How Saunas Help You Feel Better When You Have a Cold

 Having a cold or dealing with the flu can be a miserable situation. Both of these are respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Symptoms tend to be similar so it’s not always obvious which of them you are dealing with. In most cases, the flu has worse symptoms and can feel more intense than a typical cold.

 The most common symptoms of a cold or flu include a sore throat, congestion, runny nose, and a cough. Fever is less common in adults but can still occur in some situations. Cold symptoms often last for about a week and you’re generally contagious for the first three or four days.

 For as long as people have been experiencing colds, medication and other remedies have been used to cut down on symptoms. In today’s modern world, over-the-counter pills and other medications are the most common choice. In addition, staying hydrated and resting can help you feel better.

 Eucalyptus leaves are another option for anyone with cold symptoms. It’s a natural remedy found in some cough and cold medications. Research shows that it is a natural anti-inflammatory and can decrease mucus while expanding the bronchi and bronchioles of the lungs. 

Saline nasal spray and drops can be used for congestion and stuffiness. Using a humidifier is another excellent choice to add moisture into the air to loosen up congestion. Adding honey to hot liquids and sipping on chicken soup, warm apple juice, and tea can also help soothe some cold symptoms.

 How Infrared Saunas Help With Colds

 It might seem surprising, but spending time in a sauna can also help with a cold. Infrared saunas offer various benefits that can make you feel better faster when you’re a little under the weather. Read on to learn more about how this relaxing activity can help.

 When your sinuses are infected, the lining in the nose can swell. This makes the pressure that can manifest as pain in the forehead, near the eyes, and across the face. When heat is introduced to the body through spending time in a sauna, it helps relieve congestion and cuts down on swelling.

Saunas can also reduce inflammation in the body. They create better cardiovascular circulation with oxygen-rich blood flow. This produces additional white blood cells that can calm swelling and reduce inflammation. For someone who has a cold, this benefits you by cutting down on aches and pains.

 When you are in the sauna, it helps alleviate the stress you are feeling. This is proven to help boost your immune system. When the immune system is at its best, you can more easily fight off the symptoms of a cold. That means you’ll start feeling better more quickly so you can get back to the normal activities of life.

 Using a sauna is also shown to encourage deep and restful sleep. When you spend time in the heat, your body temperature will increase. Upon leaving the sauna, the body works to cool itself and this temperature change will trigger better sleep. When you get excellent sleep, your immune system has time to work and fight the cold.

 While time in the sauna isn’t going to kill a virus, it is going to make the virus uncomfortable. When you feel less than well, it can be enjoyable to know you’re hurting the virus that makes you feel out of sorts. In addition, the high temperatures you are exposed to can weaken the viruses that cause colds and flu.

 So Is a Sauna Good for a Cold?

 As we mentioned above, a sauna is an excellent option for anyone who has a cold. However, you want to be sure that you are safe while using the sauna. Below are several tips you should follow to make sure you enjoy your time in the sauna without experiencing any adverse effects.

 While using a sauna, you should have a bottle of water that you can sip on throughout the process. You can drink water before and after you use the sauna to ensure you are hydrated, as well. There is a benefit to drinking lots of water. It can help filter out toxins in the body and make you feel better. 

If you are spending time in an infrared sauna and you begin to feel lightheaded, that’s a sign that you should leave. The high temperatures can make you feel dizzy or nauseous, which means you should end your session. The next time you go in, it may be a good idea to turn the temperature down to make sure you are comfortable. 

When you use a sauna and other cold remedies, along with getting rest and staying hydrated, you can expect to feel better. However, if you start to feel worse, you should speak with your primary physician. If you begin to feel worse, talk to your doctor. They can make sure what you have is a cold and give you recommendations to start feeling better.

Closing Thoughts on Using a Sauna While You Have a Cold

 When you have a cold or flu, using a sauna is a method that works in tandem with other remedies to get you feeling better. It can help with boosting your immune system, relieve your congestion, encourage better sleeping, and more. 

At Sun Home Saunas, we offer a wide variety of saunas that you can use in the privacy of your own home. We provide both indoor and outdoor options, as well as infrared blankets, steam showers, and red light therapy options that can get you feeling better fast. You can also reach out to us at 1-844-728-6200 for any questions you might have.