Warm bath for constipation

How to Use Epsom Salt for Constipation Relief

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Overview

Constipation happens when your stool takes longer to move through your digestive tract and becomes hard and dry. This can lead to fewer bowel movements or none at all. It may be chronic or temporary. Either way, the condition can be very uncomfortable.

Epsom salt is known for its ability to soften skin, soothe tired feet, and relieve muscle aches. It’s often used in do-it-yourself bath salts and skin scrubs. You can take it by mouth to relieve constipation.

It’s thought to be easier on the body than stimulant laxatives.

Epsom salt looks like table salt, or sodium chloride, but it isn’t made of the same ingredients. It’s made from the minerals magnesium and sulfate. It was first discovered centuries ago in Epsom, England.

Epsom salt is available at drugstores, grocery stores, and some discount department stores. It’s usually found in the laxative or personal care section. When you take Epsom salt for constipation, use plain varieties. Don’t ingest scented varieties, even if the scent is made from natural oils.

In most cases, Epsom salt is safe for adults and children over 6 years old to use. Infants and children under 6 years old shouldn’t use Epsom salt internally or externally.

Consuming Epsom salt increases the amount of water in your intestines, which softens your stool and makes it easier to pass.

To treat constipation with Epsom salt, follow dosage guidelines.

For adults and children 12 years old and older, dissolve 2 to 4 level teaspoons of Epsom salt in 8 ounces of water and drink the mixture immediately.

For children 6 to 11 years old, dissolve 1 to 2 level teaspoons of Epsom salt in 8 ounces of water and drink immediately.

If you find the taste is hard to tolerate, try adding fresh lemon juice.

Epsom salt usually produces a bowel movement within 30 minutes to six hours.

After four hours, the dose can be repeated if you don’t get results. But taking more than two doses of Epsom salt daily isn’t recommended.

Don’t use it for more than one week without consulting your doctor, and contact your doctor if you don’t have a bowel movement after two doses.

Using Epsom salt externally might also relieve constipation. Soaking in it may help relax your gut and soften your stool as you absorb magnesium through your skin. This may help produce a bowel movement.

Talk to your doctor before using Epsom salt if you have:

• kidney disease
• a magnesium-restricted diet
• severe stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• a sudden change in your bowel habits lasting two weeks or more

Side effects of Epsom salt | Side effects

When it’s used correctly, Epsom salt is considered safe. Since it has a laxative effect, it’s important to drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration while using it.

All laxatives, including Epsom salt, may cause mild gastrointestinal issues like:

• nausea
• cramping
• bloating
• gas
• diarrhea

If they’re overused, laxatives may cause an electrolyte imbalance in your body. This may lead to symptoms like the following:

• dizziness
• weakness
• an irregular heartbeat
• confusion
• seizures

Causes of constipation | Causes

Constipation is often caused by lifestyle factors, such as:

• a low-fiber diet
• a lack of exercise
• dehydration
• stress
• laxative overuse

Women may also experience constipation during pregnancy.

Serious conditions that are linked with constipation include:

• intestinal blockages
• pelvic floor muscle problems
• neurological conditions, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, or Parkinson’s disease
• diabetes
• thyroid problems

Epsom salt is just a temporary fix. If you don’t identify the cause of your constipation and take steps to prevent it, you’ll likely experience it again. Your constipation may even become chronic. Ironically, the more you depend on laxatives, the worse your constipation may become.

Try the following tips to avoid chronic constipation:

Move more

The more you sit, the harder it is for waste to move through your intestines. If you have a job where you’re sitting most of the day, take a break and walk around each hour. Try setting a goal of taking 10,000 steps per day. Regular cardio exercise also helps.

Eat more fiber

Add more insoluble fiber to your diet from food sources like:

• fruits
• vegetables
• whole grains
• nuts
• seeds

Insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stool and helps move it through your intestines. Aim to consume 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day.

Drink more water

When your body becomes dehydrated, so does your colon. Be sure to drink plenty of water or other non-sugary beverages, like decaffeinated tea, throughout the day.

Reduce stress

For some people, stress goes right to their gut and causes constipation. Try managing stress through:

• meditation
• yoga
• psychotherapy
• walking

Talk to your doctor if your stress feels unmanageable.

Check your medications

Some medications, like opioids, sedatives, or blood pressure drugs, may cause chronic constipation. If you take medications that cause constipation, ask your doctor if a non-constipating alternative is available.

When it’s used as directed, Epsom salt is an effective alternative to stimulant laxatives for relieving constipation.

As long as you use Epsom salt in recommended doses, the side effects are generally mild. In the case of laxatives, less is more. Use as little as necessary to get results.

If you have any concerns about Epsom salt or you experience serious side effects, stop using it and contact your doctor.

Baby constipation: Top 7 home remedies

Babies often go a long time between bowel movements. Most of the time, it is normal for a baby to go days or even more than a week without a bowel movement. However, a baby may sometimes be constipated and need a little help.

If a baby is constipated, a pediatrician may recommend using home remedies as a first-line treatment for baby constipation.

Home remedies for constipation in a baby include:

1. Exercise

Moving a baby’s legs can help relieve constipation.

As with adults, exercise and movement tend to stimulate a baby’s bowels.

However, as babies may not be walking or even crawling yet, a parent or caregiver may want to help them exercise to relieve constipation.

The parent or caregiver can gently move the baby’s legs while they are lying on their back to mimic the motion of riding a bicycle. Doing this may help the bowels function and relieve constipation.

2. A warm bath

Giving a baby a warm bath can relax their abdominal muscles and help them stop straining. It can also relieve some of the discomfort relating to constipation.

3. Dietary changes

Certain dietary changes may help constipation, but these will vary depending on the baby’s age and diet.

While breastfeeding a baby, a woman could eliminate certain foods, such as dairy, from her diet. It may take some trial and error to identify the dietary changes that help, and it is quite possible that changes in the diet will have no effect on the baby’s constipation.

