Sauna Use: Implications for Homocysteine Levels and Overall Health (2025)
Elevated homocysteine levels are linked to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and cognitive decline. Emerging evidence suggests that sauna therapy may play a role in reducing these levels and offering additional health benefits. Sauna Therapy and Homocysteine Reduction A randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of sulphur baths—a form of balneotherapy—on plasma homocysteine concentrations. Involving 40 patients with degenerative osteoarthrosis, participants were divided into two groups: one received stationary spa therapy combined with daily sulphur baths, while the control group received spa therapy alone. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in plasma homocysteine levels in the sulphur bath group, decreasing from 11.41 ± 2.91 µmol/L to 10.55 ± 2.28 µmol/L (p = 0.016). In contrast, the control group showed a non-significant increase in homocysteine levels. Broader Health Benefits of Sauna Use Beyond potential homocysteine reduction, regular sauna use...