Hot Baths | 13 Amazing Benefits of Hot Baths for Your Health

Do you know that hot baths are not only pleasurable but taking them is good for your health as well? Read on to find out the benefits of hot baths, and learn the pros and cons of hot baths.

RELATED: 13 Relaxation Techniques To Reduce Stress

Are Hot Baths Good for You?

Hot baths are the baths you take at 40 degrees Celsius or 104 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Did you know that taking a hot bath can provide some benefits? Keep reading to learn more surprising secrets about this ancient tradition.

Health Benefits of Hot Baths

Taking hot baths has many benefits for your health. But, here are 13 Benefits of Hot Baths benefits that may surprise you!

Hot baths improve blood circulation.

 

Hot baths can lower cortisol levels.

A lower cortisol level means less stress.

If you are looking to take the edge off your anxiety, this is one of those simple things that can do wonders. Hot baths can help you relax and ease stress, tension, and anxiety.

Taking hot baths increases your metabolic rate.

A hot bath burns about 10% of an equal period spent sitting.

Hot baths help with muscle relaxation.

Hot baths are so famous for athletes' post-competition recovery.

Hot Bath For Muscle Recovery

Does Hot Water Relax Your Muscles? Hot baths treat aches and pains. Hot water relaxes muscles, bringing about a sense of ease. Hot water also benefits the circulatory system, bringing calmness to the entire body. A hot bath can be beneficial after a strenuous workout or physical exercise. A soak in the tub helps circulation and aids the body in removing toxins and lactic acid from the muscles.

Hot baths can aid digestion.

Hot baths stimulate the digestive system by relaxing the stomach muscles.

A hot bath can relieve pain.

• A hot bath with baking soda can relieve pain from sunburn or acne.
• Hot baths with Epsom salt can help soothe any muscle pain.

Hot baths can help ease menstrual cramps.

Hot baths can ease some of the discomforts associated with menstrual cramps.

Taking hot baths can increase collagen production and reduce cellulite.

 

Hot Bath & Blood Pressure | Do hot baths lower blood pressure?

The consensus is that hot baths and spas lower blood pressure. Also, hot baths can help you reach a better state of mind.

A hot bath can relax your vessels, opening up space for better circulation and all!

Taking a hot bath will increase nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps vasodilate those tiny little arteries around our bodies. Some call it “the workout for your heart.”

Taking hot baths is a great way to unwind before bed or relax in the morning.

Hot baths help the body release melatonin, which helps promote sleep.

Long hot baths can help ease chronic pain associated with arthritis or inflammation.

 

Hot baths may also boost your immune system.

Hot baths increase blood cell production to speed healing and fight infection.

Taking hot baths may increase life expectancy.

One study showed a 15% reduction in the risk of dying over eight years as one desirable hot bath benefit.

Hot baths can increase your serotonin.

Serotonin is the happy hormone. It is a hormone that helps you feel calm and gives you a sense of well-being. Having serotonin means having less anxiety and less depression.

What Can You Put in Your Bath Water to Relax Your Muscles

1. Epsom Salt

The most effective type of bath for muscle recovery is the Epsom Salt Bath. The Epsom Salt Bath is a hot bath that contains Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate).

Epsom salts are beneficial for muscle recovery.

An Epsom salt contains magnesium absorbed through the skin. Magnesium is an essential nutrient for healthy bones and muscles.

Adding Epsom salts to a heated bath brings about many benefits. Hot water combined with Epsom salts can:

• Ease sore, tired, or stiff muscles
• Improve circulation
• Reduce swelling
• Heal wounds
• Relax the mind and body

You can buy Epsom salts in most drugstores, grocery stores, or online. Some people add Epsom salt crystals to their bathwater. Others add an Epsom salt-filled pouch that dissolves when submerged in hot water.

If using Epsom salts in a cloth pouch, be sure to squeeze the satchel. Also, release the salt into the water before dipping it. Epsom salts tend to clump when dry, making them less effective in a bath.