For formula-fed babies, a parent or caregiver may want to try a different kind of formula. It is best not to switch to a gentle or dairy-free formula without consulting a pediatrician first. If one change does not make a difference, continuing to try different formulas is unlikely to help.

If an infant is eating solid foods, parents or caregivers should look to introduce foods that are good sources of fiber.

Many fruits and vegetables can help stimulate the bowels because of their higher fiber content. Good food choices for babies with constipation include:

• skinless apples
• broccoli
• whole grains, such as oatmeal or whole-grain bread or pasta
• peaches
• pears
• plums

4. Hydration

Young infants do not typically need supplemental liquids as they get their hydration from breast milk or formula.

However, babies that are constipated may benefit from a small amount of extra liquid.

Pediatricians sometimes recommend adding a small amount of water or, occasionally, fruit juice, to the baby’s diet when they are over 2–4 months old and are constipated.

5. Massage

There are several ways to massage a baby’s stomach to relieve constipation. These include:

• Using the fingertip to make circular motions on the stomach in a clockwise pattern.
• Walking the fingers around the naval in a clockwise pattern.
• Holding the baby’s knees and feet together and gently pushing the feet toward the belly.
• Stroking from the rib cage down past the belly button with the edge of a finger.

6. Fruit juice

A small amount of pure apple juice can help soften stool.

After a baby reaches 2–4 months of age, they can have a small amount of fruit juice, such as 100-percent prune or apple juice. This juice may help treat constipation.

Experts may recommend starting with about 2–4 ounces of fruit juice. The sugar in the juice is hard to digest. As a result, more liquid enters the intestines, which helps soften and break up the stool.

However, a parent or caregiver should not give fruit juice to a baby for the first time without consulting their pediatrician.

7. Taking a rectal temperature

When a baby is constipated, taking the baby’s rectal temperature with a clean, lubricated thermometer may help them pass stool.

It is important not to use this method very often, as it can make constipation worse. The baby may start not wanting to pass a bowel movement without help, or they may begin to associate having a bowel movement with discomfort, leading them to fuss or cry more during the process.

Anyone who feels as though they often need to use this method to help the baby have a bowel movement should talk to the baby’s doctor.

As infants may go for extended periods without a bowel movement, it can be hard to tell if they are constipated. Signs that indicate constipation in a baby include:

• infrequent stools that are not soft in consistency
• clay-like stool consistency
• hard pellets of stool
• long periods of straining or crying while trying to have a bowel movement
• streaks of red blood in the stool
• lack of appetite
• a hard belly

Signs of constipation in babies vary depending on their age and diet. A normal bowel movement before a baby begins eating solid food should be very soft, almost like the consistency of peanut butter or even looser.

Hard baby stool prior to solid food is the most obvious indication of constipation in babies.

At first, breastfed babies may pass stool often since breast milk is easy to digest. However, once a baby is between 3 and 6 weeks old, they may only pass a large, soft stool once a week and sometimes even less.

Formula-fed babies tend to pass stool more frequently than breastfed babies. Most formula-fed babies will have a bowel movement at least once a day or every other day. However, some formula-fed babies may go longer between bowel movements without being constipated.

Once a parent introduces solid food to a baby’s diet, a baby may be more likely to experience constipation. A baby may also be more likely to become constipated if a parent or caregiver introduces cow’s milk (other than formula) to their diet.

Share on PinterestA doctor should assess a baby with ongoing constipation.

It is advisable to call a pediatrician if a baby has not passed a stool after a day or two and there are other signs present, such as:

• blood in the stool
• the baby seems to be irritable
• the baby appears to have abdominal pain
• there is no improvement in the baby’s constipation after taking steps to treat it

Treatment typically starts with home remedies. If home remedies do not work, a doctor may examine the baby and, in rare cases, prescribe medications, such as:

• laxatives
• enemas
• suppositories

People should never give these medications to a baby unless a doctor prescribes them.

Constipation can lead to discomfort and irritability in a baby. People can try several at-home methods to help alleviate constipation.

If symptoms do not improve, it is best to speak to the infant’s pediatrician for additional strategies.

Read the article in Spanish.

How does water massage work? - Sisustusweb.ee

The various effects of water massage give the human body the following physical stimuli:

Buoyancy force

Water lifts the human body in it. In such a state, which is further enhanced by air bubbles, the human body becomes even lighter. Movements become smoother and easier, and this is very important in the treatment of diseases of the human musculoskeletal system.

Water pressure

Water pressure improves blood circulation, regulates the work of the heart, improves intestinal peristalsis.

Moisturizing the skin

In contact with the skin, water improves body heat transfer, regulates the circulatory system, and speeds up metabolism.

Bath water temperature

Bath water temperature of 33-35°C is a pleasure. A change in temperature (hot, cold) causes the body to react and stimulate it. Water massage enhances these reactions, as the water is in constant motion and this prevents the creation of a protective insulating layer. It has been established that when bathing in a massage bath, heat from the body into water (cold water) and from water into the body (hot water) passes 25% faster than in a simple bath with the same water temperature. Moreover, intense air massage creates the feeling that the water is warmer than it really is. nine0029 The reaction of the body depends on the temperature of the water in the bathroom. For example:
- cool (20-27°C) water - refreshing;
- cold (8–20°C) and hot (40–42°C) water – highly stimulating;
- warm (28-33°C) water - soothes;
- warmer (34–37°C) and very warm (38–39°C) water - completely relaxes and lulls.
You need to choose the temperature of the water in the bath individually, based on the recommendations of the doctor.

