Shocking, really. The body is anti- like that; hormesis, the "adaptive response of cells and organisms to a moderate (usually intermittent) stress."
while experts have urged caution about sweating it out in hot weather, a growing number of studies are considering whether heat training could help people prepare for heatwaves.
...and you know WHICH PEOPLE KNOW THIS? Huh??? I'll give you a hint
Prof Jari Laukkanen, a cardiologist at the University of Eastern Finland who has carried out research into the health benefits of saunas, argues that repeated exposure to heat can help the body gradually become better at coping with heat exposure.
“This is well established in sports physiology, where athletes deliberately use repeated heat exposure to improve heat tolerance before competing in hot environments,” he said. “Indeed, quite similar physiological adaptations may also occur with passive heat exposure, such as sauna bathing and hot water immersion.”
heat adaptations include:
- earlier and more efficient sweating
- improved skin blood flow
- expansion of plasma volume
- reduced cardiovascular strain during subsequent heat exposure.
"People who are accustomed to heat pace themselves more sensibly, hydrate more consistently and recognise their own warning signs earlier,” -- Dr. Jessica Mee."People who are accustomed to heat pace themselves more sensibly, hydrate more consistently and recognise their own warning signs earlier,” -- Dr. Jessica Mee.
Also: safety first:
There are also safety concerns around saunas and hot baths for people with an acute illness or fever, unstable angina, a recent heart attack, or uncontrolled low blood pressure, with Laukkanen noting that they should avoid such exposure until medically assessed or treated.
AND... apparently the benefits wear off fast, and require a LOT of work:
Experts add that heat training typically takes 40–60 minutes of heat exposure each day for at least four to six days, and that the benefits last for about a week – although longer training leads to longer-lasting effects.
Also, BORING!
Exactly what I need right now. A box with even MORE HEAT.
Its been around 100 degrees here the past few days. I lay out in the sun and sweat a good amount and feel great after. Best way to cleanse the body naturally.
The problem is that heat waves tend to arrive more than a week after sauna season.
I will say that I was shocked how well I acclimated to heat when I lived in very hot places and did lots of outdoor summer activity. Now, a heat wave kicks my butt pretty thoroughly.
same. First two weeks in Costa Rica -- horrible. Then? slower pace, better sleep, easier to cope with hot air
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