Here is a copy/paste I just found about this:
Dry Saunas Have Many Therapeutic Benefits
Both saunas and steam rooms can be used to relax and unwind. However, dry saunas have an advantage over steam rooms by helping to rid the body of more toxic metals picked up from the environment. Of course, the kidneys take out many of these toxins but a daily sweat can help reduce the body’s accumulation of lead, mercury and nickel in addition to cadmium, sodium, sulfuric acid and cholesterol.
The sauna is also more beneficial than the steam room if weight loss is desired because the energy expenditure. Compared to the steam room, the sauna places a greater demand on the body in terms of using up calories, thus assists in fat loss. Therefore, the heart needs to work harder to send more blood to the capillaries under the skin. The energy required for that process is derived from the conversion of fat and carbohydrates to calories,
In addition, the sweat glands must work to produce sweat, which also requires energy and more calories. Studies show a person can burn up to 300 calories during a sauna session, the equivalent of a two-to-three-mile jog or an hour of moderate weight training.
People can lose up to a quart of water during a 20 minute sauna. Without replacement, such a high water loss can lead to disruption of normal heart rhythms and cause fatigue and nausea. Therefore, drinking fresh juice or water before, during and after the sauna is highly recommended.
Sweating by overheating the body in a dry sauna also produces the following effects:
* Speeds up metabolic processes of vital organs and inhabits the growth of pathogenic bacteria and viruses. The vital organs and glands (including endocrine and sex glands) are stimulated to increased activity.
* Creates a fever reaction that kills potentially dangerous viruses/bacteria and increase the number of leukocytes in the blood, thereby strengthening the immune system.
* Places demands upon the cardiovascular system, making the heart pump harder and producing a drop in diastolic blood pressure.
* Stimulates vasodilation of peripheral vessels, which relieves pain and speeds healing of sprains, strains, bursitis, peripheral vascular diseases, arthritis and muscle pain.
* Promotes relaxation, thereby lending a feeling of well-being.
