#environment which guess what worsens chronic illness

[a-walking-fandom-reference]

why do so many non-chronically ill people not comprehend that chronically ill means exactly what it says!! an illness that is constant, continuing for a long time, always present.

so yes that does mean it is always affecting me, yes i am still sick/feel bad, yes i am sick/feel bad all the time

[angelicjadamv]

The story so far

One month after graduating high school in 2015 I was finally able to move away from my family. I was 18 and moved to California for college. Fortunately one of the scholarships I earned was accompanied by a summer program that started in the middle of the summer before fall semester. Shortly after settling in a safe, stable environment for the first time in my life I started to get better. A lot better at first. Then life happened, as it does, and 18 years of repressed trauma and abuse broke me. My nervous breakdown ruined my fall semester, I couldn't go to classes or take exams or function as a student anymore. Until this point, being an exceptional student was all I had and basically how I survived. My safe and stable environment now was dependant on maintaining a certain GPA, among other requirements I could no longer meet. I failed one of my main courses because I had a 0 on 2 exams, including the final. When I went home I was put on antipsychotics. Returning to campus for the 2016 spring semester, I attempted to seek more therapy. I wasn't successful in finding a good therapist (for me, therapy is a personal thing. Just because someone isn't a good therapist for me doesn't necessarily mean they are a bad therapist). I did continue to see my 2 psychiatrists (emergency and regular) often as they attempted to adjust my medication to find something that work. My agoraphobia worsened, I stopped sleeping, I could barely eat, I was manic one moment and dissociative the next, SH and suicidal ideation worsened. I was a burden to my friends and loved ones. I made it through this because I had a beautiful support system that I will forever be grateful for, but I ended up taking a leave of absence academically for my second semester, earning no credits and putting my scholarships at further jeopardy. I was allowed to stay on campus because it was clear I was dangerously unstable with no safe environment to return to and because I had incredible advocates looking out for me. I had realized that I wasn't going to get better in time to salvage my academic career and my life, and was mostly clueless as to how I would survive. I had had an internship in my field since I started college, but I earned basically no money. STEM internships aren't really made to be livable for undergrads, so I had mostly been working for experience in a field I would no longer be able to progress in. Bummer. My physical health had taken a huge dive for all of 2016. I basically always knew I was chronically ill, but I had been abused and gaslit my entire life to believe and act like I was fine, I was just a weak baby, I didn't know what real pain or suffering was, seizures were to be ignored, no I didn't have migraines or pinched nerves (um hello SCOLIOSIS), etc etc. And 2016 was the year my body finally started to break, so I knew "regular" jobs weren't going to be a viable option for me, at least not for long.

And thus I became a survival SW. I stayed in college for a final semester, because I didn't want to miss my friends, I loved my campus and didn't know where else to live, I still needed a lot of campus resources. I also kept my internship as long as I could, because I knew I would miss it for the rest of my life. I didn't really go to classes, again, because as much as a desperately wanted to and as much as my advisors moved heaven and earth to try to make it work for me, I couldn't handle it. I was finally able to find 2 great therapists who I started seeing regularly who actually knew how to diagnose and treat me, one at school and one outside. This is also when I met Daddy (Jace) online. After talking for what is probably a stupidly short time, we fell in love and started dating. This is honestly my first real relationship and time actually catching genuine feelings for someone, something that I hadn't thought I was capable of. Despite being happier than I had ever been in so many ways, my mental and physical health was still steadily declining. My migraines and pain were getting worse, I hadn't been able to eat normally in months and relied entirely on medication to eat or sleep at all. Many people recommended mmj at this point in my life, but I was afraid of how it would interact with my other meds. I only smoked occasionally at parties at this point (because no way was I spending my super duper limited money on weed). I wonder if medicating with something that actually worked well for me, like weed, would have allowed me to finish college. Oh well I guess. Because of my inability to attend classes, I had to take another leave for the fall semester 2016. I worked at a strip club briefly, but my health couldn't handle it for long.

