Why is the question of heat tolerance important in the sauna?
When it comes to taking a sauna, many people are unsure how much heat they can put their bodies through. Heat tolerance in the sauna is an important factor that affects not only the enjoyable experience, but also the health of the body. Excessive temperatures can stress the circulatory system and cause dizziness or even circulatory collapse. For this reason, it is important to know how many degrees your body can tolerate and what factors play a role in this. In this post, we’ll go into more detail about how you tolerate the heat in the sauna and give you valuable tips on how to get the most out of your sauna sessions.
How does the body work in the sauna?
The sauna is a place to relax and unwind your body and mind. But how does the heat affect our organism? As soon as we enter the sauna, our body starts to work: Blood vessels dilate, blood circulation increases and metabolism is boosted. Our cells are supplied with oxygen and nutrients, which has a positive effect on our health. The immune system also benefits from regular visits to the sauna, because the heat boosts the production of immune cells.
But that’s not all: the sauna also has positive effects on our skin. Sweating opens the pores and dirt particles are transported away, resulting in a refined complexion. A regular sauna visit can also help with acne or other skin problems. However, it is important to listen to your body and not use the sauna for too long or too hot to avoid overheating and circulation problems.
Apart from the health benefits, sauna is also a way to relax and relieve stress. In the warm atmosphere, we can completely relax and leave everyday life behind. The feeling of warmth and security helps to relieve tension in the body.
However, if you have never been to the sauna before, you should start slowly: At first, it is advisable to stay in the heat for only a few minutes and then provide a short cooling down – for example, by getting into the cold water or taking a cold shower. People with certain illnesses should also consult their doctor beforehand.
At what temperature does the body start to sweat?
When it comes to sweating, there are many factors to consider. Temperature alone is not the only factor that affects the body’s sweat production. Humidity and physical activity also play a role. Normally, however, the body begins to sweat at temperatures around 98,6 °F (ca. 37 °C). This is because our body tries to regulate itself and avoid overheating.
However, in the sauna, the temperature can be much higher than 98,6 °F (ca. 37 °C), so the body sweats a lot. This is a natural process and has many health benefits for the body. However, it is important to pay attention to the body’s signals and leave the sauna when necessary to avoid overheating.
Individual heat tolerance in the sauna
The maximum temperature our bodies can withstand in the sauna varies from person to person. Each of us has a different heat sensation, physical fitness and health condition that play a role.
Normally, the temperatures in the sauna are between 158 and 212 °F (ca. 70 – 100 °C). This heat is bearable for a limited time because our body has mechanisms that can handle such temperatures. When we are in the sauna, we start sweating to regulate our body temperature. Due to the loss of sweat, our skin cools down, and as a result, our entire body cools down as well.
However, we should know our individual limits and listen to our body’s signals. Each of us has a different heat tolerance, so we should be mindful and watch our bodies closely. If you experience dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing or other unpleasant symptoms, it is advisable to leave the sauna and cool down.
There are also some precautions we should follow to minimize possible risks. Adequate hydration is important to avoid dehydration. We should drink enough fluids before going to the sauna and drink enough after going to the sauna.
A prolonged stay in the sauna or extreme temperatures can pose health risks. If you have certain pre-existing conditions such as heart problems, low blood pressure or respiratory diseases, you should consult a doctor before using the sauna to clarify any possible risks. Pregnant women, people with open wounds or skin diseases should also be careful and, if necessary, refrain from visiting the sauna.
How can heat tolerance in the sauna be increased?
To increase your heat tolerance in the sauna, there are some tips and tricks you can follow. First, get used to the heat slowly and don’t go to the hottest sauna right away. Start with a lower temperature and slowly increase it. Also, make sure you drink enough to compensate for fluid loss from sweating. Taking a shower before going to the sauna can also help warm up your body and open your pores.
Breathe in and out consciously and calmly during your sauna session to regulate your breathing and relax your body. After your sauna session, take your time to cool down and do not immediately shower or jump into cold water. If you follow these steps, you will be able to better tolerate the heat in the sauna and enjoy full relaxation.
What are the risks of too high temperatures in the sauna?
There are several risks that can occur when temperatures in the sauna are too high. For one, heat stroke can occur, which is caused by overheating of the body. Symptoms such as dizziness nausea, or unconsciousness can occur and, in the worst case, can even be life-threatening. Circulatory problems are also possible when temperatures are too high, as blood vessels dilate and blood pressure drops. This can lead to dizziness or fainting spells.
There is also a risk of burns due to direct contact with the hot sauna stones or excessively hot infusion water. Therefore, pay attention to your own body reaction and leave the sauna immediately at the first sign of overheating. An appropriate temperature and regular breaks between sauna sessions can minimize the risk of unwanted side effects.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that everyone’s body reacts differently to heat. Therefore, there is no universal answer to the question of how many degrees your body can tolerate in the sauna. Various factors such as age health, and physical condition play an important role in determining how long you can stay in the sauna and what temperatures you can tolerate. To avoid health risks, you should therefore try out individually how many degrees your body can tolerate. It is also advisable to pay attention to the body’s signals and leave the sauna immediately if you feel unwell or dizzy. However, with a little caution and mindfulness, you can enjoy the beneficial effects of the sauna and protect your health at the same time.
