A Hot Bath Can Potentially Burn As Many Calories As Half An Hour Of Walking, Say Researchers

Nov 26, 2018 by apost team

Walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise known to man. The activity costs nothing and can be done year-round indoors or out. Depending on your weight, the speed at which you travel and the type of terrain traversed, walkers easily burn anywhere from 85 to 245 calories in 30 minutes.

Once done with a daily walk, relax and give yourself a pat on the back. But, what if you could relax and burn calories at the same time?

A team of researchers from Loughborough University, led by Dr. Faulkner, published a research paper- "The effect of passive heating on heat shock protein 70 and interleukin-6: A possible treatment tool for metabolic diseases?" that studied the effects of cycling for an hour vs having a hot bath for the same time.

In the first phase of the exercise vs. hot bath experiment, study participants donned monitors that recorded blood glucose levels. In this way, scientists received clear information to determine what effects different activities had on metabolism.

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Each study volunteer was also continuously monitored for core temperature changes and the number of calories burned. The group initially relaxed in a hot bath for one hour. The water temperature was set to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). Each subject was later invited to enjoy a light meal two hours after the bath. 

During the second phase of the experiment, the participants went cycling for an hour. By carefully monitoring each volunteer, the researchers determined that all of the cyclists increased their energy output levels by 80 percent. Not surprisingly, they also burned more calories.

But, by the end of the experiment, the scientists determined that the individuals who enjoyed a hot bath burned the same amount of calories expended during an average walk. When walking at a moderate speed over a distance of approximately three miles, individuals may burn approximately 140 calories.

Amazingly, when comparing the blood sugar levels of test subjects when bathing as opposed to cycling, the group found that bathers reduced their blood sugar levels 10 percent lower.

The researchers believe that the unusual results occurred due to heat shock. They explained that the body releases proteins when exposed to higher temperatures. Blood vessels dilate, blood pressure lowers, and blood circulation improves.

These actions enable insulin and glucose to enter cells more quickly. The information may prove helpful for patients living with various metabolic disease processes which have difficulty engaging in physical exercise.

Finally, the results indicated the potential for thermal therapy to be used as an alternative measure to improve metabolism.

Obese or overweight people commonly also suffer from chronic inflammation, which interferes with the body's ability to properly use insulin and control glucose levels. While exercise remains highly recommended for controlling weight and blood sugar levels, hot baths might be a welcome adjunct to lowering blood sugar.

Along with a conventional hot bath, there is another way to expose the body to heat to achieve similar effects that include reducing inflammation and enhancing blood circulation.

"Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review" by Joy Hussain and Marc Cohen from School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, conducted a systematic review of 40 clinical studies, involving 3855 participants to scientifically prove the medical benefits of sauna bathing.

Even though it was concluded that more research is needed to determine the optimal duration and frequency of sauna bathing, it was also theorized that regular dry sauna bathing has potential health benefits. In Finland, for example, patients are often advised to use passive heat in the form of saunas.

An article, "Association Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Events", by a group of researchers published in the JAMA Internal Medicine recommended sauna baths to prevent cardiovascular diseases. 

"Scientific Evidence-Based Effects of Hydrotherapy on Various Systems of the Body", published by A Mooventhan and L Nivethitha in The National Center for Biotechnology Information, reviewed the various scientific literature to understand the soothing effects of hot baths on the body. 

It was found that immersing yourself in a tub of hot water also offers a number of positive effects that include the ability to burn calories and improved immunity.

We would like to hear from you. How do you feel about using alternative methods over conventional exercising? What benefits have you noticed after taking a hot bath or sauna? Start a conversation on the topic with friends and family. Feel free to write your observations in the comments below.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!