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Crazy health benefits of sauna by Dr. Rhonda Patrick

Key Takeaways

Regular sauna use is linked to a significant decrease in all-cause mortality.
Men using the sauna 4-7 times a week saw a 40% reduction in mortality over 20 years.
Sauna use activates heat shock proteins that help prevent cellular damage and aging.
Heat stress from saunas can improve cardiovascular health similar to exercise.
Heat shock proteins may increase lifespan and prevent muscle atrophy.

40

Percentage decrease in all-cause mortality for frequent sauna users

20

Years men were followed in the study

15

Percentage increase in lifespan observed in heat-exposed organisms

Health Benefits of Sauna

Sauna use linked to decreased mortality from various diseases.
Frequency of sauna use correlates with greater health benefits.

Mechanisms of Action

Heat stress activates heat shock proteins that prevent cellular damage.
Heat shock proteins are involved in longevity and muscle preservation.

Comparative Effects

Sauna effects are similar to cardiovascular exercise.
Steam showers do not reach the same temperatures as dry saunas.

Notable Quotes

"There's a 40% decrease in mortality on basically everything."

"Heat shock proteins are pretty awesome because they are able to prevent a certain type of damage that accumulates in our cells."

"If you expose them to one heat shock, it increases their lifespan by like 15%."