4. Keeping the Mind Young in the Sauna

We focused last week on research that has shown that using the sauna can act as a nootropic on the brain and improve our performance.

This week we will again be focusing on how the sauna is more than just a place to relax, and leave you with more than a few health benefits.

This week we are on the topic of our mind again, continuing the theme focusing on BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic-Factor) and Norepinephrine, and the effects that they have on our mind. Yes, last week we detailed on how increasing norepinephrine and BDNF will help our minds continue to grow new brain cells, allowing us to increase memory and retention. For those that didn’t see it, take a look here, we recommend reading the blog before completing this one.

Well it turns out BDNF, and Norepinephrine also helps our brain as we age. Naturopathic doctor Dr. Ben Snider out of Kitchener, ON believes that adding the sauna into your lifestyle can be one of the most single influential beneficial therapies that you can add into your lifestyle. (1) 

Well yes it helps daily as a performance enhancer, how can it help the aging mind?

Cause of the two main ingredients, the PB & J of the sauna; 1. Norepinephrine 2. BDNF

For those who aren’t familiar with Alzheimers & Dementia they are not the same thing, but very similar. Dementia is when an individual faces a wide range of symptoms that usually affect the individual’s memory or other thinking skills. The symptoms limit this individuals ability to complete daily tasks independently. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that usually on-sets early, and slowly worsens over time, affecting an individual’s ability to remember events. They are very related diseases and usually 70% of individuals who have Alzheimer’s will develop Dementia later in life.

Why is this important?

Well, there are currently 56,000 individuals in Canada living with Dementia that are hospitalized receiving care. Roughly 564,000 Canadians living with dementia overall, and an estimated 937,000 individuals projected to be diagnosed in 15 years. New research shows that the habits you have on a daily basis (exercise, diet, stress, etc) can have a direct effect on the causes and development of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. This is important as these disease continue to increase in prevalence we must open up to new research on a therapy that can help these individuals. 

How The Sauna (Hyperthermic Conditioning) Helps;

As we stated last week, BDNF is responsible in the brain for promoting growth of new brain cells, maintaining old brain cells, and improving brain plasticity helping us with memory and retention. So yes, BDNF in the brain is very essential, and there is no easier way of getting it then hopping in the sauna. Norepinephrine on the other hand is responsible to keep our brains alert, focused, and attentive. An increase of norepinephrine daily improves the brain’s capability to store it, and use it for later use. BDNF and norepinephrine do some really cool things for our brain. Basically, they do everything that you would want if you are starting to develop Alzheimer symptoms. Increase new brain cells, increase myelination of existing brain cells, improve memory, improve focus, and improve your mind. A third added benefit, using the sauna is proven to decrease heavy metals in the body that cause nerve death like lead, mercury, aluminum, etc.

 

How do we know this is true?

The Results:

In a Finnish Study(2) researchers studied 2315 men aged between the ages of 42-60 years old for an average of 20 (20.7 exact) years. The researchers studied the frequency of sauna use in the week relating to the amount of participants that developed Alzheimer’s and Dementia. After the average of 20.7 years these are the results. 204 participants died, and 123 participants were diagnosed with either Alzheimer’s or dementia.

The study was split into three different groups; 1. Individuals who used the sauna 2-3 times a week, 2. Individuals who used the sauna 4-7 times a week, and the control group that used the sauna one time per week.

Dementia Results;

Individuals who used the sauna 2-3 times per week were 22% less likely to develop dementia compared to the control group.

Individuals who used the sauna 4-7 times per week were 66% less likely to develop dementia compared to the control group.

 

Alzheimer’s Results;

Individuals who used the sauna 2-3 times per week were 20% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s compared to the control group.

Individuals who used the sauna 4-7 times per week were 65% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s compared to the control group.

 

These results show that using hyperthermic conditioning using the sauna can be very beneficial. This is also great because the sauna is a workout that you can complete at any age or with any disability!

 

In conclusion;

Getting BDNF and norepinephrine are very important in the brain, and one of the most influential ways of making sure you are keeping your mind healthy would be just entering the sauna at least 4 times a week.

Not only will you feel better on a daily basis, you can reduce the chance of both Alzheimers & Dementia by upwards of 60% with a simple life habit, and live a healthier more vibrant life. 

So start taking advantage of “the lazy mans workout” and hop in a sauna near you.

 

Your aging brain, and mind will thank you.

 

Stay Warm.

Northern Sauna Co.

“Good for the Body, Good for the Mind, Good for You.”