Large air bubbles

Large bubbles act like pops when given a dry hand massage. They penetrate through the skin into tissues (muscles, joints, and even into the discs of the spine and other organs). For example, bathing in a bath, especially lying on your stomach, shrinks the intestines, which improves digestion. Water massage increases blood flow to organs and relaxes joints and muscles. This is especially important for people with muscle pain, injured spine and other similar diseases. nine0005

Small and tiny air bubbles

Small and tiny air bubbles have a very diverse effect on the body. There is electricity in the bubbles, rising up they stick around the whole body. This can be seen by dipping your hand into the massage bath. The body covered with bubbles becomes lighter and the water lifts it. The smallest bubbles, having a large internal pressure, transfer oxygen, essential oil or other substances lowered into the bath to the body. These substances penetrate the pores of the skin and enter the bloodstream. So the skin of a person taking procedures in a massage bath receives more blood (up to 115%), a lot of medicinal substances penetrate into the body. nine0029

Due to the constant movement of water, air bubbles “fall off” the skin, carrying away dirt and skin particles. This feature of them is achieved by cleansing the body. Breaking away from the skin, air bubbles stimulate the nerve endings, creating a feeling of “running goosebumps”.

With an increase in nerve impulses, the skin receives more blood. The nerve impulse is transmitted through the bone marrow of the spine to the receptors of the internal organs. The brain receives a signal that harmonizes the autonomic nervous system and relieves mental pressure. The body receives a double benefit. Improves blood circulation and metabolism. This mechanism allows us to understand the effect of water massage on blood pressure. nine0005

Both large and small air bubbles penetrate very well into substances added to water. Slowly rising small air bubbles “abduct” essential oil particles and transfer them to the skin and to the surface of the water. Upon reaching the surface, the bubbles burst, creating a layer of water droplets and substances added to the water. The bather breathes the aerosol created above the water.

It has been established that those who take procedures in a massage bath with the addition of essential oil inhale 30 times more than those who are in a simple bath. Moreover, bathing in a bath with air bubbles, breathing becomes deeper, as a result of which the amount of essential oil in the blood increases up to 10 times. This is very important in the treatment of the respiratory system. nine0029 An additional calming effect is provided by a slight noise, reminiscent of the murmur of a fast stream. To this, you can add the destruction of bacteria. Air bubbles fill with bacteria and destroy them. In nature, rivers, rivers and seas self-purify themselves. This method is partially used in modern hydroelectric power plants. When bathing in a bath with small air bubbles on the skin, the number of bacteria is reduced - and this is an important argument in favor of water massage. This argument does not support theories that deny the benefits of bathing in the bathroom because there are always bacteria. An alternative to a bath is a shower. True, although the shower refreshes and washes, it will not replace a massage bath. nine0029 What was written earlier about massage baths should be looked at as a set. All stimuli appear simultaneously, and their action complements each other and adds up to a single whole, causing a general reaction of the organism. Such a bath affects vision, hearing, and by adding essential oil and smell. All this can explain the repeatedly recorded cure of chronic diseases, such is the effect of bathing in a massage bath. Since chronic diseases affect the entire body, complex therapy confirms this. nine0005

Therapeutic effects of hydromassage

The cases described below for the treatment of various diseases with the help of hydromassage are divided according to the organs of the body. Rheumatic ailments (also paralysis of the discs between the vertebrae of the spine) are described in the section "Muscles, joints, ligaments".

HEART AND CIRCULATION SYSTEM

Blood pressure

A hot tub can regulate blood pressure. High - reduce, and too low - raise to the desired level. High pressure is reduced by impulses that are created by small air bubbles. These impulses dilate the blood vessels of the skin and internal organs. By toning the walls of the blood vessels (bathing in a cool bath), the pressure can be raised. You can reduce the pressure by bathing in a warm (not hot) bath, as the vessels dilate. These processes occur slowly and do not cause a strong change in the pulse. Even if the blood pressure is very slightly different from the norm, it is still the same when losing weight, quitting smoking, etc. You should try the hydromassage. For people suffering from more severe diseases, water massage can only be prescribed as an auxiliary therapeutic agent. nine0005

Circulatory disorders and varicose veins

Since hydromassage increases blood flow to the skin by up to 115%, it is very helpful in cases of impaired blood flow to the endings of blood vessels. This massage increases blood flow to the limbs. If you suffer from atherosclerosis, you can take a slightly warm bath.

The result of invigorating cool water and hydromassage makes it possible to cure ailments caused by varicose veins, as such procedures constrict blood vessels and improve blood flow. nine0029 The physical impulse affects the nerve endings, from which it reaches the bone marrow through the nervous system. From there it is transmitted to the autonomic nerves of the internal organs. Therefore, hydromassage improves blood flow to the vessels of the heart and kidneys. Although the head is not in the water during the bath, this procedure has been found to be successful in treating ear ailments. With intensive massage of the entire spine, the muscular system receives more blood and relaxes.

Weakening of the heart muscle

People who complain of weak heart function should carefully take a warm bath. During the hydromassage procedure, the water temperature should not exceed 38 °C. Those with heart problems should bathe for no more than 20 minutes and even at lower temperatures. An alternative would be a sitz bath.
Supplements that improve blood circulation: rosemary, lemon balm, oats, hawthorn.

BREATHING

Care of the Seriously Ill

Whirlpool baths primarily improve deep breathing and reduce its frequency. With deep breathing, the lungs work a little better. This helps to avoid infections, which is important for seriously ill patients. With poor ventilation of the lungs, sputum accumulates in them and patients are more likely to suffer from pneumonia. nine0005

Inhalation baths

Bath additives are very important in the treatment of the respiratory tract. First of all, here it is necessary to recall the essential oils. Some of them enter the body through the skin, but their inhalation is the most important.
The concentration of essential oils in the air when bathing in a hot tub is 30-50 times greater than when bathing in a simple bath. By adding the right drugs to the water, you can successfully treat asthma, upper respiratory tract catarrh, influenza, pneumonia, anthracosis (dust accumulation in the lungs) and other lung diseases. nine0029 In the fight against all kinds of infections that threaten seriously ill patients, baths with a higher water temperature are recommended, since the concentration of essential oils in the air above the water surface increases.

