Boosting Weight Loss Efforts With Heat Therapy
Approximately 73% of North Americans are currently classified as overweight, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In a desperate bid to lose weight, people are turning to an ever-increasing range of diet and exercise aids that promise to help them regain a healthier and more appealing physique. While heat therapy alone may not see all your excess weight miraculously melt away, it can benefit your weight loss journey in numerous ways. From easing sore muscles after exercise and aiding in nutrient absorption, to helping to improve the quality of your sleep, here’s a closer look at how heat therapy can boost your weight loss efforts.
Ease sore muscles after exercise
Exercise is a very important component of a weight-loss plan. According to the CDC, we should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderately intensive aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week to maintain a healthy weight. To lose weight, exercise has to be combined with a calorie-controlled diet. As beneficial as exercise may be, it can often leave our muscles feeling stiff and sore. Heat therapy can also be utilized to help ease this pain and discomfort. It has also been proven to increase range of motion, boost circulation, and decrease muscle-related pain.
Better digestion makes weight loss easier
By taking care of your digestion, you can also help boost your weight loss efforts. There are a number of ways to improve gut health, such as taking probiotics and steering clear of potentially harmful foods. Heat therapy has also been proven to have a positive impact on digestive health. If you want to lose weight, consider counting carbohydrates for optimal results. Although the diet plan you follow will determine whether you count total carbs or net carbs, you’re bound to enjoy better results than what you would have if you were simply estimating your consumption.
Improved sleep boosts weight loss
A recent study has found that approximately 30% of American adults do not get sufficient sleep on a regular basis. Such poor sleep is a major risk factor for obesity, as it can slow down the metabolism and increase appetite. When you are sufficiently rested, your risk for becoming insulin resistant may be lower, and you may be more inclined to engage in physical activity. There are a number of things you can do to improve your quality of sleep which will, in turn, help you lose weight. Research indicates that raising the core temperature of the body slightly can help improve sleep. This can be achieved in a number of ways, including by using a heated blanket or heated body wrap in bed. Once you start sleeping better, you’ll find that you lose weight faster as well.
Heat therapy can boost your weight loss efforts in many ways. By even just raising your own core temperature in the comfort of your home, you can expect to enjoy significantly improved health and wellbeing.
Article Written By: Jennifer Ellen