Late winter is one of the bleakest times of year – Christmas is over, the decorations have been taken down, and the weather is grey, cold, and damp. To make matters worse, there’s a nasty cold going around!
There all manner of home remedies people swear by to help fight off the flu – hot water and lemon, ginger, gargling salt water… but have you ever considered using your hot tub to get over a nasty cold?
Using a hot tub to fight a cold
It may surprise you to know that taking a relaxing dip in your hot tub can do a lot to help relieve the symptoms of a nasty cold, and can even help your body fight off the virus!
1) Increase Body Temperature
Relaxing in the hot water of a hot tub can increase your body temperature, which assists your body in fighting off the illness. Elevated body temperature can help certain types of immune cells to work better – that’s the reason we have fevers!
Relaxing in the hot tub is a much more enjoyable way to boost your immune system and help your body fight off the illness and kick start your recovery!
2) Steam Inhalation
Steam bathing is a method that can be dated back to almost 12,000 years ago, with our early ancestors flocking to natural hot springs for cleansing, and relief from cold. Steam inhalation has been proven to provide a wide variety of benefits to those suffering from a flu, particularly soothing and opening their nasal passages, and loosening mucus to relieve symptoms of congestion.
The same principle applies to hot tubs – mellowing in the warm water and breathing in the steam can help relieve all manner of flu symptoms, including congestions and tightness in the chest.
3) Pain Relief
Hydrotherapy is used to treat a wide number of conditions and has been proven to benefit health in a wide number of areas. Warm water specifically can help relax and heal the muscles and joints, whether it be from injury, arthritis, or even muscle aches from the flu.
Warm water widens the blood vessels, thus improving circulation and blood flow throughout the body. This increased blood flow delivers more oxygen to the suffering areas reducing pain, whilst stimulating relaxation and healing.
4) Release toxins
Relaxing in hot water increases our body temperature and causes us to sweat, releasing toxins and naturally cleansing our bodies. The more you sweat, the more toxins will be expelled through your pores, leaving your body feeling refreshed.
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If you’re planning on using your hot tub when ill to help manage your symptoms and boost recovery, it’s important to remember to stay hydrated. Increasing your body temperature excessively can cause dehydration, particularly if you are already feverish and dehydrated from your illness. If symptoms become severe, seek medical advice.
Relief from cold and flu symptoms is just one of the many benefits that come with having a hot tub. Premier Hot Tubs supply a wide range of hot tubs, so you’re guaranteed to find one suited to your requirements!
If you’d like to browse the range of hot tubs available from Premier Hot Tubs, click the link below!
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Read More: Are Hot Tubs Good for You?
