Do bubble baths have health benefits?
January 8 is National Bubble Bath Day in the United States. It may not be that popular here in the Philippines, and many have probably only heard about it now, but this holiday is truly worth celebrating for many reasons.
What are the health benefits of taking bubble baths? / Source: Pexels
Filipinos are more accustomed to taking showers, especially on busy weekdays when everyone is in a rush. Baths are often reserved for the weekends when people usually have time to relax and pamper themselves at home.
So, why is a bubble bath worth declaring a holiday for? Apparently, there are several reasons.
1. It's good for your mental health
At the end of a very hectic or tiring day, isn't it very relaxing to just get in the tub and forget about your worries as you enjoy a warm bubble bath?
According to some studies, warm baths can stimulate the production of serotonin, also known as the happy hormones, which helps in regulating your mood, sleep, appetite, digestion, learning ability, and memory.
2. It helps with muscle recovery and improves blood circulation
Taking a warm or hot bath is not only relaxing but can also be good for soothing sore muscles. Heat provides pain relief for aching muscles and can also promote better blood circulation. Plus, adding Epsom salts to your bath can also be helpful.
3. It's good for cleansing and detoxifying skin
Of course, one of the main reasons why many love taking warm bubble baths is to cleanse and detoxify the skin. The heat opens up your pores and allows for more effective cleansing and it also makes you sweat, which is a great way of getting rid of toxins and boosting your lymphatic system.
4. It helps calm arthritic pain
A study has shown that salt water baths can help alleviate chronic pain related to arthritis, fibromyalgia, or muscular low back issues. This is because salt reduces swelling, which is the main cause of pain.
5. It boosts the immune system
You know how you get a fever when your body is fighting off a virus? Apparently, the high temperature helps your immune system function more efficiently.
Keeping yourself warm by enjoying a hot bath is recommended when you're suffering from a viral infection.
6. It relieves cold/flu symptoms
Just like when you're inhaling steam or doing what we call in Filipino as “suob” or “tuob,” enjoying a warm bath can also help clear out your nasal passages and reduce inflammation.
7. It helps heal certain skin conditions
Some skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema are usually treated using medicated or oiled baths. So, you can hit two birds with one stone by taking bubble baths. You get to unwind after a long day and at the same time, heal your skin condition.
8. It helps you sleep better
A natural drop in our body temperature at night signals our body to produce melatonin, also known as the sleep hormones. One good way of kick-starting this process is by first heating up your body through a warm bath. Once you get out of the tub, your body will naturally cool down and produce melatonin, which will then tell your body that it's bedtime.
Isn't it amazing how many health benefits taking a bubble bath has? We bet the next time you get in the tub, you'll enjoy your bath all the more knowing how many health benefits you're actually getting from it.
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