October 01, 2025

Hot Baths Trigger Exercise-Like Effects

7 minutes

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

...more

By Dr. Mercola

4.6

14801,480 ratings

October 01, 2025

7 minutes

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

...more