A possible natural defense against coronavirus? The coronavirus along with many other viruses are causing us to make major changes to everyday life. We don’t go out as much, which means some people aren’t getting the level of exercise they need each day. An object at rest, wants to stay at rest. This can lead to additional lethargy, quick meals, and a less healthy diet. These impacts to your well-being, while seemingly small, can stress and degrade your immune system, making you more susceptible to getting sick. Finding ways to maintain a strong immune system, while also keeping track of this new normal, is important. But how does this involve hot tubs?
Maintaining Your Immune Defense Against Coronavirus
Keeping your immune system healthy is just one way to stay strong when germs are running rampant. A healthy immune system gives your body extra protection. Two ways to support your immune system is with enough sleep and lowered levels of stress. Spending time in a hot tub can help you with both of these. The warm, soothing water can immediately decrease the day’s stress. Studies have also shown that passive heat therapies such as hot tubs and saunas can improve the quality of your sleep and build up a natural defense against coronavirus.
How To Strengthen Your Immune System
Exercise and Burn Calories
A large part of a healthy immune system is maintaining a healthy weight. In fact, the majority of those with severe reactions to coronavirus were heavily overweight. Now it is harder than ever to maintain an exercise regimen. A lot of gyms are closed, have restricted operating hours, or other restrictions that make it even harder to fit into your schedule. That is why it is important to maximize all of the minor metabolism boosts that we can to make sure we are burning enough calories. This study shows that a 60 minute soak waist high water burns the same amount of calories as a 30 minute walk. While we don’t suggest that this should replace exercise, every little bit helps.
Maintian a Healthy Diet and Improve Insulin Sensitivity
Two major factors that stress the immune system are poor diet and diabetes. When we first learned of the coronavirus, those with diabetes were put near the top of immunocompromised classes. While there is no cure for (type 1) diabetes, there are many ways to ease and improve symptoms. According to these 2009 and 2015 studies, passive heat therapy may not only promote insulin sensitivity in type 1 and type 2 diabetics, but synergize with diet and exercise treatments of type two diabetes.
Relieve Stress and Relax Joints and Muscles
Though we don’t know the exact reasons why, stress and fatigue can have extremely negative effects on your immune system. It is important to take time to relax and destress where you can. A massage from hot tub jets is a quick and easy way to do that. In fact, a 2012 study suggests that hydrotherapy can reduce pain, inflammation, and improve the quality of sleep for those who suffer from fibromyalgia by decreasing the weight on your joints and promoting flexibility and range of motion.
Quality Sleep
Sleep is like fuel for a healthy immune system. Getting plenty of restful sleep is essential to maintaining an immune system in peak operation. Not only are hot tubs relaxing, but they may improve sleep as well. A study into passive heat therapy as a treatment for insomnia in older women has shown that heat therapy before bed resulted in “significantly deeper and more restful sleep” for its participants.
Improve Cardiovascular and Neurovascular Health
There are many factors that go into the efficacy of the human immune system. One that cannot be overstated is overall health. From healthy diet and exercise to a properly functioning circulatory system. They all work in concert to keep you healthy. One of the bigger finds in cardio and neurovascular health, is the benefits of passive heat therapy. We are only beginning to realize the extent of these benefits. Don’t just take our word for it. According to a study posted by the National Institute of Health, passive heat therapy can simultaneously raise your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and reduce arterial stiffness.
Bottom Line: Can Hot Tubs Be A Natural Defense Against the Coronavirus?
Ultimately what you want to know is, can hot tubs be a natural defense against the coronavirus? While hot tubs use can improve sleep, reduce inflammation, and improve mental health, all of which are keys to a healthy immune system, claiming that it can boost immunity is still a bit of a stretch because there is no direct connection. That said, while it should never be a replacement for a healthy diet, exercise plan, or maintaining a safe distance from those who are infected, soaking in a hot tub regularly has clear and documented health benefits that extend far beyond the immune system and can help improve our overall health. The reality is in order for the things we do for ourselves to be the most effective, our healthy behaviors need to be part of a continued and proactive pursuit and not a reactive response to potential danger. We believe that hot tubs can be a big part of that.
Get more info on Covid-19 here.
Get into a Hot Tub Today
With all the benefits to your health soaking in a hot tub provides, you may be considering buying or upgrading. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of its potential to boost your immune system and overall health. Visit Great Bay Spa & Sauna to check out new, top-of-the-line hot tubs that can fit into any budget. Our experienced staff will help you select the right hot tub to fit your needs and lifestyle. We even offer wet tests on site, so don’t forget your bathing suit! Our showroom is open daily, so come on by. We look forward to seeing you!
