It is now estimated that 5.7 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s and there are approximately 47.5 million people worldwide that suffer from various kinds of dementia. These statistics are startling. Fortunately, the Alzheimer’s Association has put together a list of 10 things that you can do reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Interestingly enough, over half of these things can be accomplished with regular Sauna use. In fact, recent studies have shown that using a sauna 4-7 times per week can lead to a 65% reduction in Alzheimer’s and a 66% reduction in Dementia. Now that is definitely something worth looking in to. Below we have put together some information about sauna use and how it relates to the 10 things that can help improve your brain health.
- One of the best things you can do for your overall health, as well as, your mental health is to participate in regular cardiovascular exercise. The elevated heart rate and increased blood flow that come along with cardio exercise are great for your mind and body. You may be wondering just how a sauna relates to cardiovascular exercise. Studies have shown that regular sauna use actually has similar health benefits to cardio workouts. When using a sauna, your core body temperature goes up which causes you to sweat. This leads to an elevated heart rate and increased blood flow, the same things that occur when participating in cardio exercise. This is particularly good news for older people who find it difficult to work out, but would still like to reap the benefits.
- Your sauna may not help to much with this one, but formal education at any age can help decrease your risk of cognitive decline. So, hit the books and keep your mind sharp.
- Smoking has long been shown to increase a person’s risk of cognitive decline. When a person quits smoking, they reduce their risk back to a level comparable to a non-smoker. A sauna is certainly not a magic bullet for helping some kick their smoking habit, but saunas can help you sweat out the toxins that have built up in your body due to smoking. Saunas also help to reduce stress, which could make them a healthy alternative to the stress relief that many smokers feel when they light up.
- Evidence shows that the same risk factors that can cause heart disease and stroke are also shown to increase your risk for cognitive impairment. Recent studies have found that regular sauna use by middle aged men reduced the incidence of fatal cardiac events, which is good for your heart and brain.
- Brain injuries can also lead to cognitive decline. So take care of yourself. Switching out some of your more risky hobbies, for relaxing sauna use could help.
- Although eating healthy isn’t directly related to using a sauna, many people do enjoy fruit, water, and other healthy snacks after enjoying their sauna. Eating a balanced diet can also help fight against cognitive decline.
- Getting enough sleep is another strong factor in overall health, including good mental health. Insomnia and sleep apnea have both been shown to result in memory problems and thinking impairment. Improved sleep is one of the side effects that nearly all sauna owners report. A more relaxed mind and body almost always results in better sleeping patterns.
- A link has been found between a history of depression and cognitive decline. Because depression is a serious medical condition, you should definitely contact your doctor first. However, your sauna can be a great addition to the treatment prescribed by your doctor. Regular sauna use can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety which often lead to depression.
- Being social is actually one of the things that can lead to good mental health. Spending time with friends and family and having good conversation are ways that you can accomplish this and what better place to have good conversation with family and friends than in your sauna. You will be improving your health in more ways than one.
- Finally, working puzzles or completing brain teasers is another great way to keep your brain sharp. Some people find that puzzles are a great way to pass the time when doing interval sessions in their sauna.
There you have it. 10 ways that you can love your brain and so many can easily be accomplished with regular sauna use. But, you don’t have to go to a gym or club to enjoy the benefits of a sauna. In home saunas are becoming more and more common. the convenience of having a sauna in your own home is something that your body and mind will benefit from for years to come. Stop by and see us at Atlanta Spa and Leisure our knowledgeable staff would love to help you design the perfect sauna for your home!
