When it comes to getting rid of unwanted pounds, there are plenty of fad diets available. Many people swear by a diet of only juice and water, while others rely on fast food to satisfy their hunger pangs. Sadly, these sorts of diets rarely work long term. That’s why the quest for a sustainable way to lose weight continues. One method that has been around for centuries is sweating it away. That’s right, hot baths can help you get rid of those extra pounds. But not just any hot bath will do. You need to be careful about what heat level you use and how long you soak in the tub.
How Do Hot Baths Work?
The mechanism behind hot baths and weight loss is actually very similar to how a sauna works. You see, when you enter a hot bath or sit in a sauna, your body temperature naturally increases. As your body heat increases, your circulation improves, and your appetite decreases. The combination of all these things makes you lose weight. So, if you’re looking for a way to shed some pounds, give a hot bath a try. Just make sure you don’t overdo it and end up in the hospital because of overheating. Otherwise, you might end up regretting that extra pound or two. You can start by replacing some of your daily coffee and tea intake with hot baths. Not only will they help you lose weight, but the warm water has also been shown to have multiple positive effects on your health.
How Long Does It Take For The Effects Of A Hot Bath To Occur?
As you may guess, the length of time it takes for the effects of a hot bath to occur depends on how long you stay in the tub. Shortening the time you spend in the tub will speed up the process. When you get out of the bath, you will already feel the initial effects. Within a couple of hours, you should start noticing differences. By the next day, you will have definitely noticed a change for the better. For an optimal weight loss result, you should plan on spending at least 30 minutes to an hour in the tub. The longer you stay, the better. You can also try taking longer, luxurious baths when you feel like your body needs it. The key to a hot bath and weight loss is consistency.
How Hot Does The Water Need To Be To Lose Weight?
The temperature of the water is also important, but not as critical as the length of time you spend in the tub. A comfortably warm room temperature will speed up the processes of losing weight, while colder temperatures will slow them down. When taking a bath at home, you can usually get away with running the water a little cool. However, if you plan on taking a bath at a spa or health club, the water temperature is something you need to keep in mind. Cold water should be avoided anyway because plunging into cool water when your body is already overheated can cause you some serious problems. So, when choosing a destination for a hot bath, be sure to ask about the water temperature. It’s also a good idea to check the bathroom scales before and after your bath. Seeing the numbers on the scale go down is the best proof it was worth it.
When Should You Avoid Hot Baths?
While it’s always good to have an extra pair of hands to help you with your daily tasks, not all bathing situations are created equal. If you are already suffering from a medical condition that affects your body’s water absorption, drink intake, or sweat production, then hot baths may not be such a good idea. People with heart conditions, lung diseases, diabetes, and others like hypothyroidism, should also avoid hot baths as it may cause them to overheat. The general rule of thumb is: avoid hot baths if you are feeling sluggish or drowsy, or if the water is too hot. If you follow this simple guideline, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of a hot bath without risking your health. If you want to lose weight, try sticking to tepid to warm baths for the best results. Once you get used to it, you will not want to go back to cold showers again. The key to a healthy lifestyle is regular exercise and a well-balanced diet. That’s the best way to keep your weight under control, and hot baths are just one more weight loss method you should try. If it feels right to you and your body, go for it! Just make sure you’re not hurting yourself in the process.