Sauna Health Benefits

The main problem with Nylon sauna suit is the risk of dehydration. This is easily fixed by ensuring you drink lots of water or fruit juice after a sauna to replenish the fluids you lose.

Karen Inge, a consultant dietitian, said dehydration could be dangerous and did nothing to shift fat. She said every liter of water lost in sweat weighed one kilo, and it is possible to lose two liters of water in a sauna.

It is important to remember that the weight loss is due to perspiration, she said. “You'll put it straight back on.”

Dehydration can also affect sporting performance. A Norwegian health book A Sensible Approach to All-Round Fitness (2004) claims water loss corresponding to two per cent of body weight (about two liters in a person normally weighing 65 kgs) can reduce physical performance capability by 20pc.

However, there are definite health benefits in having a sauna. Dr Alan Cooper, from the Australasian College of Dermatologists, said the heat in saunas can increase the blood circulation and supply of nutrients to the skin, leaving it with a healthy glow. Sweating in a sauna cleanses the skin. While the pores are open it's nice to use a gentle body scrub or loofah to remove dead skin layers. Follow with a body lotion or oil and it should leave your skin feeling silky smooth.

One obvious benefit of saunas is relaxation. Mr Horst Artom, of Viking Sauna of Australia, said the secret to a rejuvenating sauna was not to rush. After the sauna sit quietly for up to an hour and allow the body to cool down.Drink fruit juice, water or even beer to replenish your body fluids. Some people also like to eat salty nibbles or some sausage after a sauna to replace the body salts lost in the sweat.

In most saunas you'll find a bucket filled with water. To increase the humidity (which can make it harder to breathe), throw some water on the basalt-type stones. Usually one or two ladles are enough. The elements of electric sauna heaters are fully sealed to prevent electrocution. In Europe most sauna heaters are fuelled by a birchwood fire, whereas Australian saunas are electrically heated which is said to produce a drier heat.

Most Australian saunas are paneled with western red cedar while European saunas are built from pine or spruce which produces a strong scent. The heat in a sauna generally ranges from 70 to 100 degrees Celsius and desired temperature is a matter of personal preference. The higher you sit in the sauna the hotter you'll be. Children and the elderly are advised to sit on the lower benches and to spend less time in the heat.

According to Mr. Artom it's best to spend 10 or 15 minutes in a sauna and then go and have a shower (hot or cold) or a slow swim, and return to the sauna. You'll find you sweat a lot more the second time because your body will have heated up. Nothing should be hurried. Taking it easy is part of having a sauna.