A good soak in the tub helps us relax, unwind, and melts away the days’ stress. But did you know that, in addition to just feeling good, a hot bath also has a variety of health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, glycemic control, and reducing low-grade inflammation?
Whether you’re a regular bather or need a few reasons to become one, read on as we share some of the surprising health benefits of enjoying a soak in the tub.
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Soothe Sore Muscles
Enjoying a hot bath after exercise can ease aches and pains and reduce muscle soreness. Don’t have time for a relaxing bath right after your morning workout? Taking one that night may deliver a similar result.
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Boost Brain Power
Sitting in a hot bath a few times a week may improve cognitive function. The heat causes blood vessels to dilate which improves blood flow to the brain. In fact, one study showed that middle-aged men who regularly bathed in a sauna had a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia compared to those who didn’t.
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Heart Healthy
Relaxing in a hot bath relaxes blood vessels causing them to dilate which improves blood flow and circulation. The result is a temporary decrease in blood pressure. Reduced blood pressure helps prevent more serious heart conditions like heart attack and stroke.
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Burn Calories
While a hot bath is no match for a run or cycling, the sweat induced by a good soak can burn as many calories as a walk. So if you’re feeling unmotivated to work out or your body needs a rest, soak in the tub instead.
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Fight Depression
There is some evidence that raising core body temperature may cause changes in the brain that increase serotonin – the hormone that regulates anxiety, happiness, and mood. Of source a bath is no replacement for medication or therapy so be sure to consult your doctor if you are struggling with anxiety or depression.
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Better Sleep
It is believed that a colder core body temperature helps induce sleep, which is why sleep experts recommend going to sleep in a cooler room – around 65 degrees F. While soaking in a hot bath raises body temperature initially, exiting the tub will more rapidly bring that temperature down, signaling the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
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Relieve Cold & Flu Symptoms
The steam from a hot bath can work wonders for coughs, chest congestion, and stuffy noses. A temperate bath can also help the immune system to better fight off viruses.
Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? There are a few things to keep in mind, however. Most experts agree that the ideal bath water temperature should be between 100.4 and 105.8 degrees F to avoid injury. Anything warmer can result in harm especially to young children, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with pre-existing medical conditions. Consult your doctor if you fall into any other these categories. Additionally, frequent bathing can dry out skin so avoid adding perfumed bubble baths or other products that contain drying fragrances and dyes.
Ready to take a soak? You’ll need a plentiful supply of hot water. Which is where we come in – Eagle Service Company. For water heater inspection, repairs, or new system installation, contact the hot water specialists at Eagle Service Company today.
