Is it better to eat before or after a sauna?

Author: Lolita Osinski MD  |  Last update: Friday, June 27, 2025

It is recommended to eat a light meal first to keep energy levels stable and prevent blood sugar levels from dropping. After eating, wait one or two hours and then go to the sauna. Avoid fatty foods, as they can cause indigestion and discomfort during the sauna.

Should you eat before or after a sauna?

Preparation Wait for at least two hours after your previous meal before visiting the sauna. When the body is busy digesting food, blood rushes to the stomach and intestines. In the steam room, the body experiences intense thermal demand causing the blood to rush to the skin.

What should you not do before a sauna?

Tips to avoid nausea:
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Do not eat anything heavy before going to the sauna.
  • The sauna should not be too hot and dry.
  • Make sure the sauna is adequately ventilated.
  • Cool off between sauna sessions.
  • Try using a sauna hat.

How do I get the best results from a sauna?

How to get the most out of your sauna:
  1. Shower before and after using your sauna.
  2. Maximize skin exposure to heat.
  3. Maintain a regular schedule and routine.
  4. Exfoliate and boost circulation to the skin.
  5. Stay hydrated.
  6. Stretch out or lay down.

What is the best thing to do right after a sauna?

When you get home from your sauna session it is great to take a warm shower to wash off the toxins that are now on the outside of your skin. Many find that a cool shower rinse after a warm shower invigorates them and their skin. So enjoy a good shower followed by a cool rinse. This will also close up the pores.

The Benefits Of Using The Sauna Pre And Post-Workout

Is it OK to not shower after sauna?

People use their saunas for many different reasons. If you want to increase perspiration to encourage weight loss and removal of toxins you should shower before an infrared sauna (a hot shower) as this can help to up your perspiration levels. However, we do recommend that you should shower after an infrared sauna too.

Can sauna burn fat?

Saunas themselves do not directly burn fat. The weight loss observed after a sauna session is primarily due to water loss through sweating, which is temporary and regained upon rehydration. With that being said, there are a few ways that saunas can have indirect benefits that may support weight loss or body mass loss.

Is it okay to sauna everyday?

So, always make sure you're well-hydrated before and after your sauna or steam room sesh. You may be at risk if you've recently had a heart attack or any other cardiovascular issues, like high blood pressure, adds Dr. Parikh. Overall, it is generally considered safe to use a sauna every day, says Dr.

Can I bring my phone in a sauna?

The short answer is that it's generally not recommended to bring your phone into a sauna. The high temperatures and humidity levels can cause damage to your phone's internal components, and the risk of overheating or even explosion is not worth the convenience of having your phone with you.

Should I cold shower after sauna?

The experience of a cold shower after a hot sauna can be incredibly relaxing and stress-reducing. The shock of cold water triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural 'feel-good' hormones, which help to alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of relaxation.

What are the negatives of a sauna?

Although sauna bathing does not cause drying of the skin-and may even benefit patients with psoriasis-sweating may increase itching in patients with atopic dermatitis. Contraindications to sauna bathing include unstable angina pectoris, recent myocardial infarction, and severe aortic stenosis.

Should you go in a sauna wet or dry?

Before entering the sauna

In fact, the only rule is that you enter the sauna with clean, showered and preferably dry skin. You can go to the swimming pool first, but it is necessary to dry well afterwards, before entering the sauna, so that the sweating effect starts earlier and is stronger.

Why am I so hungry after a sauna?

If you find yourself absolutely craving something yummy after your sauna session, it's because your body becomes depleted of electrolytes, which are vital for body function.

Is morning or night sauna better?

Some people may find that using a sauna in the morning helps them start their day off with a feeling of rejuvenation, while others may prefer to wind down in the sauna at night as a way to relaxbefore bed. In the end, the best time of day to use a sauna will depend on your individual needs and schedule.

Why do people eat oranges in the sauna?

The process offers a relaxing form of self-care.

“Eating oranges in the shower reminds me of using essential oils in a sauna or placing cucumber slices over your eyes in a steam bath,” Northrop said. “It can transform a daily task into an aromatic experience of relaxing self-care.”

What is sauna etiquette?

Shower Before You Enter

Not only is this hygienic—rinsing off sweat, body oils, and any cosmetics—it also preconditions your body for the heat. Don't: Use heavy soaps or fragrances before entering. The hot air intensifies smells, and you don't want to overwhelm your fellow sauna-goers with a potent scent.

Can I wear AirPods in a sauna?

Don't swim with or otherwise submerge your AirPods. Don't put AirPods in the washing machine or dryer. Don't wear AirPods in a sauna or steam room. Don't expose AirPods to high-velocity water, such as while water skiing.

How many calories does a sauna burn?

On average, 73-134 calories were burned per 10-minute session, totaling 400 calories during a 1-hour period. It's important to note that this study had cooldown periods between sessions and used sedentary individuals with higher body mass and lower heat tolerance, who tend to burn more calories during a sauna session.

Why is my urine so dark after a sauna?

Dehydration is a major concern when using a sauna daily. You can lose a lot of fluids through sweat, leading to fatigue and poor physical performance. Drink water before, during, and after your sauna session. Watch for signs of severe dehydration like dizziness and dark urine.

How long do you have to sit in a sauna to detox?

While the optimal duration may vary depending on individual factors and sauna types, a general guideline of 15-30 minutes per session, 2-4 times per week, is a good starting point.

Is sauna good for hair?

The heat in the sauna stimulates scalp blood flow, and a scalp massage whilst in the sauna can help take advantage of this. The heat and massage stimulate blood vessels in the scalp, improving the delivery of nutrients vital to hair growth.

How to burn off belly fat?

8 Ways to Lose Belly Fat and Live a Healthier Life
  1. Try curbing carbs instead of fats. ...
  2. Think eating plan, not diet. ...
  3. Keep moving. ...
  4. Lift weights. ...
  5. Become a label reader. ...
  6. Move away from processed foods. ...
  7. Focus on the way your clothes fit more than reading a scale. ...
  8. Hang out with health-focused friends.

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