Sauna Sessions Boost Immune Cells for a Short Time

Topic: Health

A Finnish study found that one 30-minute sauna session increases white blood cells in the bloodstream. This temporary boost may help fight diseases and infections.

Researchers from Finland conducted an experiment to see how sauna sessions affect our immune system. They asked 51 adults, with an average age of 50, to spend 30 minutes in a sauna. Halfway through the session, they took a cold shower to cool down.

The study showed that after one 30-minute sauna session, there was a significant increase in white blood cells in the bloodstream. White blood cells help our body fight diseases and infections by detecting and responding to pathogens. The researchers found that all types of circulating white blood cells increased during this time.

But what's interesting is that when the participants cooled down after the sauna, their white blood cell count went back to normal within 30 minutes. This suggests that sauna sessions may mobilize extra white blood cells from storage sites in our body into circulation. Once these cells are released, they can better patrol our body and respond to potential threats.

The researchers also looked at how sauna sessions affected cytokines, which are signaling molecules that help coordinate immune activity. They found that overall, there were only small changes in the levels of cytokines in the blood after a sauna session. However, individual responses varied depending on how much each participant's body temperature increased during the sauna.

The study was led by Professor Jari Laukkanen from the University of Eastern Finland and published in the scientific journal Temperature.

Why It Matters

This research can help us understand why regular sauna use has been linked to various health benefits. It may also lead to new ways to boost our immune system and fight diseases.

Key Facts

• 51 adults with an average age of 50 participated in the study.
• One 30-minute sauna session increased white blood cells in the bloodstream.
• White blood cell count returned to normal within 30 minutes after cooling down.
• Individual cytokine responses varied depending on body temperature increase during sauna.
• The study was published in the scientific journal Temperature.

Key Terms

Cytokines

Signaling molecules that help coordinate immune activity.

White blood cells

Cells that help our body fight diseases and infections by detecting and responding to pathogens.

Implications

This research can help us understand why regular sauna use has been linked to various health benefits. It may also lead to new ways to boost our immune system and fight diseases.