What’s behind the 10 most popular sauna myths
Sauna myths and misconceptions. You have certainly been confronted with myths and misconceptions about saunas. It is not uncommon for myths to contain a grain of truth. But is that also the case with saunas? We have clarified this for you – and reveal to you whether there is any truth in the 10 best-known myths. You’ll be surprised.
Myth 1: You can lose weight in the sauna
This is one of the biggest misconceptions. It is true that the scales show a few kilos less after a sauna session. But you lost them in the form of water. The sad truth is that fat doesn’t just melt away. Nevertheless, you can support your diet with regular sweat baths. The pleasant warmth boosts your metabolism. And with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, the kilos really do fall off.
Myth 2: Saunas increase the risk of catching a cold
This myth has a core of truth. The pleasant warmth strengthens your immune system – and even protects you from catching a cold. But it only works if you sweat regularly. If you’re more of a novice on the wood benches, you may catch a nasty cold pretty easily. Especially since you’ll be sweaty, stepping out into the cold in the winter – and sticking it out there for quite a long time. You can catch a cold all too easily. So it’s better to relax indoors in the winter.
Myth 3: The public sauna is a bacterium hotbed
This is one of the misconceptions that sauna opponents all too often fall into. However, it is not true. It is true that everyone is naked on the wooden benches. In this respect, the bacteria are already buzzing around the room. But they only live for such a short time that they die off immediately – and cannot do any harm. The only exception is the bacteria that cause athlete’s foot. But you catch it outdoors when you walk barefoot. So you can easily protect yourself by wearing sandals.
Myth 4: The more you sweat, the better it is
This is clearly not one of the fallacies. After all, only those who regularly enjoy a sweat bath also experience all the positive effects of saunas. However, regular means two or three times a week. You’ve guessed it: it’s easy to overdo it. If you venture onto the wooden benches every day, you expose yourself to health risks. This also applies if you take no or only very short breaks between sauna sessions. So enjoy the sweating pleasures in moderation, and you’ll get more out of it.
Myth 5: Isotonic drinks are a must during the sauna day
This myth has probably been circulated by the manufacturers of isotonic drinks. Many people think that they have to take expensive drinks during a sauna day. The idea behind it: When you take a sauna, you sweat and lose fluids as well as important minerals like salt. The isotonic drinks are supposed to help replenish this mineral balance. But you don’t need them at all. It is sufficient to drink natural mineral water. This also contains minerals in sufficient quantities.
Myth 6: Pregnant women should not use the sauna
There is some truth in this myth. If you haven’t taken a sauna regularly before pregnancy, you shouldn’t start. The body is busy with so many other things in this phase that it should not be exposed to such a load. However, regular sauna users do not have to do without the hot pleasure during pregnancy. But it is important to keep things in moderation. What is allowed is what is good for you and does not put too much strain on your body.
Myth 7: Children should not take a sauna
Yes and no. There are quite a few people who recommend saunas for children. The main thing here is to spend relaxing hours with the little ones. If they get involved, there’s nothing to be said against it. But if the children find it too boring to sit quietly on the wooden benches, they should not be forced to do so. On the one hand, this disturbs the other guests in the bathroom. For another, the children also endanger their health if they romp around in the heat.
Myth 8: You don’t have to cool down after a sauna session
That is, piffle and also actually not at all to make. Because just by leaving the sauna, your body cools down – and that’s a good thing. After all, your blood vessels have dilated in the heat and have to contract again. This helps to prevent high blood pressure. You can also take a cold shower or a dip in the pool. But you shouldn’t overdo it either. The sudden change between hot and cold is pure stress for your body. Spend a few minutes in the cooler air before you step into the icy waters. Also, pay attention to the warning signals your body sends you. If you feel the slightest discomfort, don’t go for the sauna.
Myth 9: Saunas only make sense in autumn and winter
We can clearly refute this claim. It is true that in the cold season, it is especially nice to sit in the pleasant warmth. However, we will never tire of emphasizing that you will only enjoy the positive health aspects if you sweat regularly. This also includes spring and summer. By the way, you will be surprised how refreshing an extended sauna day can be. It always depends on the scent in the sweat lodge.
Myth 10: The infusion is what makes the sauna healthy in the first place
This claim is also nonsense. It’s true that an infusion is a great experience – and good for your health. But in the end, it’s just very hot air, a bit of steam. But taking a sauna is healthy in itself, even if infusions are not for you. As I said, it is important that you do it regularly. Do not expect that all your health problems will be solved after the first day of sauna.