Additives: Christmas and pine needles, thyme, eucalyptus extract and chamomile.

DIGESTION

Hydromassage also has a strong effect in the abdomen, especially in a pose with relaxed outstretched legs. Vibration 5-20 hertz improves bowel function. nine0005

Constipation

Anyone who has bathed in a massage bath knows that air bubbles improve bowel function. Even after prolonged constipation, by relaxing the loops of the intestines, a desire to relieve comes. By stimulating the receptors, bowel activity improves.
This is achieved by upper and lateral hydrostatic pressure, which acts on the abdomen. By adhering to an appropriate diet with plenty of fluids, laxatives can be dispensed with.

Abdominal bloating

Flatulence in the intestines causes an unpleasant sensation, which can be somewhat relieved by hydromassage. In case of constipation, a warmer bath is recommended, as the stomach becomes more elastic in warm water.
Additives: dill, wormwood.

SKIN

All hydromassage factors affect the skin. Part of the stimulating energy is transferred further, for example, to the circulatory system and intestines. Without a doubt, water has a very beneficial effect on the skin. nine0005

Blood flow to the skin and increased body resistance

When massaged in warmer water, the capillaries open and the skin receives more blood. This process creates air bubbles. The body receives more nutrients and oxygen, which strengthens the immune system. The main task of the skin is to protect the body from harmful external influences, primarily from bacteria that cause diseases. Often the skin is attacked by fungi, which are more common than other microorganisms. When the water temperature in the bath is above 35 °C, the activity of phagocytes in the subcutaneous layer increases. This increases the body's resistance. nine0029

Hygiene

A hot tub is very important for keeping the body clean. It opens up fatty pores. Taking a bath removes 1 billion microorganisms from the skin. Air bubbles also contain substances that destroy bacteria. Tests have shown that 20 minutes of bathing in a hot tub kills 95% of bacteria.

Inflammations, boils, allergies

Inflammations, boils, pimples, fungal diseases and bedsores can be successfully treated with procedures in a hot tub, adding all kinds of substances: salts, oak bark and others. Additives of medicinal substances successfully treat skin allergies. nine0005

Pressure sores

In the presence of pressure sores, the procedure in the hot tub is very important, as the blood penetrates deep into the tissues of the body. And it activates the affected skin.
Additives: chamomile, essential oils.

NERVOUS SYSTEM

As in the case of the circulatory system, procedures in a hydromassage bath have a dual effect: it depends on the intensity of the massage and on the time it is taken. A short treatment (about 10 minutes) will increase activity, while a longer bath with simultaneous air massage creates a pleasant state of fatigue. The temperature of the water is also important. A refreshing bath should be cool, and a soothing bath should be warmer. nine0005

Autonomic nervous system

The autonomic nervous system controls all vital body functions. With prolonged bathing, the body relaxes, as a result of which regenerative and restorative forces are enhanced. The first 8-10 minutes restore and awaken the vitality of the body. However, these reactions depend on the time of day and the individuality of the organism. Despite what is stated here, bathing in a hot tub can be harmful. nine0029 As a rule, cool and short procedures are best taken in the morning, and warm and longer ones in the evening. However, the reaction of some people to such procedures can be negative. Therefore, everyone must choose the procedure that suits his body. In case of doubt, a doctor should be consulted.

It is believed that when bathing in a massage bath, impulses acting on the skin reach the brain. The impulses are weak, but still a sufficiently strong energy charge is transmitted to the central nervous system. nine0005

Pain

Bathing relieves pain. Affecting most of the skin, the pressure and vibration of the water stops the spread of pain and reduces sensitivity. Hydromassage therapy can achieve good results even with multiple sclerosis and nerve inflammation. In the presence of chronic pain of the back, spine, shoulders and arms, you can get rid of them. It can also alleviate headaches.

Mood improvement

Hydromassage also has a good effect on the psyche. Procedures in a massage bath not only reduce pain, but also improve mood, divert attention from worries, dispel melancholy. A person tormented by depression begins to look at himself more satisfactorily. This can be confirmed by every fan of hydromassage. nine0005

Stress

Daily worries and constant stress can become overwhelming. The procedure in the hot tub will help you escape from everyday worries and the negative effects of stress.

Insomnia

The basis of a good and healthy sleep is a head rested from worries. Therefore, hydromassage is a natural remedy for insomnia, neurasthenia and autonomic neurosis. In a state of hypersensitivity, it is also helpful to take a relaxing bath. Such procedures allow you to avoid the use of sedative drugs that have a negative effect on the human body. nine0029 Additives: valerian, lemon balm and lavender act as a sedative; rosemary, thyme, lemon and mint are stimulants.

Muscles, joints and ligaments

It has been proven that procedures in hydromassage baths can achieve satisfactory results in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Muscle strain

Chronic muscle strain has already been mentioned. Hydromassage has a calming effect not only because of its positive effect on the nervous system, but also because of the intense massage (5-20 Hz frequency) with air bubbles, which reduces pathological muscle tension. The pressure on the joints decreases, blood circulation improves and the regenerating process can begin. Warm water (38°C) is best for this as it transfers heat to the tissues faster. nine0005

Lactic acid in muscle tissue

Hydromassage helps to remove lactic acid from muscle tissue that accumulates in them after training. Fatigue passes faster.

Rheumatic inflammations

In severe cases of inflammation of the joints and soft tissues, people suffering from arthrosis and rheumatism, it is better not to take procedures in the hot tub, or do it very carefully, infrequently and in cool water. But in cases of minor inflammation, an intensive massage in water with a higher temperature is recommended. nine0005

Spinal cord disorders

Hot tub treatments are especially recommended for spinal cord disorders that cause reflex muscle tension, as well as for the treatment of various forms of paralysis. Such water procedures are combined with gymnastics and physiotherapy.
Additives: pine and spruce needles, chestnut extract.