I didn't want to go home for the first winter break in 2015, but campus closed and I had nowhere else to go. It was turbulent. When summer 2016 came, I still didn't go home despite having no place to stay. Until a month or so later, it was revealed to me a relative had terminal cancer. I had to go home again. It was worse than turbulent. When winter 2016 came, my relative was in much worse condition. They only had a few months left, and this was probably my last chance to say goodbye. This visit was by far the most traumatic, and more because of my parents than watching a loved one die. At least Jace was able to come meet me for the first time in person. He also got to meet my relative before they passed 🖤

Freshly fucked up by family, I retuned to California at the beginning of 2017. I was mostly taking a break from SW because of my health and was working vanilla jobs as I could (so not much). I had a pretty decent job that I was really good at and had been promoted, but then my relative passed. I started losing consciousness again ( I had many seizures and fainting spells in my childhood and during high school) and had to quit my job. the funeral was in spring 2017, I flew to Jersey to be with Daddy for a few days and then he drove me several states over for the memorial. That was the last time I saw my family. I wanted to transition to online/content creating, but I had no tech knowledge or equipment (even my phone was a potato). In high school I wasn't allowed to have a smartphone, most social media other than what was heavily monitored (and still had 0 experience with platforms sw is popular on besides Tumblr I guess), I didn't really know much about cameras. Way too sheltered and broken to feel like I could start anything. I was now seeing my outside, or I guess regular and only, therapist twice a week and doing treatments that while working for me were insanely (literally) hard. I had been able to get an apartment with roommates at a super discount in return for taking care of their crazy dog, which was a win win for me (he was a good boi just crazy from a bad past and had the worst separation anxiety). The agreement was that I would live with them until the lease was up in September, and then we would reevaluate the situation. Then they both got promoted at their mega corporation jobs. And after their wedding found a really gorgeous apartment in a much fancier part of the city, and paid to break our lease early in June leaving me homeless. I had been fired from my last 2 jobs (probably for being disabled because California is at will employment but who knows I might have been fired from the nanny job because the husband wanted to fuck me). I had no money or anywhere to go. All of my friends were almost as broke as me, so while I had offers to couchsurf at a few of their places they had other roommates who would have been pissed and in a few months they would be going back to school anyways. Daddy and I had been trying to save up to move in together for months, but he was going to move to California. We didn't have any money for that, so instead he asked me to move in with him in New Jersey. Leaving meant I lost my health insurance and my therapist. It was supposed to be much more temporary and we were supposed to move back to California much sooner than we were able to. I try not to be mad at those roommates because being angry doesn't change anything, but it really sucked.

Moving in with Daddy meant we could start our blog! And I was super happy at first, the happiest I could ever remember. But the years had been too hard and my health started to get worse than ever before. Without treatment and so traumatized, my brain and body were constantly at war. I would wake with splitting migraines, throwing up, my chronic pain became completely unmanageable. I started to need weed all the time because it was the only thing that stopped my cyclical vomiting episodes and kept me out of the hospital. My antipsychotics and other meds had been high-key fucking me up (probably shouldn't have been on them in the first place, thank you doctor who also ignored my seizures even when I had one in front of you) and were almost impossible to come off of because the withdrawals. (Seriously, kicking xanax was easier for me than my antipsychotics.) I'm not anti medication or anything, I just know the ones I was on were not good for me anymore. I'd actually like to be on something again, I just need a doctor who actually understands PTSD and DID.

My health continued to be shit for most of 2018, with several ER visits for severe dehydration from vomiting for days on end. We started to make videos and do snapchat and online sessions to be able to make ends meet. Despite being in the worst situation and thus everything being a trizillion times harder, we really loved (and still love 😇) doing SW and creating content. Our fans and clients have been there in some of our darkest moments, just being lovely or pulling through for us when we needed it most. During 2018 and 2019 I became actively suicidal for the first time since I was 13. I struggled with self harm again. I have gotten worse than I ever thought possible. But I wouldn't have made it at all if it wasn't for SW, this community and our supporters.

At the beginning of 2020 we were finally able to move back to California. Obviously, the pandemic severely disrupted many of our plans, especially regarding my recovery. Despite things being delayed or shifted, we are in a much better place currently. I have what I need to get better and I can build a support system again. I will get better.

Talking about things is hard for me. Being open and honest is hard for me. For 18 years I was trained and abused to not be sad or show negative feelings, or talk about upsetting things, and it has been killing me slowly my entire life. I genuinely don't want pity or to make others feel bad, but I do want to give you the chance to get to know me. I don't always talk about things so much. But I'm trying to get better at it.

