Article originally posted on fitness-nation.net

Many people do not realize this, but spending just a few minutes each day in a sauna is all it takes to feel and look better. The human body responds well to gentle, persistent heat, something that is evident in how popular sauna use is around the globe. In the most basic sense, saunas are small rooms designed for having heat sessions, which may be dry or wet. Let’s now take a look at some of the top benefits of a sauna:

Saunas flush out toxins

One of the number one ways that the body removes toxins from the body is through sweat. In fact, sweating is a wonderful way to remove toxins that the body may have absorbed over time. Spending a few minutes or more in a sauna each day expedites this process, helping the body naturally rid itself of unwanted toxins.

Saunas encourage weight loss

If you are looking to get healthy and lose a little weight this year, it may be in your best interest to integrate sauna use into your regular gym routine. As mentioned in the above point, sitting in a sauna leads to sweating, which is one way to shed a few pounds. Scientific research indicates that spending 20 minutes in a sauna at around 170 degrees Fahrenheit can burn more than 500 calories. Please remember that sauna use is not to be abused and can be quite dangerous if you spend too much time in the heat.

Saunas help boost the immune system

Yet another relatively unknown fact about saunas is that they help boost the immune system. Short sauna sessions actually help produce white blood cells, which are one of the body’s top mechanisms for warding off infections and other serious ailments.

Saunas are a great post-workout routine

There is a reason why you find saunas in gyms such as Fitness Nation. Research indicates that saunas are actually a great – and effective – way to help the body recover from an intense workout. Saunas work by increasing the blood flow to tired and strained muscles, helping them recover much quicker and easier.