GENERAL PHYSICAL STATE

If the hot tub treatment reduces pain, regulates blood pressure, respiration and calms the nervous system, then the person's general physical condition is not bad. nine0005

Immunity reduction

Hydromassage helps to increase the body's resistance. This is known from Kneipp's therapy.

Infections

If you have an infection, your doctor may recommend a massage bath (body temperature increases when bathing). Most disease-causing viruses are killed at temperatures above 39°C. After all, high temperature in an infectious disease has its own biological significance. Therefore, whirlpool baths perform preventive and therapeutic functions. nine0005

General weakening of the body

In case of general weakening of the body, for example after a serious illness, hydromassage can be treated. However, this must be done carefully. At first, you need to swim for a short time, air massage should be weak. It is desirable to add therapeutic mud, hawthorn to the water. Regular hydromassage improves well-being, improves immunity and mood. Any fan of hydromassage can confirm this.

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Hot bath: benefits, contraindications, how to take it

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We are used to taking a bath as something taken for granted, so to speak - the final chord of the working day. And we don’t even think that bathing in hot water is the easiest way to improve your health. So what is the benefits of a hot bath – such a simple, at first glance, hygienic procedure?

Cardiovascular system

When immersed in water, the heart muscle, experiencing the pressure of water, begins to work hard. At the same time, the amount of inhaled air increases, the blood begins to move more intensively through the vessels, while simultaneously delivering much-needed oxygen to the tissues, including the periphery.

It also lowers blood pressure, so people with high blood pressure can relieve symptoms of hypertension by taking a bath. However, patients with certain cardiac pathologies should be careful. Also, due to vasospasm in the head, headaches may appear. In most cases, under the influence of hot temperature and the relaxing effect of water, spasms are removed, as a result - a decrease, or even the disappearance of headaches. nine0005

Benefits of a hot bath

Short warm baths help:

• calm the nervous system and get rid of insomnia;
• relieve muscle tension and fatigue;
• improve blood flow and strengthen blood vessels;
• improve tone and get rid of depression;
• slow down the aging process;
• cope with the first symptoms of a cold;
• lose weight.

Taking a bath is good for improving blood composition and for activating brain activity. nine0005

Does a hot bath help with cystitis

The benefits of hot baths for the body with cystitis in women is that heating has a vasodilating and analgesic effect, helps to reduce the symptoms of acute inflammation. Due to the acceleration of blood flow from the bladder, traces of vital activity of pathogenic bacteria come out faster. If you perform warm-ups simultaneously with the use of medicines, then you will be able to cope with cystitis faster. nine0005

Does a hot bath help you lose weight

A bath with a temperature of more than 40 ° C opens the pores of the skin and speeds up the process of removing toxins and toxins from the tissues. During the procedure, a person sweats profusely, the metabolism in the internal organs is activated. It promotes burning of fatty deposits and fast weight loss. It is believed that the effectiveness of a warming bath is not inferior to half an hour of cycling at a fast pace.

Does a hot bath affect running?

Bathing cannot completely replace morning and evening runs. However, when in hot water, the human body actively burns calories. Studies confirm that an hour-long soak in a 40°C bath has the same health effects as running for half an hour. nine0005

It is harmful to arrange warm-ups of such duration on an ongoing basis. But you can regularly carry out short-term procedures. The positive effect of hot water on the heart and vascular system will increase endurance, which means that subsequent runs will be easier.

Is a hot bath good or bad after a workout?

After intense exercise, hot water helps relieve tension and relaxes muscles. It is useful to take baths with a temperature above 40 ° C. nine0005

Care must be taken when doing this, because after a workout the cardiovascular system is already in an increased tone. Staying in hot water for more than 15 minutes can cause pressure surges, arrhythmia, weakness and headache.

Tip! Immediately after training, a contrast shower brings the greatest benefit.

Does a hot bath help with constipation

Hot water accelerates metabolic processes and activates intestinal peristalsis. With a tendency to constipation, taking hot baths is useful, especially if combined with gentle massaging of the abdomen. nine0005

Recommended reading: What are the benefits of astaxanthin for the human body? Prolonged constipation should be treated with laxatives, baths in this case have only an auxiliary effect.

How a hot bath affects blood pressure

When immersed in hot water, the volume of air inhaled by a person increases, and the heart begins to pump blood more actively. Warming up has a vasodilating effect and relieves attacks of hypertension. nine0005

Despite the beneficial effect of a hot bath on blood pressure, procedures must be carried out with caution. Excessive heating negatively affects the work of the heart in the presence of pathologies and causes vasospasm. In most cases, baths help relieve headaches and improve general condition, but sometimes they have the opposite effect.

Does a hot bath help with a cold? The procedures eliminate nasal congestion and promote expectoration, help to quickly remove toxins through the pores and improve well-being. But if there is an elevated temperature, you can’t take baths, this will lead to overheating of the body and worsen the condition. nine0005

It is very useful to use hot water to prevent diseases. If you lie down in the bath at the first symptoms of malaise or after returning from a cold street, then in most cases it will be possible to avoid a cold.

Benefits of hot foot baths

You can immerse yourself in beneficial baths not only completely, but also partially. Foot warming is very popular in medicine. Blood begins to move more actively throughout the body, the saturation of internal organs and the brain with oxygen and valuable substances increases. nine0005

Foot baths with temperatures above 40 °C are used in the treatment of bronchitis and pneumonia, hypertension and heart disease. The procedure is very good for foot fungus and excessive sweating of the extremities. Warming up helps to remove toxins through enlarged pores, eliminate bad foot odor, and prevent the growth of microorganisms.

Hot bath benefits for women

Baths are useful for women primarily for emotional relaxation. Procedures relieve stress and fatigue, help get rid of increased anxiety and normalize sleep.

