A shocking incident from the Asian Games corridors has once again raised serious questions about dangerous weight-cutting methods in combat sports. India's promising Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athlete Varun Sanyal suddenly collapsed during a sauna bath just before his bout. Consequently, he was declared medically unfit ahead of the 77kg quarterfinal match. This incident is not just an individual setback, but the result of a blind race where athletes risk their lives to shed weight within hours.
Originating from centuries-old Finnish traditions, sauna baths have become an integral part of gyms, spas, and wellness centers worldwide. But is it truly a boon for health or an invisible hazard? 'The Freelance' discussed this matter extensively with Dr. Rohit Sharma, Consultant (Internal Medicine) at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Jaipur, to uncover the ground reality.
The Scientific Reality of Sauna Baths: Benefits, Risks, and Myths
- What is a Sauna and Temperature Dynamics: A sauna therapy involves sitting in an extremely hot room ranging from 70°C to 100°C, causing body temperature to rise rapidly and induce heavy sweating.
- Sauna vs. Steam Bath: While saunas feature hot and dry air, steam baths use moisture-laden steam to provide heat, and their physiological impacts differ.
- The Detox Myth: It is a common misconception that saunas flush out toxins from the body. In reality, sweat is mostly water, salt, and electrolytes. The liver and kidneys primarily handle body detoxification, not sweat.
- Muscle Relief: The intense heat of a sauna increases blood flow to muscles, which helps many people experience relief from stiffness and mild aches.
The Correct Method and Risks of Sauna
According to Dr. Rohit Sharma, the effect of a sauna varies from person to person, depending on age, health condition, and heat tolerance. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to severe dehydration, resulting in dizziness, headaches, extreme weakness, and fainting. If any discomfort is felt during a sauna session, one must exit immediately. Individuals with heart conditions or blood pressure issues should strictly avoid this therapy. This Asian Games incident serves as a stark reminder that pushing the body to extremes in the name of fitness can prove disastrous.