[leahwilkinss]

Don’t Run Out of Steam: 15 Surprising Health Benefits of Hot Tubs

15 Surprising Health Benefits of Hot Tubs

Nothing is better than relaxing in a hot tub after a long day of work.

At least, that might be what you think. But relaxing is only one advantage in the huge list of benefits hot tubs offer. Do you want healthy hair? Glowing skin? To lose weight?

A hot tub helps with all those goals. Interested in learning how?

Read on to discover 15 of the coolest health benefits of hot tubs.

A Word of Caution If you have a medical condition, speak to your doctor before hopping into the hot tub. While quick forays are usually fine, some conditions can worsen due to the extreme temperature.

Common conditions include the following:

High or low blood pressure Diabetes Kidney disease Heart disease Pregnancy A doctor will recommend the amount of time you should spend in the hot tub.

Likewise, even healthy individuals should avoid staying in the hot tub for too long. While the health benefits are numerous in nature, staying in the warm water for extended periods may cause you to overheat.

With that being said, avoid falling into the trap of assuming hot tubs are dangerous.

Adverse health effects are extremely rare, and the common myth that anyone with hypertension or heart issues can’t enjoy a hot tub is false. Studies show individuals can stay in the warm bubbles for 10 minutes with little or no effects on their blood pressure, and even individuals with heart issues can enjoy the warmth for small periods.

Always drink lots of water to stay hydrated, speak to your doctor about any health conditions and avoid alcohol before soaking if you worry about adverse effects.

If you keep these small facts in mind, you’ll find the benefits far outweigh these small measures.

1. Reduces Stress

That soothing warm water actually releases endorphins. Yes, those are the chemicals that make you happy.

When we submerge in warm water, it increases the circulation in our skin, encouraging endorphins. It also improves breathing because of the water’s pressure.

Deep breathing increases oxygen levels throughout the body and stimulates the nervous system, which encourages feelings of calm. This comes with a whole bunch of beneficial health effects, including reducing stress. According to the American Institute of Stress, deep breathing for half an hour a day reduces anxiety.

If you want to add to the relaxation even more, throw in some calming bath salts. Just be sure you choose ones appropriate for your hot tub!

As Dr. Susanne Bennett says, “A bath is virtually a psychological act. It is about stealing time away from the daily rush, for the sake of relaxation, solitude, sensuality, retreat or luxury.”

2. Minimizes Arthritis Pains

According to the CDC, 23% of adults in America have arthritis.

Arthritis can lead to aching, painful joints. Hot tubs come to the rescue here, too.

Warm water therapy has been used in various forms for centuries, and it still stands up to research today. A hot tub’s warm water loosens the joints by providing 360-degree support for limbs, taking the weight off the sore joints.

Studies indicate it takes only 20 minutes to receive the full effects of warm water therapy on arthritis. Keep your hot tub’s temperature between 92 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit for maximum effects.

While you’re in there, consider some stretches or basic exercises. Research indicates you can minimize the pain from arthritis by up to 40% by doing this two to three times a week.

3. Helps Circulation

Hot tubs also increase circulation. The water’s heat opens the blood vessels, allowing blood to circulate more freely.

Good circulation helps pretty much everything in your body:

The heart Muscles Arteries Organs It even promotes cell growth and blood pressure. You get the memo.

4. Promotes Detoxification

The past few decades have seen more patients suffering from symptoms of toxicity: hormone imbalances, obesity, fatigue and more. These symptoms are linked to chronic issues, such as cancer, that can lead to complications down the road.

Jumping in your hot tub encourages the detoxification process. The warm water stimulates detoxification through lymphatic flow. The lymphatic system is a network that rids the body of toxins.

If the warm water wasn’t enough to clean your skin of dirt and grime, it also boosts this system and causes you to sweat, contributing to detoxification. The result is a “fresh” you with fewer toxins than you had before.

This means the likelihood of experiencing a toxic symptom (which leads to further complications) greatly diminishes.

5. Creates Lustrous Locks

We all want that shiny hair the models have in the commercials. You know the ones: they twirl and their hair looks magical.

Hot tubs might help you here, too.

Hot tubs reduce oil production. Oil production leads to greasy hair and itchy scalps. In producing less oil, your hair is rejuvenated and retains the glossiness we all want.

