There is nothing better than a long hot bath at the end of the day to clear your mind and lighten your mood. Soaking in the tub isn’t just good for your mental health, it can be good for your heart too.
Recent research published in the journal Heart- found that adding a bath to your routine can have heart-healthy benefits. The study looked at 30,000 middle-aged adults over a 19-year period and found that those who took a bath most days of the week lowered their risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 28% and reduced their odds of stroke by 26%. Scientists believe that baths are good for your heart because the heat from the water improves vascular function- similar to exercise. Here are a few more reasons you should draw a bath tonight:
Soothes sore muscles- The heat will get your blood circulating, helping to relax sore or tight muscles.
Lowers blood pressure- High temperatures in a warm bath cause the blood vessels to dilate, increasing and improving blood flow to the heart, which lowers blood pressure.
Reduces headaches- Warm baths and showers can stop pain signals from traveling to the brain and increases blood flow, helping to soothe muscles and reduce tension related head pain.
Boosts immune system- Elevating your body’s temperature boosts your ability to fight infections and viruses.
Moisturizes and soothes skin- While scalding hot baths can dry out your skin, a warm bath with essential oils can hydrate and heal dry or irritated skin.
Improves sleep- A warm bath before bed raises your body temperature and exiting the tub will rapidly cool it down. This rapid cool down in body temperature signals the body to produce melatonin, the sleeping hormone.
Burns calories- A bath is no substitute for exercise, but according to a study, the sweat from a hot bath can burn as many calories as taking a walk.
So, the next time you need a little “me time,” fill up the tub, relax and do your heart some good.
As a dedicated health and wellness enthusiast with a profound understanding of the human body and its intricate functions, I'm thrilled to share insights on the recent findings regarding the positive impact of regular baths on cardiovascular health. The research published in the esteemed journal Heart presents compelling evidence derived from a comprehensive study involving 30,000 middle-aged adults over a 19-year period.
The study's results are nothing short of remarkable, revealing that individuals who incorporated a bath into their routine most days of the week experienced a notable 28% reduction in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, their odds of suffering a stroke decreased by an impressive 26%. This groundbreaking research underscores the potential heart-healthy benefits associated with indulging in a soothing bath.
The key mechanism behind these cardiovascular advantages lies in the therapeutic effects of heat from the water. Scientists postulate that the heat enhances vascular function, akin to the benefits derived from regular exercise. Now, let's delve into the various concepts mentioned in the article and explore the multifaceted benefits of indulging in a long, hot bath:
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Soothing Sore Muscles: The article highlights how the heat from a bath stimulates blood circulation, aiding in the relaxation of sore or tight muscles.
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Lowering Blood Pressure: Warm baths cause blood vessels to dilate, promoting increased blood flow to the heart. This dilation helps lower blood pressure, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.
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Reducing Headaches: Warm baths and showers can interrupt pain signals to the brain and enhance blood flow, alleviating tension-related headaches.
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Boosting the Immune System: Elevating body temperature through a warm bath enhances the body's ability to combat infections and viruses, offering a natural boost to the immune system.
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Skin Moisturization and Soothing: While cautioning against excessively hot baths that can dry out the skin, the article suggests that a warm bath with essential oils can effectively hydrate and heal dry or irritated skin.
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Improving Sleep: The article explains that a warm bath before bedtime raises body temperature, and the subsequent rapid cooling signals the body to produce melatonin, the hormone crucial for a restful sleep.
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Calorie Burning: While acknowledging that a bath cannot replace exercise, the article cites a study suggesting that the sweat generated during a hot bath can burn calories comparable to taking a walk.
In conclusion, these diverse benefits underscore the holistic impact of a warm bath on both physical and mental well-being. So, the next time you seek a rejuvenating "me time" ritual, consider drawing a bath to not only relax but also contribute to the well-being of your heart and body.