In addition, hot water helps to deeply cleanse the skin. Regular heating protects against the appearance of acne and blackheads.

Warning! Hot water improves the condition of the skin, but at the same time it can accelerate the aging process.

Will a hot bath help with unwanted pregnancy

Very hot water dilates the vessels in the pelvic area and promotes increased uterine contractions. This provokes a miscarriage in the early stages, when the embryo is especially sensitive to any external influences.

But using this method of terminating an unwanted pregnancy is very dangerous. Against its background, women develop severe bleeding, which is a threat to life. It is not always possible to stop him even in stationary conditions, and besides, there is a risk of simply not reaching the hospital. nine0005

Will a hot bath help to delay menstruation

Water heating dilates blood vessels and accelerates blood flow. Therefore, it is impossible to delay the onset of menstruation with their help.

Does a hot bath help induce menstruation

With a slight delay, a bath helps to speed up the onset of menstruation. It is recommended to do intense physical exercises, and then draw water with a temperature of about 40 ° C. You must remember the safe duration of the hot bath in minutes and do not lie in the tank for more than half an hour. nine0005

The blood flow in the reproductive organs will accelerate when heated, which will increase the chances of the onset of menstruation. But for the induction of menstruation, a hot bath helps only in cases where the delay is caused by stress or minor disruptions, and not by serious illnesses.

Does a hot bath help with menstruation

In most women, menstruation is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, general malaise and weakness. Intensive warming in such a situation relaxes smooth muscles, relieves spasms and reduces discomfort. nine0005

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However, there can be a lot of negative consequences from the procedure during menstruation. Under the influence of heat, the volume of secretions increases, and against the background of blood loss, weakness increases, up to loss of consciousness. Infections can enter the uterus or fallopian tubes through a slightly open cervix. Therefore, doctors do not recommend taking baths during menstruation.

Benefits of a hot bath for men

Water treatments increase the overall endurance of the body, strengthen the cardiovascular system and protect men from early heart attacks and strokes. Warming up can be carried out to remove toxins and toxins. Harmful substances come out of the tissues faster, which positively affects the functioning of the liver and kidneys.

But for the reproductive system, the consequences of a hot bath can be negative. Studies confirm that high temperatures inhibit sperm activity. When potency is weakened or during the planning period of a child, dousing with cold water and a contrast shower are much more useful. nine0005

Benefits of a hot salt bath

Water heating is beneficial on its own, but it is even better to add table or sea salt to the bathing container. Such baths have a beneficial effect on the state of the body. Namely:

• relax the nervous system;
• improve skin elasticity;
• restore the body's salt balance;
• promote wound healing;
• improve the functioning of the musculoskeletal system;
• remove toxins.

The benefits and harms of a hot salt bath are especially interesting for women. Regular procedures help reduce cellulite, help get rid of stretch marks and sagging skin.

Musculoskeletal System

After physical work or intensive sports training, a bath is an excellent way to relieve pain and tension in muscles and joints. By the way, a hot bath for muscle and joint pain can be a real salvation, replacing a massage session. In addition, patients suffering from certain bone and joint diseases can also use the healing properties of hot water to alleviate their suffering. For example, even with complex diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, thanks to the temperature and pressure of water, pain and discomfort can be gently eliminated. nine0005

Hormone levels

It has been observed that regular bathing can lower blood glucose levels, which is important to consider in diabetes. In addition, under the influence of hot water, the level of serotonin, the so-called happiness hormone, increases. Perhaps that is why the level of anxiety decreases during bathing, as a rule, a person experiences real pleasure while bathing. If you make the water slightly cooler, for example, no more than 30 ° C, then a 10-15 minute procedure reduces the level of cortisol - the so-called stress hormone, one of the culprits of premature aging, weight gain, nervousness and other disorders. In addition, a hot bath helps fight chronic fatigue; a short procedure is similar in effect to a meditation session. nine0005

The intricacies of bathing

● Many believe that the hotter the water in the bath, the more benefits the person who bathes in it receives. Actually it is not. Too hot water adversely affects the heart and dries the skin. Therefore, you should not take a bath with water above 37 °.

● Do not lie in the bath for more than 15 minutes. Bathing for too long can cause weakness and dizziness.

● Do not take a bath too often. Experts are sure that 1-2 times a week is enough. nine0005

● If you want to add sea salt, essential oil or herbal tea to your bath, shower before taking a bath. Clean skin absorbs nutrients better.

● After swimming, you should rest for at least half an hour. Therefore, it is better not to take a bath if you need to hurry.

● Do not start water activities immediately after eating. Wait at least a couple of hours.

Skin and body weight

Do you know that a bath in which the water temperature reaches 40°C can replace half an hour of cycling? In addition, under the influence of high temperature, the pores of the skin open, and its natural cleansing from accumulated sebum and toxins occurs. If you add a little aromatic oil to the water, the skin will become velvety. Do not forget to use suitable quality creams after bathing. In this case, you can count on a stunning effect without visiting a beauty salon. nine0005

Study: A hot bath is as good as a run

A study found that a long hot bath lowered blood sugar levels more than vigorous cycling and burned as many calories as a half-hour walk.

A scientist named Dr. Steve Faulkner did this experiment at Loughborough University where he observed 10 men. First, he sent them to long hot relaxing baths. After the bath, the men ate, and on another day, instead of taking a bath, they did some vigorous cycling. nine0005

According to The Guarding, to everyone's surprise, after bathing, peak blood sugar after eating is 10% lower than after cycling. The study suggests that hot baths may be better at lowering blood sugar levels than exercise, which is a problem in diabetes. Theoretically, this is due to "heat shock proteins".

