Kidney
Sauna post-transplant
September 15, 2023
in Kidney
My kidney transplant was almost 2 years ago. All is doing well. I have loved my home sauna in the past and would love to resume using it this fall/winter. My transplant doctor suggests that would NOT be a good idea - not because of hydration issues, which could be managed but because the heat of the sauna could "cook" the new kidney, as it is located close to the skin and is outside the protective and thick peritoneal sac. He suggests that the kidney begins to "cook" around 106 degrees, which is far less than a sauna produces.
Has anyone had advice or experience with this issue?
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Brilliant question. I have used the sauna at least 20 times and am also 2 years out. Never even thought about cooking of my kidney, eeeek! I have made sure to stay thoroughly hydrated on sauna days with no observable side effects yet. I definitely have my eye on this post.
Does it count if your home is hot and it feels like a sauna during this heat wave?
Infrared has so many benefits one of them being immunity support. I used to be an avid infrared hot yoga instructor/ student & sauna sitter. However i’ve been told by my transplant team and my favorite Chinese medicine doctor that the infrared heat could potentially make us sick and/ or cause our immune system to start leaning toward rejection because of how strong it can boost our immunity. Doing more research. Sweating is fine & encouraged for overall health as long as we remain incredibly hydrated and replenish the water lost. But infrared is a whole other level. Definitely a great question & would love to hear from others!!
Transplant Patient
I've never heard anything about this! I wonder if this extends to other transplants, or just kidney? I don't use a sauna regularly but have on occasion, and this thought never even crossed my mind.
I wonder how this would be in cultures where saunas are more a part of everyday living. @Karin do you know how it is in Sweden?
I've been wondering the same @fern22! Also curious because infrared is known to aid with reduction of inflammation and joint pain (a common side effect of meds), so might be helpful in many ways if not too risky for rejection.
This is so interesting. I have never been told not to. Except the first year after the transplant. I will use the infrared sauna on occasion. It helps with my joint pain and keeps the lupus manageable. I have never thought to ask about the regular sauna. I think I will add it to my questions for my next doctor's appointment. Thank you for bringing this up.