Can I go to the sauna despite thyroid disease?
Thyroid disorders are directly related to metabolism and circulation. In order not to overtax the circulation, it is important to take some precautions. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Metabolism is slowed, and the heart beats more slowly. Many suffer from low blood pressure. Overly intensive sauna bathing could lead to circulatory collapse.
In hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, the thyroid gland produces too much hormone. The heart beats more strongly, and blood pressure and pulse tend to be too high. Anyone experiencing such symptoms should be sure to consult a doctor before going to the sauna for the first time. If your hyperthyroidism is not properly controlled, a sauna visit is too stressful for your body.
But what if I don’t want to give up my sauna visits despite my thyroid disease? What should I bear in mind? And what positive health effects can I expect?
More well-being with thyroid disease
The symptoms of thyroid disease can be very unpleasant at first. In the acute phase, visits to the sauna would put too much strain on the circulation. Normally, however, thyroid diseases can be treated well. It is often sufficient to take the missing hormones so that the metabolism functions properly again. It is important that those affected take the hormone preparations prescribed by a doctor properly. Thyroid levels must also be checked regularly by the doctor. When the patient feels well again, nothing stands in the way of sauna bathing. The sauna can even significantly increase the well-being …
Thyroid patients complain more often than average about frequent freezing. The freezing is due to the reduced body temperature. Many wish nothing more ardently than not to have to freeze constantly. Regular sauna sessions can increase the basic body temperature in the long term. For many sufferers, this means an enormous gain in well-being and quality of life. Be sure to cool down properly between sauna sessions. In this way, temperature regulation in the body is stimulated.
Relaxation and detoxification
We need a functioning metabolism to remove toxins from our body. Among other things, this detoxification occurs through sweating. The problem is that thyroid sufferers sweat much less than healthy people. This is due to a reduced metabolism. Sauna bathing promotes sweating and thus detoxification. As a result, it counteracts inflammatory reactions. Therefore, sauna bathing can be beneficial for the stressed body of thyroid patients.
Regular sauna sessions also bring positive effects in adrenal insufficiency. Weakened adrenal glands often accompany thyroid diseases. The adrenal glands are the small organs that produce stress hormones such as adrenaline or cortisol. If we are under constant stress, cortisol levels are elevated – at least in the early stages of this rather unknown condition. In other words, the body is under constant stress. Taking a sauna can help to lower cortisol levels. This is because the heat has a relaxing effect on the body. This relaxation calms the body and thus indirectly lowers cortisol levels.
Conclusion
If you feel well and have no complaints, you can go to the sauna even if you have a thyroid disease. The prerequisite should always be a properly adjusted and regularly monitored treatment with thyroid hormones. This normalizes the metabolism. Despite all this, sauna use can be stressful for the circulation. If in doubt, take a friend with you when you go to the sauna for the first time. Do not overtax your body. Do not stay longer than 8–15 minutes per sauna session in the sauna cabin.
Finally, some good news for those who want to lose weight: When you have hypothyroidism, you tend to gain weight. Losing weight is easier if you regularly schedule a sauna session …
Important note: The information in no way replaces professional advice or treatment by trained and recognized doctors. The contents of Saunazeit Magazine cannot and must not be used to make independent diagnoses or start treatments.
