The surprising effect saunas have on your immune system
A new study from Finland has found that not only are saunas relaxing, they also offer several benefits for your physical health. For years, studies have suggested that regular sauna use may lower the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, cardiac arrest, dementia, and lung disease. However, the reasons behind these benefits have remained largely unknown, until now. The study discovered that sauna usage helps the movement of white blood cells throughout the body. The study involved 51 Finnish adults with an average age of 50, who were asked to sit in a 30-minute sauna and take a cold shower break halfway through. The results showed an increase in white blood cells circulating in the body, suggesting that the sauna doesn’t create new immune cells, but instead moves existing ones into circulation. This short-term increase in cell circulation is similar to what occurs after exercise or physical activity. The increase is thought to support immune surveillance, meaning the cells are better able to detect and fight infections. It suggests that regular sauna use may help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of future illness.
2026-04-15T12:19:24Z