By Amber Roman
05 Jul 2024, 12:00 PM EDT
A recent study in mice suggests that Menopausal women may be able to better control their blood sugar levels and gain less weight if they engage in daily sauna sessions. This research, led by Soonkyu Chung, associate professor in the Department of Nutrition at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has provided new insights into the management of menopausal symptoms through whole-body heat therapy.
The research, presented at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting, Nutrition 2024, in Chicago, It was carried out on a group of older female mice that had their ovaries removed to simulate menopause.
This procedure allowed the scientists to recreate the hormonal conditions typical of postmenopausal women, a stage that usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. The mice were fed a high-fat Western diet, with 45% of their calories coming from fat.
During the experiment, which lasted 12 weeks, A group of mice was exposed to a heat chamber at 104 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes daily, while the other group did not receive this intervention. The results showed that mice undergoing heat therapy experienced less aging-related tissue damage and improved their insulin sensitivity, a key marker in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. In addition, regular exposure to heat helped reduce weight gain associated with the high-fat diet.
The study highlights how hormonal changes and a slower metabolism during menopause contribute to the accumulation of fat in the body. However, Researchers observed that the application of heat activates processes that optimize energy use and promote fat burning.
“This series of events suggests that regular application of heat can mimic the effects of calorie burning and fat loss,” explained Rong Fan, a doctoral candidate and member of the research team led by Chung.
The sauna is the best if you find it difficult to exercise
Fan stressed that this form of therapy could be especially beneficial for those who find physical activities challenging, providing a relaxing way to improve metabolic health.
Chung and his team are hopeful that future research can fine-tune the optimal duration and intensity of heat treatment to maximize its benefitsIn addition, they seek to confirm the efficacy of this therapy in humans, considering the diversity of ethnic groups.
This study adds to a growing body of research exploring alternative methods to relieve menopausal symptoms. Contrary to these findings, a study published earlier this year suggests that cold water swimming may reduce menopausal symptoms. These studies reflect the complexity and diversity of approaches needed to effectively manage this stage of life.
Whole-body heat therapy could represent a significant advance in the noninvasive treatment of adverse metabolic effects of menopause. While research in mice offers a promising basis, It is crucial to conduct human studies to validate these results and determine their applicability in clinical practice.
The focus on heat therapy also opens up new opportunities to develop tailored interventions that consider the individual needs of menopausal women. The ability to control weight gain and improve insulin sensitivity through a non-pharmacological method could transform the management of menopause and significantly improve the quality of life for many women.
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