Too lazy to exercise? Study: Hot baths can also help burn fat and balance blood sugar

Going to work and working overtime every day consumes most of our time and energy. How many people have the energy to exercise at home or go out for a run when they get home? However, exercise is the only way to stay healthy. Is there any way to "temporarily" solve the problem of not wanting to exercise? According to research reports, taking a bath for one hour every day has the same effect as exercise!

Which one burns more calories, riding a bike or taking a bath?

According to a study published in the journal Temperature, a Loughborough University study looked at the effects of hot baths on blood sugar control (related to the body's metabolic capacity) and calorie burning. During the study, 14 men were asked to take a one-hour bath at 40 degrees Celsius or a one-hour cycling exercise. The activity is designed to raise the body's basal temperature by 1 degree Celsius.

The researchers measured the calories consumed by the subjects after the experiment and their blood sugar levels 24 hours later. The results showed that the group cycling burned more calories than taking a bath, but taking a bath does burn calories too! It is estimated that the calories consumed by taking a bath are approximately equal to those consumed by walking for half an hour (about 140 calories); however, in terms of blood sugar levels, the peak blood sugar level of the group taking a bath after eating was about 10% lower than that of the exercise group. In fact, as early as 2015, a Finnish research report published in the journal "JAMA" pointed out that sauna bathing can help improve metabolism and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke! This shows that hot baths not only help burn calories, but are also good for your health!

What is the relationship between heat shock protein and blood sugar?

"Heat shock proteins" are functional proteins produced by the body when facing stress or high temperature. When we take a hot bath, the increase in temperature will stimulate the body to produce heat shock proteins. Heat shock proteins also have another characteristic, which is that they are beneficial in enhancing insulin sensitivity, thereby reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, research experts say that regularly taking a hot bath or sauna is a good way to help stabilize blood sugar levels!

Precautions for taking a hot bath

[Usage time] The time should not be too long, you need to take a break after 45 minutes at most! For your first experience, try to start from 10 minutes and gradually extend the time, and the temperature does not need to be too high all at once.

• Not suitable for patients with hypertension and heart disease: High temperature environment may increase heart rate and blood pressure, causing excessive load on the heart, leading to high blood pressure, sudden heart attack, and even life-threatening. Therefore, people with a history of high blood pressure or heart disease should not try it.

• Skin care and moisturizing: Bathing will promote metabolism and sweating, so replenishing water becomes more important. Remember to drink more water~