Most of the time, a healthy “sweat session” refers to an intense workout—but sometimes, people just like to sweat it out without the intense physical movement. Saunas, steam rooms, and sweat lodges are touted as places where you can enjoy some heat-related health benefits like detoxing, relaxing, and even improving your cardiovascular health. But be careful: Some of these hot tips might be little more than hype. If you’ve ever wondered about the effectiveness of your sauna time, here are the answers to your questions...
Does sweating actually eliminate toxins from the body?
This is a longstanding myth. Sweat doesn’t significantly detox our bodies—that’s what our kidneys and liver are for, and they do it effectively. Research shows that some substances, like trace heavy metals, may leave our bodies via sweat, but not in any significant way. If sweat depletes our bodies of anything, it’s electrolytes, which is why it’s important to make sure you’re getting plenty of sodium (salt), potassium, calcium, and magnesium in addition to water and other fluids when you sweat heavily.
Can sweating boost our heart health?
We usually associate sweating with intense physical activity, so it makes sense that we would think it’s good for our heart. You might be surprised to learn that the heat induces what’s known as vasodilation, or widening of blood vessels, which can improve your circulation and lower your blood pressure.
Is it good to breathe in warm air?
Warm, humid air can be very good for our respiratory system. Steam inhalation helps clear our nasal passages and can temporarily relieve congestion or sinus problems. Be careful though—if you have respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, steam inhalation can hinder healthy breathing.
Will heat help me relax?
For some of us, intense heat is uncomfortable. But for short periods of time, heat can be relaxing. It prompts our bodies to release endorphins, which improve our mood. Anecdotal evidence shows that people who spend time in saunas or sweat lodges claim to feel decreased anxiety and improved mental clarity; this could simply be because being in a sauna gives them a chance to get away from stressors, or in the case of a sweat lodge, they are engaged in meditative or ritualistic introspection.
How do I stay safe if I want to do a sweat session?
Heat can be dangerous when it’s extreme or when you stay in it too long. When you’re subjecting yourself to extreme heat, don’t spend more than 15 minutes at a time and do no more than two or three sessions per week. Drink plenty of water (ideally with electrolytes) before and after to prevent dehydration.
