Many of you already know the benefits of soaking in a tub after a long, stressful day and/or a taxing workout. However, were you aware that recent studies indicate that a hot bath has health benefits similar to exercise…..?
Also called “passive heating,” a study out of Loughborough University discovered that a hot bath has a positive effect on blood sugar. Here’s a quote: Cycling resulted in more calories being burned compared with a hot bath, but bathing resulted in about as many calories being burned as a half-hour walk (around 140 calories). The overall blood sugar response to both conditions was similar, but peak blood sugar after eating was about 10% lower when participants took a hot bath compared with when they exercised.
You can find the full article and link to the study here: https://theconversation.
And while we’re on the topic, lets discuss the benefits of adding Epsom Salt to your bath. What is Epsom Salt anyway? Magnesium sulfate is the scientific name for Epsom salt, which looks like plain old salt. Adding it to your bath can help relieve stress and promote relaxation (the magnesium is absorbed through the skin and then binds with serotonin in the brain, helping you to relax), reduce pain and inflammation (again, due to the magnesium), flush toxins (the sulfates in Epsom salt help flush out toxins and draw impurities away from the skin), make skin softer, can ease and prevent migraines, and help fight the common cold and flu.
So how do you take an Epsom Salt bath? Add the following amount of salt to your warm bath, and try to soak for 20 to 40 minutes:
Individuals between 60-100 lbs: Add 1 cup of salts to a standard size bath
Individuals between 100-150 lbs: Add 1 1/2 cup of salts to a standard size bath
Individuals between 150-200 lbs: Add 2 cups of salts to a standard size bath
For every 50lbs larger – add in an additional 1/2 cup of salts.
For more information, follow this link: