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How Saunas Boost Immune Systems Revealed
Researchers found the effect lasted about 30 minutes and involved 51 adults, suggesting sauna heat may briefly mobilize immune cells.
- Scientists in Finland found that a 30-minute sauna session temporarily boosts the number of circulating white blood cells, key players in fighting infection. The heat-based ritual mobilizes immune cells already stored in body tissues.
- Rather than generating new immune cells, the sauna mobilizes those already stored in the body. Researchers compare this response to exercise, which similarly boosts immune surveillance by increasing white blood cell movement.
- The study involved 51 participants with an average age of 50. Crucially, immune cells—which play a "key" role in defense—returned to normal levels within around 30 minutes after the session.
- Academy Research Fellow Ilkka Heinonen at the University of Turku said the process "mobilizes additional white blood cells into the bloodstream from tissues." This periodic release enables the body to patrol for pathogens more effectively.
- Professor Jari Laukkanen noted that while body temperature influenced cytokine levels, no association emerged with white blood cell counts. Researchers caution the study only examined short-term sauna effects.
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How saunas boost immune systems revealed
Sauna bathing releases white blood cells into the bloodstream, which play a "key" role in the body's defense.
·Missoula, United States
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