Get your Sweat ON to keep Alzheimer’s @ bay

When your body’s core temperature after a certain time threshold, your body produces heat shock proteins (HSP).

A recent NIH Study, showed that HSPs are activated as part of the body’s hormetic response to heat stress either from physical activity or sauna or other modalities of heat exposure.

In the brain, heat shock proteins prevent and reverse the accumulation of aggregates including amyloid beta plaques which are involved in Alzheimer’s disease. It also helps the body release a type of protein called “Brain Derived neurotrophic Factors” (BDNF) which are like the brain versions of “miracle grow”.

BDNF acts on certain neurons of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, helping to support the survival of existing neurons, and encourage the growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses.

HSPs also prevent muscle atrophy and so much more!

Humans that have a polymorphism that makes them have more HSPs regardless of heat exposure are more like to have a longer life spans (100+ years).

Take aways:

-Since Alzheimer’s runs in our family I personally include infrared sauna use at least 4 times a week @ 170 F for 1 hour per session (Be sure to consult with your Dr. and build up your time as I did). 
-If you want to get the outstanding benefits of HSP’s get you some regular sauna use!