Go for that sauna bath; they help you relax and reduce risk of cardiac diseases
However, sauna bathing alleviates conditions such as skin diseases, arthritis, headache, and flu.
By PTI |
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LONDON: Regular sauna bathing may not only help you relax, but also reduce the risk of developing heart diseases and mental disorders, scientists say.
A study, published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, found that sauna bathing is associated with a reduction in the risk of vascular diseases, such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive diseases, nonvascular conditions, such as pulmonary diseases, mental health disorders, and mortality.
Furthermore, sauna bathing alleviated conditions such as skin diseases, arthritis, headache, and flu. The evidence also suggests that regular sauna baths are associated with a better health-related quality of life.
Scientists from the University of Jyvaskyla in Finland and the University of Bristol in the UK conducted a comprehensive literature review on the effects of Finnish sauna baths on health outcomes.
Finnish sauna bathing is characterised by exposure to high environmental temperature (80-100 degrees Celsius) for a brief period.
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Findings from this comprehensive literature review also suggest that the health benefits of sauna bathing are linked to the effects of sauna on circulatory, respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune functions.
Regular sauna bathing stabilises the autonomic nervous system, reduces blood pressure, inflammation, oxidative stress, circulation of bad cholesterol, arterial stiffness, and vascular resistance.
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A selfless mother, an affectionate daughter, a dutiful wife or top boss; no matter what role a woman plays in everyday life, she does so with utmost passion. From managing the house to being running the show at work, and yet taking out time to spend quality moments with family and friends, women manage to do it all.
But in all the hustle, they often forget themselves. Making yourself a priority is not at the top of their list, and health gets taken for granted.
However, it is extremely important to care for the self as for others, and to start taking care of your health.
Dolly Kumar, Founder & Director at Gaia, shares 5 tips for women to stay healthy.
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Camomile infusions are made from the flowers and are naturally caffeine-free. With a sweet aroma and light and earthy flavour, this refreshing drink is perfect to calm the nerves.
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Maintaining your energy level helps to keep going throughout the day.
Granola bars are a great snacking option and also help keep you energised. A delicious mix of rolled oats, muesli, chocolate and honey; this wholesome bar can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.
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Moreover, sauna bathing contributes to beneficial levels of circulating hormones and other cardiovascular markers. The physiological responses produced by an ordinary sauna bath correspond to those produced by moderate- or high-intensity physical activity such as walking.
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The same research team has published several experimental studies demonstrating the beneficial effects of short-term sauna exposure on blood pressure, specific cardiovascular biomarkers, inflammation, arterial compliance, and cardiovascular function.
The feelings of relaxation and promotion of mental health and well-being associated with sauna sessions may be linked to the increased production of circulating levels of hormones such as endorphins, researchers said.
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The study also found that sauna bathing produces beneficial changes that are equivalent to those produced by physical activity.
Indeed, the research team has shown in their previous studies that a combination of sauna bathing and physical activity might have added health benefits compared with each activity alone.
The review emphasised that sauna bathing has a good safety profile and can even be used in patients with stable cardiovascular disease.
Hot Finnish sauna baths have been shown to be hemodynamically well tolerated without the occurrence of complex ventricular arrhythmias in patients with heart diseases.
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In times when lifestyle induced diseases are on the rise, it becomes important to understand the risk factors and work in the direction to eradicate them especially, if one has a family history of heart diseases.
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Small changes in your physical activity can help in bringing positive change in your routine.
Studies have shown that brisk walking may add about two hours to the life expectancy of some adults.
Few changes in lifestyle such as taking the stairs instead the elevator, parking at the furthest end of a parking lot and taking a break from the office for a short walk during your lunch hour help in keeping the body in shape and inculcating a habit of healthy living.
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