US Heart Surgeon Shares Sauna Routine and Health Benefits

US board-certified cardiovascular surgeon Dr Jeremy London shared his personal sauna routine and its health benefits on Instagram on September 29. With over 25 years of medical experience, he stated that regular sauna use can mimic exercise and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Health Effects

Sitting in a heated room causes the heart rate to increase and blood vessels to dilate, which simulates physical activity while a person is sitting still. The body also releases heat shock proteins during heat therapy, which provides major health benefits. Data shows a decreased risk of heart attack, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases. Frequent sauna use is also linked to lower risks of sudden cardiac death, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, alongside better blood pressure control and vascular function.

Personal Protocol

Dr London prefers taking saunas in the evenings to punctuate his day, or ideally post-workout. Because extreme heat is difficult to endure, he uses a felt sauna hat to create a heat shield over his head and face, and drinks electrolyte fluids to replace lost sodium, potassium, and magnesium. For beginners, he advises starting with shorter and cooler sessions to build heat tolerance. He also suggests that men concerned with fertility bring an ice pack into the sauna.

Context

Medical professionals often study lifestyle practices like heat therapy to understand how regular physical stress on the body can build long-term resilience. While doctors acknowledge potential wellness benefits from saunas, experts generally view them as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, traditional exercise and medical care.