Hot Baths Trigger Exercise-Like Effects
Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health · Dr. Joseph Mercola
October 1, 20257m 47s
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Show Notes
- A 45-minute hot bath raises your core body temperature by 1.1 degrees C (2 degrees F) and boosts cardiac output as much as a moderate-intensity cardio workout
- Hot water immersion increases immune activity, helps control inflammation, and supports immune surveillance
- Compared to traditional and infrared saunas, hot baths triggered the strongest cardiovascular and immune responses due to water's more efficient heat transfer
- Very hot water dries out your skin, alters its pH, and disrupts your skin microbiome, especially if you have eczema, rosacea, or sensitive skin
- You can reduce risks by keeping bath sessions under 30 minutes, moisturizing with coconut oil immediately afterward, and rotating with sauna usage if hot baths irritate your skin