Things You Need To Avoid In Sauna
Every sauna session has its own set of rules that are not to be breached. While most precautions are common sense, it is always good to have a reminder. The purpose of this article is to inform you of some things one should never do in the sauna.
1) Avoid Sauna After Eating
As any exercise enthusiast will tell you, you can see better results from working out if you exercise on an empty stomach as opposed to a full one. Research suggests people who work out on an empty stomach burn twice as many calories as those who work out after they’ve eaten. This same concept applies to exercising in a sauna – avoid going into your sauna session immediately after eating a heavy meal. Doing so will only make you feel bloated and uncomfortable, and you’ll be less likely to reap all of the benefits that come with a good sauna session.
2) Avoid Excessive Sweating
When you’re in a sauna, your goal should be to sweat – but not excessively. Over-sweating can lead to dehydration, which is not only incredibly uncomfortable but also dangerous. To avoid over-sweating, drink plenty of fluids before and after your sauna session. And if you start feeling lightheaded or dizzy, get out of the sauna immediately.
3) Avoid Sauna If You Have a Fever
A fever is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. And if you have a fever, it’s not a good idea to subject yourself to the extreme heat of a sauna. When your body is fighting an illness, the last thing it needs is more heat – which is why you should avoid the sauna until you’re feeling better.
4) Avoid Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
Smoking and drinking alcohol are two activities that you should avoid while in the sauna. Not only do they both increase your risk of dehydration, but they also have negative effects on your overall health. If you’re looking to get the most out of your sauna session, abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol altogether.
5) Avoid Sitting on the Sauna Bench Too Long
When you’re in a sauna, it’s important to move around and get your blood flowing. Sitting on the bench for too long can not only make you feel cramped and uncomfortable, but it can also lead to dizziness or fainting. So be sure to take breaks and move around a bit – even if it’s just to walk around the room.
6) Avoid Mingling in the Sauna
Most people like to talk and mingle while they’re relaxing in the sauna. While talking is okay, mingling with others isn’t recommended – especially if you’re on a low-sodium diet. When your body sweats, it’s not just water that comes out of your pores – some of the salt also gets lost as well. And since most people aren’t used to drinking all of this extra sodium, it can lead to some pretty uncomfortable side effects. So if you do decide to talk during your sauna session, make sure you limit yourself so that you don’t become dehydrated or over-salty afterwards.
7) Avoid Going Into The Sauna If You Have a Cold or Flu
If you have a cold, going into the sauna will only make matters worse. That said, if you have a fever and go straight from the sauna to your bed, that can also cause you to feel even more ill – which is why it’s recommended that you take an hour or two break before going to sleep after a sauna session.
If possible, try finishing up your sauna session at least 4-6 hours before going to bed – this way, by the time you do go to bed, most of the side effects of having been in a hot environment should be gone.
Sauna-goers should always remember to drink plenty of fluids before and after their session, avoid sitting on the bench for too long, and avoid excessive sweating. By following these simple tips, you’ll have a safe and enjoyable sauna experience every time. Thanks for reading!