Peak blood sugar control can also prevent diabetes. In addition, a long hot bath has been found to increase calorie burn by 80%. Not nearly as much as cycling, but still useful. In an hour in a hot bath, each of the men burned 126 calories, which is about the same as a half-hour walk. nine0005

Faulkner pointed out that the discovery is not a reason to give up the sport. He stated: "We will always encourage increased physical activity and exercise as the best way to maintain good health."

Another study also found that prolonged hot bath immersion has many of the same health benefits as aerobic exercise.

Coventry University conducted a study and found that taking a bath is in many ways similar to aerobic exercise, but not in everything. Especially the researchers noted the benefits of a jacuzzi. Thermal treatments, including soaking in a hot tub, can increase core body temperature and improve blood flow, which can lower blood pressure, control blood sugar, and reduce inflammation. Charles James Steward, one of the authors of the study, recommends sitting up to your shoulders in a hot bath heated to around 40C for an hour. Only a jacuzzi is suitable for this, and not an ordinary bath, which cools quickly. nine0005

A study in Finland found that middle-aged men who used four to seven saunas a week had a 50% lower risk of fatal cardiovascular disease compared to those who only went to the sauna for one week.

Sauna and jacuzzi are believed to be antidepressants and reduce the risk of dementia.

Digestive system

Warm water relieves hemorrhoids and relieves the discomfort of anal fissures. It also reduces abdominal pain caused by bowel dysfunction. By the way, a bath taken no earlier than two hours after a meal is comparable in its effect to the use of 500 g of fermented milk products, the benefits of which for the body have long been beyond doubt. nine0005

Urinary system

In diseases of the urinary system, warm water has a relaxing effect, which leads to a reduction in symptoms in diseases of an inflammatory nature. You can also alleviate the condition in men with prostatitis: under the influence of warm water, the muscles of the small pelvis relax, which leads to a decrease in pain. In addition, due to the elimination of tissue swelling, urination is normalized. However, the water temperature should not exceed 37°C, higher values ​​adversely affect male fertility. nine0005

Nervous system

What could be better than the opportunity to relax after a hard day at work? Of course, a hot bath is the perfect means of relaxation - both physical and psychological! When the body is immersed in hot water, its temperature increases, the muscles relax, and tension is relieved. After taking a bath, a person, as a rule, falls asleep faster, and sleep is of better quality. By the way, one glass of warm milk before going to bed is considered an effective way to improve sleep. And what about those who do not like or cannot tolerate milk? Bathing in hot water promotes fast falling asleep, sound sleep and easy awakening! nine0005

Harm of hot baths

1. A hot bath in the evening impairs falling asleep and sleep. 2. Long-term bathing overloads the cardiovascular system. 3. A hot bath contributes to the occurrence of varicose veins, as well as sagging skin and rapid aging. 4. A hot bath in its pure form contributes to the appearance of dry skin. And with oily skin, it opens up noticeable pores even more. 5. A long hot bath can lead to dizziness, high blood pressure and even loss of consciousness. 6. During pregnancy, a hot bath can cause miscarriage or fetal growth complications. nine0005

Contraindications for hot baths

Despite the benefits of a hot bath, regular immersion in hot water will not benefit everyone and not always. Therefore, before the procedure, make sure that you have no contraindications to a hot bath.

• Severe diseases of the heart and blood vessels are an obstacle to a hot bath, including water procedures are contraindicated for patients who have had a heart attack or stroke;
• People suffering from low blood pressure should take into account that blood vessels dilate in hot water, which can lead to a drop in pressure; nine0303
• Hot water can worsen the condition of patients with venous diseases, so it is better to do with a shower in case of thrombophlebitis;
• Fever of any origin;
• Presence of infection in the body, including tuberculosis;
• Epilepsy;
• Oncological diseases and cirrhosis of the liver;
• In severe diabetes, there is a risk of worsening the condition;
• During menstruation, high temperature water can provoke profuse bleeding; nine0303
• For pregnant women, the permissible water temperature is not more than 37 ° C, at higher values ​​there is a risk of spontaneous abortion. It is not recommended to take a bath at a later date to prevent infection of the fetus.

If you are not sure if you can take a hot bath, it is best to consult your doctor. It is also better to give preference to the soul, if you notice that the state of health after it is not quite ideal. In addition, great care should be taken when bathing children in hot water. nine0005

A hot bath every day is an effective prevention of heart attack and stroke

: 27.03.2020

Back in 1872, the doctor of the German resort F. Beneke found out that warm carbonic baths calm the heart and help compensate for circulatory disorders in general. And although this idea has long been a subject of controversy, today balneological treatment is widely used to treat heart patients. But, as scientists from Japan recently found out, the exotic resort will be successfully replaced by a daily home bath with ordinary hot water.0005

Japan is one of the countries with the highest life expectancy: the average age of the Japanese exceeds 80 years, and Japanese women are gradually approaching 90. Among the good habits and lifestyle features of the local population, visitors note not only traditional food rich in seafood and vegetables, but also hot bath love. This love, like many other things in Japan, has long historical roots, it is not for nothing that the Japanese treated the first Europeans as "unwashed" barbarians.

There are many volcanoes and thermal springs in the Land of the Rising Sun, so baths with hot mineral running water are very popular, which can be taken right on the balconies of numerous resort hotels. The Japanese do not part with a hot bath at home either: the traditional furo

(
o-furo
), which is a wooden barrel where you can take a bath in a semi-sitting position, is a direct "heir" of natural hot springs. Most Japanese take a daily half-hour bath in the evening, and many even do it twice a day. nine0005

Modern medicine considers such water treatments as a means of preventing cardiovascular diseases. It is believed that the pressure of water on the body causes the heart to work under load, which has an effect similar to that of physical exercise, and has a beneficial effect not only on the circulatory system, but also on the quality of sleep and general well-being of a person. However, rigorous scientific evidence on the long-term impact of this habit on the risk of cardiovascular disease until recently was not available. nine0005

To investigate the relationship between bathing frequency, water temperature and the development of these diseases, a Japanese team analyzed data from more than 30,000 people who participated in Japan's largest adult health survey from 1990-2009. Participants were 45–59 years of age at baseline. When analyzing, the scientists took into account other factors that could affect the state of the cardiovascular system, such as smoking, physical activity, eating habits, etc.