6. Glowing Skin

But your hair isn’t the only thing that feels the hot tub’s effects. The water’s heat causes us to sweat, which (as we’ve discussed) rids our body of toxins. However, this has another benefit: healthier skin.

Those toxins that cause pimples and other blemishes are released from your pores. This process only works with mild or moderate sweating, which is exactly what a hot tub induces.

7. Better Sleep

The very thing we love about hot tubs (the warmth) is also the element that lets us sleep better.

Studies show if you take a warm bath before bed, you’ll experience a restful slumber and fall asleep quicker. When we leave the warmth of a hot tub, our body temperature drops as we interact with the cooler environment.

Our bodies immediately respond to this by slowing down our heart rates, digestion, and other metabolic functions. This signals the brain that it is time for sleep.

All it takes is five to 15 minutes in the hot tub for a night of good shut-eye.

8. Bye-Bye Lower Back Pain

About 80% of Americans will experience extended lower back pain at some point in their lives. It’s also the leading cause of missed work in the US.

But if you have a hot tub, your back reaps the benefits. The heat relaxes the muscles, which minimizes muscle spasms. The increased circulation we discussed earlier also gives your body access to the injured muscles, permitting faster healing.

The jets stimulate muscle relaxation just as a massage does. Between these two features, studies have found spa therapy leads to better mobility and less pain than medication.

Don Benedict, who played handball competitively, experienced the benefits warm water can offer the back. After undergoing three surgeries, his spinal cord nerves became compressed. He was in constant pain.

Benedict’s solution was simple: he now visits a hot spring three times a week. The results are amazing. Benedict told CNN the water reduces and sometimes eliminates his pain for six to eight hours.

But you don’t have to go to a hot spring to enjoy these benefits. Just get a hot tub!

9. Boosts the Immune System

Want to kick those colds you get each year far, far away? A hot tub may be the answer.

Studies indicate hot baths cause inflammatory responses similar to exercising, which helps protect us from illness. Furthermore, elevated body temperatures increase certain immune cells’ activity, allowing your immune system to work better. As you may have guessed, this is why we experience fevers when we are ill.

The particular cells that are elevated destroy virus-infected cells and tumor cells. Coupled with the hot water’s ability to rid the skin of dirt and promote detoxification, your body experiences a one-up against those nasty cases of flu that plague you every year.

10. Get In Some Cardio

Hot tubs also work the heart.

More academics are studying passive heating to investigate its benefits, but the evidence is slowly unfolding: it’s great for health. Research in Finland found that going to the sauna regularly reduces the likelihood of heart attacks in men. Other studies indicate it causes arteries to become more flexible.

Soaking in a hot tub increases an individual’s heart rate while lowering their blood pressure. The water’s pressure on your body and the increased rate cause your heart to work harder, giving it a nice cardio exercise.

For this reason, people with heart problems are advised to discuss soaking lengths with a doctor.

11. Promotes Weight Loss

If you’re interested in burning some calories without putting your body through torture, a hot tub is right for you.

An hour-long dip in a hot bath results in the same number of calories being burnt as a half-hour long walk. This is due to the rise in body temperature, which consumes energy.

A hot-tub soak or power walking across town? The choice is yours, but we have a feeling we know your answer.

12. Aids Blood Sugar

Research into passive heating also shows a correlation between hot tubs, saunas and warm bathing with blood sugar.

A 1999 study demonstrated hot tub therapy’s effectiveness on individuals with type 2 diabetes. After three weeks of therapy, the individuals experienced improved body weight, better control over blood sugar and less dependence on insulin.

New investigations believe these results are due to heat shock proteins, which are molecules created by cells in response to stress. Passive heating raises the level of heat shock proteins, which improves blood sugar.

13. Headaches

Temperature therapy is a go-to for anyone who experiences regular headaches or migraines.

The heat from the hot tub’s water can relieve strained muscles, which sometimes cause headaches. These particular kinds are known as tension headaches. They affect one-third of men and half of women in developed countries, making these the most common headache disorder.

By relieving the tension in the shoulders and neck, the stress upon the head is reduced. Further, stress headaches are usually associated with high levels of anxiety or emotional pressure. Sitting in a hot tub relaxes the muscles and the mind, resulting in a pain-free head.

