When the temperatures start rising, many of us start looking for ways to cool down. Whether you live in a warm country or spend a lot of time outdoors, there is probably a sauna that you have heard of. Saunas are a great way to eliminate stress and enjoy the summer. However, does a sauna help you lose weight? Read on to find out more.
Why Should You Try A Sauna?
Saunas are a great way to relieve stress and enjoy the summer. The fact that they are enclosed places means that the temperature is usually consistent, which can be a great relief for anybody sensitive to extreme temperature changes. Saunas can also be a good option for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world for a while. If you want to try a sauna, there are some things you should know about how they work and what benefits you can get from them.
How Do Saunas Work?
Saunas work by releasing toxins and impurities that have built up in your body due to stress. This is usually done through sweating. Your body generates heat as you exercise, and this heat is then trapped inside the wooden chamber of the sauna. The high temperature in the chamber makes it easy for your body to release toxins and impurities. This is why many people use saunas after workouts or before bedtime, as it helps them get into a state of relaxation where they are more open to suggestions for weight loss.
The toxins and impurities that are released through sweating have several important functions. For example, they contribute to eliminating cellulite, which is the medical name for dimples on the thighs from the menopause onwards. The toxins also help eliminate fatigue and stress, and they cleanse the blood and lungs. While the benefits of sweating are undeniable, the fact that it is a natural process implies that there are also some downsides to it. One of the main ones is that you have to prepare for it by taking a warm-up before you start using the sauna. In addition, you should never use cold water on your body because it will block the pores and prevent you from sweating. You should also stay hydrated, as hydrated cells allow the body to sweat better. You should drink plenty of water, especially if you are in a heat-absorbing sauna, as you are likely to lose water in the form of sweat.
What Effect Does The Temperature Have On The Process Of Sweating?
The temperature of a sauna has a great effect on how it works. Colder temperatures will speed up the process of sweating, while higher ones will slow it down. You should avoid going into a sauna if you are already hot, as you will slow down the process of cooling down. If your body temperature is above normal, you will not only slow down the elimination of toxins but you are also putting yourself at a higher risk of overheating. If you want to try a sauna, make sure to have it at the right temperature by either preheating it or letting it warm-up together with you in it. If you are planning to use a sauna after a workout, make sure to let it settle for 20 minutes before you get in it, so your body temperature can return back to normal before you start sweating. Going into a cold sauna after a workout can result in chills and shakes that last for a while, which can really drain your energy. This is why it is advisable to let the sauna warm-up for a while before using it.
How Long Does It Take For The Body’s Toxic Levels To Go Down?
If you use a sauna regularly, the toxins will start accumulating in your body in a matter of days. This is why it is important to note that after several days of use, you should take a break and switch to a more natural way of eliminating toxins (i.e., drinking plenty of water and eating food with minerals in it). The break is needed so your body can recover and start working at its optimum capacity. In addition, the body needs time to adjust to the heat exposure, so it is not advisable to use a sauna every day or every other day. It is preferable to use it once or twice a week for a maximum of 20 minutes at a time. More frequent use can result in damage, especially if you use a cold sauna. However, even then, only experts should experiment with this as it is not a recommended routine use.
Should You Use A Sauna When Trying To Lose Weight?
Since a sauna’s main function is to eliminate toxins and impurities from the body by means of sweating, it follows that it can help you lose weight. However, you have to use it in the right way, which is why you need to consider several factors. One of the key things that you need to watch out for is that you should never go in a cold sauna. You must always remember to take a break after using the sauna, as it will further speed up the process of your body losing weight. In addition, it is better to use high temperatures when trying to lose weight, as this will help the body eliminate toxins faster than normal. When using a sauna to lose weight, you should aim for a medium-high temperature, as going above this temperature will help sweat pour out and give you a more defined appearance. The best way to achieve this is by avoiding going in a cold sauna and taking frequent breaks so that your body can accommodate the high temperatures without risking damage. Remember that the higher the temperature, the more toxins and impurities will be released through sweating, which is why a regular sauna session can be a good way to drop some extra pounds.