A warm bath is one of the best ways to relax. It can ease tense muscles, relieve pain and improve your sleep.
However, not everyone knows that soaking in warm water can also have health benefits. Here are a few:
Relaxes Tense Muscles
A good hot bath is a relaxing and restorative exercise that can help you sleep better. It also helps reduce stress and improves heart health.
The ideal temperature for a relaxing bath is somewhere between 90 degrees and 105 degrees Fahrenheit. A warm bath is a good way to sooth those sore muscles and give your skin a good old-fashioned slather up.
The most important tidbit is that the best bath is the one that feels right to you. There are many different types of baths to choose from, and they all have a place in your home. There are even some cool gadgets to try out if you’re feeling the need for some pampering. Some even come with built-in luxuries such as LED lights and music to make your tub time a truly zen experience. Be sure to keep hydrated before and after your soak to ensure you get the most out of your bath time.
Reduces Inflammation
Warm baths are a popular way to relax the body, and research suggests that they can also reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from Loughborough University in the UK found that an hour bath in hot water can trigger the same anti-inflammatory response as exercise. It also helps improve blood sugar (glucose) levels in people who are unable to exercise due to health issues or lifestyle limitations.
The study was conducted in a group of overweight and sedentary men. A single hot-water immersion session elevated IL-6 levels in the blood and increased production of nitric oxide. Another treatment period, in which the men participated in daily hot-water baths, reduced fasting blood sugar and insulin levels as well as improved low-grade inflammation at rest.
Helps You Sleep Better
A warm bath before bedtime can help you sleep better by triggering the body’s natural sleep signals. The water helps lower your core temperature, which is a circadian rhythm (the internal 24-hour clock that controls your wake and sleep cycle).
Researchers found that taking a warm bath one to two hours before bedtime with water at 104 to 109 degrees Fahrenheit reduced how long it took participants to fall asleep by about 10 minutes.
In addition to lowering your body’s core temperature, your blood vessels are also dilated, which means more blood and oxygen flow through your muscles. This helps them relax and ease tension, which is good for your overall health.
To get the most out of your bath, make sure to use a soothing bath salt or essential oil to help you relax and unwind before bedtime. You can even turn off the lights, remove your phone and close the door if you need some extra quiet time.
Helps You Lose Weight
A hot bath can help you lose weight, according to a study. The temperature of the water is said to increase blood circulation, which can boost your metabolism and burn more calories.
However, it is important to remember that this isn’t the same as exercising.
One of the benefits of a warm bath is that it can help you get rid of excess body fat, especially brown adipose tissue (BAT), which is found in areas like the thighs and buttocks.
It can also help regulate blood sugar levels, which can reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
In fact, a new study revealed that taking a hot bath can also burn as many calories as exercise. In fact, a 60-minute warm bath can burn 140 calories, which is equivalent to about a 30-minute walk.
