Menu Lifestyle
By Jamie Thompson
Updated: Jan. 5, 2021
Originally Published: Dec. 30, 2020
When I was 14, I began living with my grandmother, and her home was a bit outdated. Built in the ’50s, it still had a rotary phone that she had rented from the phone company for over 30 years. There was no dishwasher either, so I took over that role. Most notably, the house lacked a shower, featuring only a bathtub—a setup I initially disliked but eventually grew to adore. Now, at 38, I rarely opt for showers, as I have become accustomed to the tranquil moments of soaking in the tub. With my struggles with anxiety, a hot bath has become my sanctuary during stressful times. Interestingly, research shows that soaking in hot water isn’t just beneficial for my mental well-being.
A comprehensive study conducted in Japan revealed numerous advantages of hot baths. Published in the May 2020 issue of the journal Heart, the study tracked 30,000 participants over 20 years, asking them about their bathing habits. The Japanese culture embraces hot springs, known as onsen, so many participants reported frequent soaking. About 72% of these individuals bathed nearly every day, which honestly made me envious. The findings indicated that those who bathed daily had a 28% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who only bathed twice a week. Additionally, daily baths correlated with a 26% decrease in stroke risk. How incredible is that? If heart health runs in your family, a regular bath could be a significant boon.
The science behind this is compelling. Shinya Hayasaka, a professor at Tokyo City University, discussed the study’s implications in an interview, noting, “Soaking in hot water causes the arteries to relax and expand, boosting circulation. The blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to your body’s cells—estimated to be around 37 trillion—and removes waste products. This circulatory boost is what gives you that rejuvenating feeling after a bath, as if the day’s fatigue is dissipating in the steam.” Honestly, that made me want to drop everything and soak in the tub right now.
As for showers, while the study doesn’t directly negate their benefits, Hayasaka pointed out that modern lifestyles have led to only 40% of people bathing in a tub daily. This could potentially increase the risks of heart attacks and strokes.
However, caution is advised. According to Harvard Health Publishing, hot baths can effectively lower blood pressure but may pose risks for those with already low blood pressure. Dr. Adolph Hutter, a professor at Harvard Medical School, warned that individuals over 70 with low blood pressure should be particularly careful. Hot water can cause blood pressure to drop too low, resulting in dizziness or even fainting—a personal experience I can relate to from my teenage years when I exited my grandmother’s bathtub and ended up with a concussion. Hutter suggests keeping water temperatures between 100° to 105° F and entering slowly to allow your body to adjust.
So, if you’re a fan of long, relaxing baths, go ahead and enjoy! Use this study as your justification for indulging in a warm soak, with no guilt whatsoever. After all, you’re prioritizing your heart health, and any boost to your mental well-being is simply a bonus. For more insights on health and wellness, check out our dietary tips. Additionally, Make a Mom provides excellent resources on fertility, and don’t miss the informative podcast from the Cleveland Clinic on IVF and fertility preservation.
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Summary:
Taking regular hot baths may significantly benefit heart health, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and strokes, according to a comprehensive study from Japan. While it’s essential to exercise caution, particularly for those with low blood pressure, indulging in a warm soak can enhance both physical and mental well-being.
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