It only takes 30 minutes.
A recent study in mice suggests that daily heat treatments, such as 30-minute sauna sessions or warm baths, could potentially help postmenopausal women manage weight gain and improve insulin sensitivity. Conducted by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the study focused on older female mice that underwent simulated postmenopausal conditions by having their ovaries removed and being fed a high-fat diet.
The mice receiving daily heat therapy in a 104-degree Fahrenheit chamber showed promising outcomes compared to the control group. They exhibited reduced weight gain and better utilization of insulin, which is crucial for controlling blood sugar levels. This treatment also led to lower levels of an enzyme associated with age-related tissue damage.
The beneficial effects of heat therapy were attributed to the activation of a protein called TRPV1, which plays a role in increasing energy expenditure and fat burning. This activation triggers processes like futile calcium cycling, where energy is expended to move calcium ions across cell membranes, thereby enhancing metabolic activity.
Researchers highlighted that heat therapy could serve as a noninvasive approach for managing metabolic health issues commonly associated with menopause. They suggested that integrating sauna sessions or heat wraps into daily routines could potentially offer benefits similar to physical exercise, especially for individuals who find traditional exercise challenging.
However, the study’s findings are preliminary and based on animal models, so further research is needed to validate these effects in humans and to determine the optimal duration and intensity of heat therapy for metabolic health improvement. The researchers presented their findings at the American Society for Nutrition annual meeting, emphasizing the need for additional studies to confirm the safety and efficacy of heat exposure in clinical settings.
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