For the most benefit, add two cups of Epsom salts (about one cup if using crystals) to a tub of warm or hot water.

2. Essential Oils

Are you stressed out? Essential oils are a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. They can also help with body aches and pains, stomach issues, and more! You'll feel much better after adding these essential oils to your bathwater.

Add a few drops of your favorite blend before adding it to your bath water for the best results:

• Epsom salt
• Sea salt
• Honey
• Cream

3. Carrier Oils

Your carrier will be a dispersant because oil and water don't mix. Instead, they are blending your essential oils into your bathwater.

Essential oils are pure and potent, posing a risk of irritation when applied to your skin. Carrier oils dilute essential oils and transport them to your skin.

Carrier oils, by and large, are not scented or with a light scent. So they don't interfere with the therapeutic effects of essential oils.

You may use them alone or with other oils to moisturize your skin. Vegetable oils would make a great carrier in some essential oils. Some examples of these are:

• Coconut oil
• Olive Oil
• Sunflower Oil

You may combine essential oils with any vegetable oil diluted. Fixed, fatty or carrier oils are ideal for weakening critical oils. But you will not be able to disperse the bathwater will not throughout since oil and water don't mix. It will float instead on the surface of the tub and cling to its edges and your skin.

Although essential oils are in the carrier, they will be slippery and greasy. You may use fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil for a somewhat less fatty floating bath oil.

• Try eucalyptus oil for stress relief.
• Orange oil for an energy boost
• Peppermint oil for stomach issues
• Sweet marjoram oil for body aches and pain relief

Your skin will thank you!

Are Hot Showers Good for You?

 

Hot Water Bath Disadvantages

Although hot water can be beneficial, remember that it can scald and burn the skin if it is in contact for too long. So, hot baths should not last more than 15 minutes.

It would help if you did not take a hot bath when elevated body temperature or fevers.

Hot baths are best taken in the evening when core body temperature is lower and before bedtime.

Children and older adults should avoid hot baths. Both are more susceptible to injury and burns due to thinner skin and reduced sensation.

Warm Bath While Pregnant | Can Pregnant Women Get in Hot Tubs?

What Happens if Your Bath Is Too Hot While Pregnant

Hot baths during pregnancy are famous because they are soothing, pain-relieving, or relaxing.

But, there is a possibility that a hot water temperature could cause issues for your baby. A hot bath might raise your body temperature. It can also decrease the baby's blood flow, which might cause stress or damage the fetus. Keep the tub at 98.6 degrees F. Some new moms even use a hot bath to relax and ease pain during delivery. But, the temperature is also kept constant at 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the safety of your kid and you.

A hot bath is not an effective pain reducer as epidural anesthesia, but many women find it calming.

Reminders on Hot Bath During Pregnancy

• A hot bath might be dehydrating, so drink plenty of water before and after.
• If your skin feels dry after bath, apply lotion to seal in moisture while your skin is still damp.
• If your body becomes too heated, take a cold shower and drink lots of cold water as soon as possible to help you cool down.

Due to the high temperature of the water, it would be best to void hot tubs during pregnancy. Another reason would be due to infection risk associated with standing water. Even with chlorine, hot tubs may become breeding grounds for germs.

Hot Tub Pregnancy | Prevent Infection Tips

• Don't stay in the water for more than 15 to 20 minutes.
• Clean your bathtub before using it.
• Avoid bath oils and bath bombs, which might irritate your vagina or skin. Epsom salts and oatmeal baths are safe.
• Check with your doctor to find out which types of bath items are safe for you to use.
• Don't take a bath after your water broke. Germs in the water can make their way into your uterus and endanger the baby.

 Will 5 Warm Baths a Week Improve Your Health? Check out this video from The Doctors to know the answer:

What do you think of these excellent health benefits of hot baths? Do you know of any other hot baths benefits? Please share with us in the comments section below.

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