition, the volume of unnecessary metabolic products removed is also increased. As a result, the muscles regenerate faster.

Sauna and slimming

A stay in a sauna is most often associated with a decrease in body weight. However, it is worth remembering that lost decagrams, and sometimes even kilograms, are not the result of ‘burning’ unnecessary fat. Weight loss after a sauna visit is primarily associated with the loss of intracorporeal fluids. It should be remembered that the high temperature in the sauna leads to excessive sweating. The amount of sweat released during a sauna session ranges from 400 to 800 milliliters. However, at very high temperatures, this value can rise to as much as 2 liters. Therefore, after staying in the sauna, it is extremely important to immediately replenish the fluids and minerals that are removed from the body with sweat.

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Damian Yefremienko Coach

Master of physical education with a training specialty, graduate of postgraduate studies in dietetics and nutritional counseling at the Medical University in Poznań, doctoral student at the Department of Sport Theory of the University of Physical Education in Poznań, physical recreation instructor specializing in strength exercises, would-be physiotherapist. scientific. He hates mediocrity and cursory problem solving. Personalization and a holistic approach to the patient are “obvious obvious” for him. She loves to share her knowledge and is eager to expand it. He is most interested in all issues related to the physiology of exercise. Passionate about mountain tourism and new technologies

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