Hot bath may improve metabolism, inflammation: 3 key benefits of taking hot showers

 Taking a good soak in a hot shower or bath may help improve inflammation and blood sugar levels, says a new study. Here are there other health benefits of hot showers.

Amazing health benefits of hot bath or showers

The benefits of taking a bath, regardless of the temperature, have been scientifically proven. According to a new study, taking a good soak in hot shower or bath may help improve inflammation and blood sugar levels, particularly in sedentary overweight men. It is also claimed that having a hot bath can help you burn as many calories as working out, thereby helping you lose weight.

The study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, stated that physical stress such as exercise can increase the level of an inflammatory chemical (IL-6), which activates the release of anti-inflammatory substances to combat unhealthily high levels of inflammation, known as chronic low-grade inflammation. However, if you’re unable to exercise, relaxing in a hot bath may improve both metabolism and blood sugar levels by releasing a substance that lowers blood pressure, as per the new study.

“A hot-water immersion may improve aspects of the inflammatory profile and enhance glucose metabolism in sedentary, overweight males and might have implications for improving metabolic health in populations unable to meet the current physical activity recommendations”, said researchers including Christof Andreas Leicht from the Loughborough University in the UK.

Proven benefits of taking a hot bath or shower
Fights cold and flu symptoms: A warm or hot shower also acts as a natural decongestant to relieve symptoms related to colds and the flu. Since the hot steam of the water moisturizes nasal passages, taking a hot bath may help you fight off a cold or flu.

Weight loss: One study led by Steve Faulkner, Ph.D., an exercise physiologist at Loughborough University in the UK, suggested that taking a hot bath reduced mens' peak blood sugar levels after they ate by about 10 per cent more than exercising did. As per the study, published in the journal Temperature, taking a hot bath could help burn about 140 calories per hour.

Relieves muscle tension: Turns out, a hot shower can work as a mini massage on your shoulders, neck, and back. Research also suggests that hot showers can help relieve tension and soothe stiff muscles.

In addition, hot showers can help improve blood circulation, promote better sleep, as well as give you a cleaner and healthier skin.

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