Even individuals suffering from migraines can experience the benefits of a hot tub. Nearly 1 in 7 people around the globe suffer from migraines, and the best way to get a handle on one is to nip it before it becomes a full-fledged monster.

Migraines are reduced or eliminated with calm environments, temperature therapy, adequate sleep and plenty of relaxation. A hot tub offers all of these things.

14. Aches and Pains

The benefits aren’t limited to your back and head. All aches and pains can find relief in the bubbling isolation of a jacuzzi.

One study showed immersing legs in warm water for 45 minutes reduced or eliminated all aches and pains associated with exercise. So if you’ve been on your feet all day at work, this is a great way to alleviate the agony your body experiences.

The water’s ability to “hold” you and ease the pressure on joints, the increased blood flow and the warmth all lead to a body that just feels better once you waltz out of the tub.

15. Mental Health

Who doesn’t want to unwind after a long day at work or a stressful week?

Your mental health is just as important as your physical body. Balanced social, emotional and psychological states create an overall better lifestyle. They even impact physical health.

A 2003 report, for example, found a clear connection between depression and arthritis pain. Those suffering from depression experienced more bodily pain than those who did not.

Mental health also leads to improved productivity, financial stability and a longer life. So relaxing in that jacuzzi after a long day isn’t just for your aching feet; it’s also for your peace of mind.

Literally.

And even if you can’t afford a built-in hot tub, inflatable ones have hit the market. It’s a great way to pass time with friends or simply find some quiet after a stressful week.

Enjoy the Health Benefits of Hot Tubs for Yourself Everyone can enjoy the numerous health benefits of hot tubs. They offer a great means to entertain guests as well as an easy, relaxing night in.

Are you considering purchasing a hot tub? If so, you’ll want to check out our article. It lists all the factors you should consider before making a purchase.

Don’t wait to reap the benefits of this fun and bubbly home addition. If you’re stressed and want in on all the health benefits, a hot tub is most certainly right for you.

The post Don’t Run Out of Steam: 15 Surprising Health Benefits of Hot Tubs appeared first on HotTubAdvice.

Don’t Run Out of Steam: 15 Surprising Health Benefits of Hot Tubs published first on https://hottubadvice.com

[hottubadvice]

Don’t Run Out of Steam: 15 Surprising Health Benefits of Hot Tubs

15 Surprising Health Benefits of Hot Tubs

Nothing is better than relaxing in a hot tub after a long day of work.

At least, that might be what you think. But relaxing is only one advantage in the huge list of benefits hot tubs offer. Do you want healthy hair? Glowing skin? To lose weight?

A hot tub helps with all those goals. Interested in learning how?

Read on to discover 15 of the coolest health benefits of hot tubs.

A Word of Caution If you have a medical condition, speak to your doctor before hopping into the hot tub. While quick forays are usually fine, some conditions can worsen due to the extreme temperature.

Common conditions include the following:

High or low blood pressure Diabetes Kidney disease Heart disease Pregnancy A doctor will recommend the amount of time you should spend in the hot tub.

Likewise, even healthy individuals should avoid staying in the hot tub for too long. While the health benefits are numerous in nature, staying in the warm water for extended periods may cause you to overheat.

With that being said, avoid falling into the trap of assuming hot tubs are dangerous.

Adverse health effects are extremely rare, and the common myth that anyone with hypertension or heart issues can’t enjoy a hot tub is false. Studies show individuals can stay in the warm bubbles for 10 minutes with little or no effects on their blood pressure, and even individuals with heart issues can enjoy the warmth for small periods.

Always drink lots of water to stay hydrated, speak to your doctor about any health conditions and avoid alcohol before soaking if you worry about adverse effects.

If you keep these small facts in mind, you’ll find the benefits far outweigh these small measures.

1. Reduces Stress

That soothing warm water actually releases endorphins. Yes, those are the chemicals that make you happy.

When we submerge in warm water, it increases the circulation in our skin, encouraging endorphins. It also improves breathing because of the water’s pressure.

Deep breathing increases oxygen levels throughout the body and stimulates the nervous system, which encourages feelings of calm. This comes with a whole bunch of beneficial health effects, including reducing stress. According to the American Institute of Stress, deep breathing for half an hour a day reduces anxiety.

