The difference between sauna and steam in terms of benefits and risks. which one is better?

Sauna and steam often considered the same, even though they are different. Even so, the sauna and steam both have their own health benefits and risks that need to be considered. So which one is better, sauna or what steam ?

The benefits and risks of a sauna

Before knowing which is better, it's good to know in advance the differences between the two.

A sauna is a room that uses dry heat as its heat source. Usually this heat source comes from wood, gas, electricity, or infrared technology. The temperature in the sauna room reaches 82.2 to 90.5 ° C.

Benefits of a sauna

According to Dr. Chiti Parikh, a co-director of The Integrative Health and Wellbeing Program New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, saunas have a variety of benefits.

Saunas make blood circulation smooth so that cardiovascular health improves. In addition, research has also shown that people who regularly use saunas have a lower risk of heart attack, stroke and dementia. This is especially true of people who practice the sauna at least 4 times a week for 20 minutes.

Besides that, Dr. Parikh also stated that sitting in a sauna is almost like walking on a treadmill on a regular basis. This is because the heat triggers the heart to pump blood even harder. That is, this process is similar to the benefits you get while running on a treadmill.

In addition, staying in the sauna room can also reduce pain and stiffness in the body, especially after exercising. Therefore, the sauna is often chosen as a means of relaxation after doing a pretty tiring exercise.

Sauna risk

Apart from its various tantalizing benefits, this activity also has side effects that cannot be underestimated. Linger in the sauna room can make the body dehydrated and dizzy due to heat.

In addition, this activity is also not the right choice if you have recently had a heart attack or other cardiovascular problems. This is because saunas can increase a person's heart rate.

To minimize side effects, limit your time in the sauna room. Also, stay hydrated before, during, and after the sauna.

Benefits and risks of steam

Despite their differences, steam and sauna have similar benefits and side effects. Steam or steam room is a room specially designed using a humid heat source. The heat source usually comes from a steam generator.

The floor of the room is generally made of tiles or other non-porous materials such as glass or plastic. That way, all of the air will be trapped in the room to produce moisture.

However, space steam usually not as hot as a sauna. Usually the temperature in it ranges from 37.7 to 48.8 ° C with almost 100 percent humidity. Even so, people will usually feel a hot sensation that is more pronounced in the room steam rather than a sauna because of the humidity.

Benefits of steam

Although different, space steam It has health benefits similar to saunas due to the heat effect it provides. This means that you can get benefits for cardiovascular health from steam. In addition, you will also feel more refreshed and avoid muscle soreness after a hard workout.

Steam also makes skin look fresher and healthier afterward. In addition, the humid heat from the room steam also helps relieve symptoms of colds and nasal congestion.

For those of you who are experiencing stress, sitting for 10 minutes in this room can help relieve it. Thus it can be concluded that the benefits are different steam and the sauna is very little in fact almost similar.

Steam risk

The research, published in The Physician Sports Medicine, steam can make a person feel dizzy, nauseous, and even faint. This is because the body temperature is usually higher than normal conditions.

For that, try to stay well hydrated and don't linger in the room steam . Also avoid using space steam when you feel under the influence of alcohol and certain drugs. Also, don't take up space right away steam after eating because it can trigger excessive dizziness.

Which one is better?

Because everyone's condition is different, it cannot be determined which one is better.

If you have breathing problems such as a cold or sinusitis, stay in the room steam help relieve symptoms. But if not, sauna and steam equally good for you depending on taste, there is no significant difference.

But the important thing to remember, always consult a doctor before intending to relax in the two rooms. Especially if you have health problems that are quite risky.

In addition, don't forget to ask the staff in advance about how long is the right time for you at the beginning of the visit.