It turned out that, all other things being equal, a daily hot bath reduced the risk of developing many cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, by more than a quarter (!) . The researchers then excluded from the analysis those participants who fell ill or died of cardiovascular disease within 5 to 10 years of the start of the study, as they may have bathed less frequently due to poor health. However, the associations remained statistically significant, although less pronounced.

As for the optimal water temperature, the participants in the study assessed it subjectively (warm-hot), and although hotter water seems to be more effective at first glance, this relationship is not significant and requires further study.

Thus, it can be considered proven that a daily hot bath is an excellent prevention of heart and vascular diseases. But there are exceptions here too. Although scientists have not found a link between the frequency of bathing and the risk of sudden death "from the heart" or a subarachnoid type of stroke, however, statistics of such deaths in Japan do exist. Presumably, its cause is a heart attack due to a sharp change in body temperature or heat stroke. This means that older people should be careful not to take too hot a bath, and immerse themselves in it gradually or gradually increase the temperature of the water. nine0005

By the way, frequent bathing can also be beneficial for people with diabetes. At least when patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus took a half-hour daily bath at a temperature of 37.8–41.0 ° C, their glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels decreased after three weeks.

In any case, the Japanese have one more reason to consider furo not just a means of hygiene, but a source of spiritual harmony and bodily health. Fortunately, in Russia there is an analogue of furo - a Russian bath, but an ordinary home plumbing product as a prophylactic will work no worse than exotic Japanese thermae. nine0005

Photo:

: 03/27/2020

Hot bath for men

Scientists from different countries and at different times conducted studies, as a result of which a connection was found between high ambient temperatures and infertility. Spermatozoa are very sensitive to heat, therefore, if the plans include the birth of a baby, then it is better to avoid any overheating of the inguinal zone. In the future, reproductive abilities are restored only in half of men. By the way, in Japan there is even a centuries-old tradition, according to which hot baths are not recommended for men who do not have children. nine0005

Hot bath: benefits, harms, myths

We all love to soak in warm water, but what is a hot bath for a person - benefit or harm? From childhood, we are taught to hygiene, to the fact that we should often take a shower, wash our hair, and look after our nails. But it is much more pleasant to do all this while lying in a hot bubble bath, turning on your favorite music. But is it really that harmless? Let's talk about it.

Taking a bath is a guarantee of cleanliness, every child knows about it. Such procedures give not only a clean body, but also a great mood, great health, relaxation and comfort. But this daily procedure is not recommended for everyone, and not everyone is useful. There are certain rules that should be followed in order to preserve your health, because hot water can adversely affect human health. nine0005

But first, let's talk about pleasant things, because you probably know that the benefits and harms of a hot bath are diverse, and both sides should be evaluated. And we will start, of course, with a pleasant one - the benefits of such water procedures.

Benefits of a hot bath

The benefits of a hot bath seem simple and banal, but it is the essence of this procedure. Isn't that why we like her so much? Let's see why it is so useful.

Of course, we could not talk about it, but a hot bath helps in hygiene. Water of high temperature steams the skin well, opens the pores, and washes away all the subcutaneous dirt. If you combine all this with nourishing face masks, you will get double cleansing and results. Therefore, it is worth taking such procedures at least in order to cleanse the pores and skin. nine0005

Such baths relax the nerves and relieve stress. After a hard day at work, or complex everyday worries, you want to forget and relax. A hot bath will certainly help in this, its benefits will be incommensurably great. You probably know that warm water relaxes the body, we feel protected on an intuitive level, since the same water is in the womb. Therefore, this procedure calms the nerves.

In the cold season, this way you can warm up perfectly and quickly, getting additional pleasure. From the cold, the blood vessels narrow, this can increase pressure, headaches begin, and thanks to such procedures, all these troubles can be forgotten. nine0005

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In addition, you can add additional components, for example, honey, the benefits and harms of which have long been known to everyone. A small spoonful of honey in the bath will help not only warm the body, but also enrich it with useful minerals to strengthen the immune system.

If you did complex exercises for weight loss, ran, or just worked physically, then this procedure will relieve muscle tension. That is why after a hard workout, athletes are recommended to take hot baths so that fatigue quickly passes. nine0005

As you can see, the benefits of a hot bath are great, but it is worth taking it properly, because for the most part, it is still harmful. Yes, oddly enough, but such a procedure does more harm than good.

Hot bath is harmful

Very hot water increases the load on the heart and blood vessels, so if you have problems with these organs, you should contact your doctor and ask if you can take such baths. Most likely, he will not allow you to do this. nine0005

It can also be dangerous for pregnant women, as it can negatively affect the fetus, and the woman's body too. It can even provoke a miscarriage, so such procedures should be avoided.

When taking such water procedures, you should be aware that your skin is subject to a large heat treatment, and will begin to age quickly. If you are really itching to warm up well, it is better to use the bath, and even then, do not do it often.

Cosmetologists do not recommend women to take a bath with hot water, as the skin will not only age quickly, but also begin to sag. This does not mean that you cannot use this method of relaxation at all, just try to use it no more than once every 3 weeks (Just a bath with very hot water). nine0005

A bath with boiling water is strictly contraindicated in case of diabetes.

Such procedures cause a lot of harm, but there are also general concepts and opinions that should be analyzed, since not all of them are true.

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Hot bath myths No! In fact, if you decide to take a hot bath to relax after a hard day, then you should do this for no more than 20 minutes. nine0005

Due to the strain on the heart, this type of bath should not be taken at all. In fact, if you know how to cook it correctly, then taking such a procedure is useful. We will describe how to do this below.