Can I go to the sauna if I have a cold?

Sauna

Can I go to the sauna if I have a cold?

In general, it is not recommended to go to a sauna if you have a cold. While the heat and sweating in a sauna can have some positive effects on our health, there are various reasons to avoid excessive sweating.

First of all, there is a risk of infection, because it is possible to infect other people in the sauna with a cold. Because the common cold is caused by viruses, these viruses can be easily transmitted from person to person, especially in a close contact environment such as a sauna.

In addition, the common cold is an infection in which the immune system effectively fights viruses, thus weakening the body. A visit to a sauna can put extra stress on the immune system and therefore the body, as it is busy adjusting to the heat and alternating between hot and cold. This can delay healing and further weaken the body's defenses. In addition, the hot, dry air in a sauna can further dry out mucous membranes and further irritate the nose, throat, and bronchial tubes.

When you have a cold, it is important to drink enough fluids to keep your body hydrated. However, spending time in a sauna can cause further dehydration as you can lose a lot of fluids through sweating.

During a cold, you should definitely give your body rest, get enough sleep, eat healthy, and drink plenty of water. This will support the healing process and avoid unnecessary stress on your immune system. If you have a mild cold or are recovering from a cold, if in doubt you should seek medical advice before visiting a sauna.

What health benefits does a sauna offer?

For healthy people, regular visits to a sauna can offer various health benefits:

1. Relax and relieve stress: Taking a sauna regularly can lead to deep relaxation and reduce stress. The heat relaxes your muscles and promotes the release of endorphins, which contributes to your overall health.

2. Promote blood circulation: The heat in the sauna expands blood vessels, which leads to improved blood circulation. This in turn helps distribute oxygen and nutrients more efficiently throughout the body.

3. Cleanse the skin: Sweating in a sauna opens the pores and dirt, and it is better to remove dead skin cells and other impurities from the skin. This can contribute to improving skin health.

4. Strengthening the immune system: Alternating between heat and cold in the sauna stimulates the immune system and increases the production of white blood cells that are important for defense against pathogens.

5. Improving the respiratory system: The hot steam in the sauna opens the respiratory system and moisturizes the mucous membranes. This can provide relief for respiratory problems such as asthma or allergies.

6. Strengthening the cardiovascular system: Alternating between heat and cold in a sauna, such as alternating sauna sessions followed by cooling, provides a training effect for the cardiovascular system. This leads to strengthening the heart muscle and improving overall heart health.

Not healthy for everyone

However, not everyone benefits from the health benefits of a sauna. People with certain medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, low blood pressure, or pregnancy should consult a doctor before using a sauna. In addition, it is important to drink enough fluids during a sauna visit and adjust the time and temperature according to your specific needs.