Sauna for a cold? Facts and myths about the impact of sauna on health

1. Sauna and immunity — how it works on the body
2. Does the sauna cure the common cold? Facts and myths
3. When it is not worth using the sauna
4. How to use the sauna correctly to support health
5. Why regular sauna brings the best results
6. Sauna zone in Hotel Senator in Dźwirzyn
7. Summary — heat that supports but does not heal
8. Interesting facts about the sauna and sauna

Sauna has been recognized for centuries as an effective method of strengthening immunity and regeneration of the body. The high temperature in the sauna — ranging from 70 to 100 °C in a dry sauna and about 45°C in a steam sauna — causes an increase in body temperature, which imitates a state of fever. As a result, the body begins to produce more white blood cells, responsible for fighting infections.

Regular sauna can improve circulation, improve detoxification processes and support respiratory capacity. Also, tissue oxygenation and metabolic rate increase. Therefore, a sauna is a great way to prevent, that is, strengthening the body before infection catches us.

Many myths have grown around the sauna — especially in the context of colds. It is therefore worthwhile to clearly separate facts from misunderstandings:

• Sauna does not cure colds. If the infection is already progressing -- we have fever, muscle aches and runny nose -- using a sauna can weaken the body. High temperature further strains the circulatory system and can aggravate inflammation.
• Sauna helps with prophylaxis. Regular sessions strengthen immunity and can reduce the risk of infection. The body gets used to temperature changes, which improves the immune reaction.
• Sauna relieves tension and stress. And this indirectly affects health — stress lowers immunity and increases susceptibility to infections.
• Sauna can support convalescence. After the end of the disease, when the body returns to strength, heat promotes regeneration and removal of toxins.

In conclusion — sauna is not a cure for colds, but it is an effective element of health prevention.

Although the sauna brings many benefits, there are situations when it is better to abandon it. Do not use the sauna:

• when we have a fever, viral or bacterial infection — heat can accelerate the development of the disease,
• in case of hypertension or circulatory problems, unless the doctor gives permission,
• with migraines, skin inflammation or respiratory diseases in the acute phase,
• just after consuming alcohol, which strains the heart and disrupts water-electrolyte balance,
• in overtired or dehydrated people, for whom sudden changes in temperature can be harmful.

It is always worth listening to your body — if you feel dizzy, shortness of breath or weakness in the sauna after a few minutes, it is best to stop the session and rest.

In order for sauna to be safe and beneficial, you need to follow a few simple rules:

• Start with short sessions. For beginners, the optimal time is 8—10 minutes, with interruptions for cooling the body.
• Remember to hydrate. Before and after visiting the sauna, drink plenty of water or herbal teas to replenish lost fluids.
• Take care of hygiene. Before entering, take a shower, and in the sauna sit on a towel.
• Do not use the sauna after meals. Wait at least an hour after eating.
• After the sauna, cool the body. A shower or bath in cool water will improve circulation and enhance the cleansing effect.

Regular use of these rules will allow you to get the maximum benefit without the risk of overloading the body.

As in many aspects of health, regularity is the key. A one-time visit to the sauna is a pleasure, but only systematic use strengthens immunity and improves condition.

It is best to visit the sauna 1—2 times a week, especially in the autumn-winter season. Regular sessions help maintain a balance between tension and relaxation, improve sleep and concentration, and also have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. Over time, the body gets used to high temperatures and reacts more and more efficiently.

Hotel Senator in Dźwirzyn offers an extensive sauna and relaxation area, where you can fully experience the beneficial effects of heat. Guests can enjoy a dry sauna, steam bath, infrared sauna and jacuzzi, which perfectly complement the regeneration ritual.

Just 300 metres from the beach, the hotel creates ideal conditions for combining a sauna session with outdoor relaxation. There are also special rest areas for guests, where you can calm down after a heat session and drink mineral water or tea.

Book your stay at Hotel Senator and discover how beneficial the combination of marine climate and sauna relaxation can be.

Sauna is an excellent way to improve condition and immunity, but it is not a cure for colds. Used sensibly and regularly — strengthens the immune system, cleanses the body and sooths the mind. The key lies in moderation and matching the ritual to the needs of the body. It is worth treating sauna as an element of a healthy lifestyle — prevention that supports the body in a natural way, instead of replacing treatment.