If you want to add to the relaxation even more, throw in some calming bath salts. Just be sure you choose ones appropriate for your hot tub!

As Dr. Susanne Bennett says, “A bath is virtually a psychological act. It is about stealing time away from the daily rush, for the sake of relaxation, solitude, sensuality, retreat or luxury.”

2. Minimizes Arthritis Pains

According to the CDC, 23% of adults in America have arthritis.

Arthritis can lead to aching, painful joints. Hot tubs come to the rescue here, too.

Warm water therapy has been used in various forms for centuries, and it still stands up to research today. A hot tub’s warm water loosens the joints by providing 360-degree support for limbs, taking the weight off the sore joints.

Studies indicate it takes only 20 minutes to receive the full effects of warm water therapy on arthritis. Keep your hot tub’s temperature between 92 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit for maximum effects.

While you’re in there, consider some stretches or basic exercises. Research indicates you can minimize the pain from arthritis by up to 40% by doing this two to three times a week.

3. Helps Circulation

Hot tubs also increase circulation. The water’s heat opens the blood vessels, allowing blood to circulate more freely.

Good circulation helps pretty much everything in your body:

The heart Muscles Arteries Organs It even promotes cell growth and blood pressure. You get the memo.

4. Promotes Detoxification

The past few decades have seen more patients suffering from symptoms of toxicity: hormone imbalances, obesity, fatigue and more. These symptoms are linked to chronic issues, such as cancer, that can lead to complications down the road.

Jumping in your hot tub encourages the detoxification process. The warm water stimulates detoxification through lymphatic flow. The lymphatic system is a network that rids the body of toxins.

If the warm water wasn’t enough to clean your skin of dirt and grime, it also boosts this system and causes you to sweat, contributing to detoxification. The result is a “fresh” you with fewer toxins than you had before.

This means the likelihood of experiencing a toxic symptom (which leads to further complications) greatly diminishes.

5. Creates Lustrous Locks

We all want that shiny hair the models have in the commercials. You know the ones: they twirl and their hair looks magical.

Hot tubs might help you here, too.

Hot tubs reduce oil production. Oil production leads to greasy hair and itchy scalps. In producing less oil, your hair is rejuvenated and retains the glossiness we all want.

6. Glowing Skin

But your hair isn’t the only thing that feels the hot tub’s effects. The water’s heat causes us to sweat, which (as we’ve discussed) rids our body of toxins. However, this has another benefit: healthier skin.

Those toxins that cause pimples and other blemishes are released from your pores. This process only works with mild or moderate sweating, which is exactly what a hot tub induces.

7. Better Sleep

The very thing we love about hot tubs (the warmth) is also the element that lets us sleep better.

Studies show if you take a warm bath before bed, you’ll experience a restful slumber and fall asleep quicker. When we leave the warmth of a hot tub, our body temperature drops as we interact with the cooler environment.

Our bodies immediately respond to this by slowing down our heart rates, digestion, and other metabolic functions. This signals the brain that it is time for sleep.

All it takes is five to 15 minutes in the hot tub for a night of good shut-eye.

8. Bye-Bye Lower Back Pain

About 80% of Americans will experience extended lower back pain at some point in their lives. It’s also the leading cause of missed work in the US.

But if you have a hot tub, your back reaps the benefits. The heat relaxes the muscles, which minimizes muscle spasms. The increased circulation we discussed earlier also gives your body access to the injured muscles, permitting faster healing.

The jets stimulate muscle relaxation just as a massage does. Between these two features, studies have found spa therapy leads to better mobility and less pain than medication.

Don Benedict, who played handball competitively, experienced the benefits warm water can offer the back. After undergoing three surgeries, his spinal cord nerves became compressed. He was in constant pain.

Benedict’s solution was simple: he now visits a hot spring three times a week. The results are amazing. Benedict told CNN the water reduces and sometimes eliminates his pain for six to eight hours.

But you don’t have to go to a hot spring to enjoy these benefits. Just get a hot tub!

9. Boosts the Immune System

Want to kick those colds you get each year far, far away? A hot tub may be the answer.

Studies indicate hot baths cause inflammatory responses similar to exercising, which helps protect us from illness. Furthermore, elevated body temperatures increase certain immune cells’ activity, allowing your immune system to work better. As you may have guessed, this is why we experience fevers when we are ill.

