Researchers from Finland have determined that spending time in a sauna temporarily boosts the human immune system. The findings of their study are featured in the scientific periodical, Temperature.
Fifty-one adults took part in this trial, with each individual staying in the sauna for approximately half an hour, followed by a brief cooling-down period under a cold shower. Blood analysis conducted post-procedure indicated a rise in leukocytes—the cells responsible for combating illnesses. The counts of neutrophils and lymphocytes, which are vital to the body’s immune response, showed particularly notable increases.
The scientists suggest that the intense heat of the sauna prompts an “in-circulation mobilization” of immune cells: these cells move from bodily tissues into the bloodstream, thereby engaging more actively in the body’s defense mechanisms. Nevertheless, these elevated metrics reverted to baseline levels within just thirty minutes after the session concluded. This transient effect parallels the body’s reaction to physical exercise. The authors explicitly state that this pertains solely to the immediate impact of a single sauna visit, and further investigations will be necessary to ascertain the sauna’s influence on immunity over extended periods.
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