Improving blood pressure and immune response found in hot tub usage
Hot Tubs Offer Unique Health Benefits Over Saunas
Hot tubs may be more beneficial than saunas when it comes to cardiovascular health and immune system response, according to research from the University of Oregon.
The study, conducted at the Bowerman Sports Science Center, involved ten men and ten women aged 20 to 28 who exercised regularly. The researchers monitored subjects' body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, immune cell populations, and blood biomarkers of inflammation before, during, and after they soaked in a hot tub and sat in both a dry heat and infrared sauna.
The results showed that hot water immersion raises core body temperature more effectively than traditional or infrared saunas. This stronger increase in core temperature stimulates a greater cardiovascular response, causing blood vessels to dilate and leading to increased blood flow, a decrease in blood pressure, and an overall improvement in vascular health.
In terms of immune system effects, hot tubs uniquely trigger a measurable inflammatory response, evidenced by increased cytokine levels and changes in immune cell activity. These immune system activations were not observed with either sauna style, making hot water immersion superior for enhancing immune function.
The benefits of hot water immersion can last beyond the minutes spent directly in the hot tub. For instance, the enhanced blood flow may contribute to improved cardiovascular workload and training of the body to better handle heat stress over time, further supporting heart health.
It's important to note that hot tub safety rules exist to prevent accidents and ensure safety. These include limiting soaking time to 15-20 minutes, especially at higher temperatures, maintaining personal hygiene by showering before and after use, and avoiding alcohol and drugs before or during hot tub use.
For those who can't or won't exercise, time spent in a hot tub can provide some health benefits. However, it's crucial to be cleared by a physician before engaging in heat therapy or exercise.
This study isn't the first to imply the benefits of hot water on heart health. In fact, increasing body temperature causes an increase in blood flow, which is beneficial for vascular health. For more information on preventing strokes, a leading cause of heart-related issues, you can refer to "The Stroke Syndrome: 5 Signs it's Stalking You - Plus the Hidden Causes and Preventive Measures You've Never Heard About!"
Lastly, it's important to stay hydrated to prevent dehydration and overheating. And remember, while hot tubs offer unique health benefits, they should be used responsibly and safely.
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- The study at the Bowerman Sports Science Center indicates that hot tubs stimulate a greater cardiovascular response compared to traditional or infrared saunas, improving vascular health and heart health.
- In contrast to saunas, hot tubs uniquely trigger a measurable inflammatory response, which can be advantageous for boosting immune function.
- Besides fitness-and-exercise, therapies-and-treatments like hot tub sessions may provide health benefits, such as enhancing immune function and improving cardiovascular health; however, proper safety measures should be followed to prevent accidents and ensure health-and-wellness.
