A relaxing sauna session may do more than just help you unwind. A new study from Finland suggests that spending time in a sauna can quickly boost the body’s immune activity.
The research, published in the journal Temperature, found that even a single 30-minute sauna session can increase the number of white blood cells circulating in the bloodstream.
White blood cells are an important part of the body’s defense system. They help fight infections, viruses, and other harmful invaders. Normally, many of these cells stay stored in tissues or organs, waiting to be called into action. When they enter the bloodstream, they can move around the body more easily and respond faster to threats.
In this study, researchers wanted to understand how sauna bathing affects these immune cells. They studied 51 adults with an average age of 50. Each participant completed a 30-minute sauna session, which included a short break to cool down under a cold shower.
The results showed that after the sauna session, the number of white blood cells in the blood increased. This included important types such as neutrophils and lymphocytes, which play key roles in protecting the body from infections. However, this increase was temporary. Within about 30 minutes after the session ended, the levels returned to normal.
The researchers believe that the sauna causes white blood cells to move from storage areas into the bloodstream. This movement allows them to “patrol” the body more actively. It is similar to what happens during physical exercise, when immune cells also increase in circulation.
One of the researchers, Ilkka Heinonen from the University of Turku, explained that this temporary increase may be beneficial. When white blood cells are in the bloodstream, they are better able to detect and respond to harmful substances. This process may help improve the body’s overall ability to fight infections.
The study also looked at cytokines, which are molecules that help control the immune response. Overall, sauna bathing did not cause major changes in cytokine levels. However, some cytokines changed depending on how much the person’s body temperature increased during the sauna session.
Professor Jari Laukkanen from the University of Eastern Finland, who led the study, noted that this link between temperature and cytokines could be important. It suggests that the body’s heat response may influence how the immune system behaves.
Sauna bathing has long been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health and relaxation. This new study provides a possible explanation for some of these effects by showing how the immune system responds.
However, the researchers also pointed out some limitations. The study only looked at the short-term effects of a single sauna session. It does not show whether regular sauna use leads to lasting changes in the immune system. More research is needed to understand the long-term impact.
In conclusion, this study suggests that sauna bathing can quickly activate the immune system by increasing the movement of white blood cells. While the effects are temporary, they may still be helpful in supporting the body’s defense system. At the same time, more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions about long-term health benefits.
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Source: University of Turku.
