Are Saunas the Next Big Performance-Enhancing “Drug”?

By Dr. Mercola

 Historically, saunas have a longstanding tradition of use. They are common to many Eastern European countries, as well as Asia. In some countries, such as Finland, you can find them in nearly every home, where they're used for relaxation, detoxification and more.

Saunas are actually becoming increasingly used by athletes as well, but not only for the post-workout muscle relaxation as you might expect.

According to Rhonda Perciavalle Patrick, Ph.D., increasing your core temperature for short periods, as is done by using a sauna, may offer dramatic improvements to your athletic performance. She calls this concept "hyperthermic conditioning," which emerging research suggests has multiple positive effects on your body, from increased endurance to the growth of new brain cells. Increasing your core temperature for short periods, as is done by using a sauna, may offer dramatic improvements to your athletic performance
 

This concept, called “hyperthermic conditioning,” may have multiple positive effects on your body, from increased endurance to the release of human growth hormone (HGH) and the growth of new brain cells
 

As your body is subjected to reasonable amounts of heat stress, it gradually becomes acclimated to the heat, prompting a number of beneficial changes to occur in your body
Infrared saunas can significantly expedite the detoxification process, as they heat your tissues several inches deep, which can enhance your natural metabolic processes
 

Always listen to your body when deciding how much heat stress (i.e. sauna use) you can tolerate.