The particular cells that are elevated destroy virus-infected cells and tumor cells. Coupled with the hot water’s ability to rid the skin of dirt and promote detoxification, your body experiences a one-up against those nasty cases of flu that plague you every year.

10. Get In Some Cardio

Hot tubs also work the heart.

More academics are studying passive heating to investigate its benefits, but the evidence is slowly unfolding: it’s great for health. Research in Finland found that going to the sauna regularly reduces the likelihood of heart attacks in men. Other studies indicate it causes arteries to become more flexible.

Soaking in a hot tub increases an individual’s heart rate while lowering their blood pressure. The water’s pressure on your body and the increased rate cause your heart to work harder, giving it a nice cardio exercise.

For this reason, people with heart problems are advised to discuss soaking lengths with a doctor.

11. Promotes Weight Loss

If you’re interested in burning some calories without putting your body through torture, a hot tub is right for you.

An hour-long dip in a hot bath results in the same number of calories being burnt as a half-hour long walk. This is due to the rise in body temperature, which consumes energy.

A hot-tub soak or power walking across town? The choice is yours, but we have a feeling we know your answer.

12. Aids Blood Sugar

Research into passive heating also shows a correlation between hot tubs, saunas and warm bathing with blood sugar.

A 1999 study demonstrated hot tub therapy’s effectiveness on individuals with type 2 diabetes. After three weeks of therapy, the individuals experienced improved body weight, better control over blood sugar and less dependence on insulin.

New investigations believe these results are due to heat shock proteins, which are molecules created by cells in response to stress. Passive heating raises the level of heat shock proteins, which improves blood sugar.

13. Headaches

Temperature therapy is a go-to for anyone who experiences regular headaches or migraines.

The heat from the hot tub’s water can relieve strained muscles, which sometimes cause headaches. These particular kinds are known as tension headaches. They affect one-third of men and half of women in developed countries, making these the most common headache disorder.

By relieving the tension in the shoulders and neck, the stress upon the head is reduced. Further, stress headaches are usually associated with high levels of anxiety or emotional pressure. Sitting in a hot tub relaxes the muscles and the mind, resulting in a pain-free head.

Even individuals suffering from migraines can experience the benefits of a hot tub. Nearly 1 in 7 people around the globe suffer from migraines, and the best way to get a handle on one is to nip it before it becomes a full-fledged monster.

Migraines are reduced or eliminated with calm environments, temperature therapy, adequate sleep and plenty of relaxation. A hot tub offers all of these things.

14. Aches and Pains

The benefits aren’t limited to your back and head. All aches and pains can find relief in the bubbling isolation of a jacuzzi.

One study showed immersing legs in warm water for 45 minutes reduced or eliminated all aches and pains associated with exercise. So if you’ve been on your feet all day at work, this is a great way to alleviate the agony your body experiences.

The water’s ability to “hold” you and ease the pressure on joints, the increased blood flow and the warmth all lead to a body that just feels better once you waltz out of the tub.

15. Mental Health

Who doesn’t want to unwind after a long day at work or a stressful week?

Your mental health is just as important as your physical body. Balanced social, emotional and psychological states create an overall better lifestyle. They even impact physical health.

A 2003 report, for example, found a clear connection between depression and arthritis pain. Those suffering from depression experienced more bodily pain than those who did not.

Mental health also leads to improved productivity, financial stability and a longer life. So relaxing in that jacuzzi after a long day isn’t just for your aching feet; it’s also for your peace of mind.

Literally.

And even if you can’t afford a built-in hot tub, inflatable ones have hit the market. It’s a great way to pass time with friends or simply find some quiet after a stressful week.

Enjoy the Health Benefits of Hot Tubs for Yourself Everyone can enjoy the numerous health benefits of hot tubs. They offer a great means to entertain guests as well as an easy, relaxing night in.

Are you considering purchasing a hot tub? If so, you’ll want to check out our article. It lists all the factors you should consider before making a purchase.

Don’t wait to reap the benefits of this fun and bubbly home addition. If you’re stressed and want in on all the health benefits, a hot tub is most certainly right for you.

  The post Don’t Run Out of Steam: 15 Surprising Health Benefits of Hot Tubs appeared first on HotTubAdvice.