Sauna Benefits Are Overhyped—You're Not Detoxing, Just Paying to Sit in Heat

Saunas Are an Overhyped Luxury With Little Real Benefit

Saunas are often marketed as a must-have for health and wellness, but let’s be real—they’re mostly just an expensive way to sweat. The idea that they "detox" your body is misleading; your liver and kidneys do that already. Sure, they might feel nice, but so does a hot shower, and that doesn’t cost thousands of dollars or require a dedicated space in your home.

The supposed cardiovascular benefits? You could get similar results by going for a brisk walk—without sitting in a wooden box gasping for air. And let’s not ignore the hygiene factor: public saunas are essentially sweat-infused petri dishes.

People justify the cost of home saunas by calling it an "investment in health," but let’s be honest—how many end up collecting dust like a forgotten treadmill?