13 Health Benefits of Taking Hot Baths

You come home from a long day’s work, start stripping down immediately to get into your “comfy” clothes, and grab a seat on your couch! Ahhh…This is what you’ve been waiting to do all day! This is the typical daily scenario, however, once in a while, it’s nice to take things one step further! The best way to unwind and let all your worries melt away is to run a nice hot bath and soak for 15-20 minutes. And while your body and mind drift away to your Zen place, some pretty remarkable things are happening within you.

Benefits of Hot Baths

1. 1. Improves blood circulation
   2. Aids in improving cardiovascular health → Water exerts pressure on your body which places a demand on the heart to increase cardiac volume. Simply put, the heart gets a light cardio workout.
   3. Helps you get better sleep → Hot bath water increases your body’s temperature. When you get out and slip in between cold bed sheets, you will experience a drop in body temperature. This drastic change of temperature triggers your body to produce melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that induces sleep.
   4. Relieves muscle aches by eliminating lactic acid build-up
   5. Relieves headaches → Headaches are often caused by constricted vessels. During a hot bath soak, vasodilation occurs, which could help cure your headache.
   6. Lowers blood sugar levels, which could assist in losing some weight
   7. Opens up pores and releases dirt and toxins
   8. Reduces anxiety
   9. Helps loosen up dead skin cells, exposing soft new skin underneath
   10. Relieves itch caused by psoriasis → Just add a few drops of coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil to your bath water.
   11. Soothes dry winter skin → Fill a clean sock with oats & tie loose end with an elastic. Toss it in your bath water and notice the calming, soothing effect while you soak.
   12. Decongests nasal passages when you have a cold
   13. Helps boost your immune system → Hot baths can stimulate your blood vessels and lymphatic system to generate a greater number of immune cells that fight off infections.

Precautions:

* Don’t soak for more than 15-20 minutes at a time. * If you have a heart condition, first consult with your doctor about taking hot baths. * Drink plenty of fluids during and after a hot bath to prevent dehydration. *Hot baths are not recommended for pregnant women.