as winter approaches and cold and flu season takes hold, manny are seeking ways to bolster their immune systems. A persistent belief suggests regular sauna use can offer protection against the common cold, but is there scientific basis to this claim? A new article from 24vita.de features insights from general practitioner Dr. Stefan Wilm, who examines the connection between sauna sessions and immune response, and separates fact from fiction regarding this popular wellness practice.
Regular sauna use is believed to offer protection against colds. General practitioner Dr. Stefan Wilm explains whether there’s truth to this claim.
The intense heat envelops the body, sweat beads on the skin – and with each breath, something seems to loosen. Sauna sessions aren’t just relaxing; they’re also thought to boost the immune system. The belief that regular sweating can ward off colds is particularly persistent. But what actually happens inside the body when exposed to such high temperatures? And is it true that frequent sauna-goers get sick less often? Understanding how lifestyle factors impact immune function is a growing area of public health interest.
In an article on the health portal 24vita.de, general practitioner Dr. Stefan Wilm scientifically evaluates these claims.
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How Sauna Mobilizes Defenses
Those who sweat regularly benefit: “The cardiovascular system is stimulated, which in turn supports the immune system,” explains Dr. Wilm. Consistency is key, however; occasional trips to the sauna have no demonstrable effect. The mechanism is similar to the Kneipp principle – the alternation between extreme heat and cooling trains the cardiovascular system, which strengthens the body’s defenses. However, this protective effect only develops with sustained use over months.
Runny Nose? Does Heat Help or Harm?
The topic is particularly controversial when the first signs of a cold appear. “There are patients who say that if I feel a cold coming on, I go to the sauna quickly and then it doesn’t happen. However, there are no studies to prove this,” the doctor clarifies. Other people, however, have completely opposite experiences: after going to the sauna with the first symptoms, their condition deteriorates dramatically.
This tension highlights the problem: as long as scientific evidence is lacking, using the sauna to treat acute infections is based on pure speculation. The research situation remains patchy and provides no definitive answers.
You can find more information in the full article on read the complete article here.
Also interesting: Dr. Wilm explains how dangerous a prolonged cold is and whether cold remedies are just a myth.
