As the old saying goes: "When a person takes three baths, his life is thinner than paper". This phrase has been passed down through the years and has become a wake-up call for many people when they take a bath. But what exactly does this "three baths" refer to?Are they really bad for health?These questions may have flashed through everyone's mind.
"Three baths" is often interpreted as bathing after meals, sweating, and drinking. In daily life, many people may choose to take a bath at these moments, but few people know that these seemingly ordinary bathing times hide hidden health risks.
The secret of the "three baths": the subtle connection between bathing and health.
As the saying goes, "people take three baths, life is thinner than paper" refers to three specific times of bathing, namely bathing after meals, sweating, and drinking. These timing are not chosen for no reason, but are based on the body's physiological response in these specific states.
Taking a bath after a meal involves the functioning of the digestive system. After eating, blood is concentrated in the digestive system to aid digestion. Bathing at this time, especially a hot one, causes blood to flow to the surface, which reduces the amount of blood to the digestive organs. This alteration in the distribution of blood can interfere with the digestive process and even lead to indigestion.
Bathing after sweat is about thermoregulation. The body produces a lot of heat after exercise, and taking a shower with cold water immediately at this time may cause a sudden drop in body temperature, causing blood vessels to constrict, and putting a burden on the heart and vascular system. Studies have shown that relaxing after exercise and waiting for the body to cool down naturally before taking a warm bath is more beneficial to cardiovascular health.
Drinking baths involve the effects of alcohol. Alcohol can cause blood vessels to dilate, which, combined with the vasodilating effect of a hot bath, can cause a drop in blood pressure and even fainting. This risk is especially pronounced in people with poor heart function or already low blood pressure.
Take a shower immediately after eating: does it really hurt the body?
Traditionally, bathing immediately after a meal is considered bad for your health, and the reasons behind this are worth going deeper. After eating, the body's digestive system becomes active, and the stomach and intestines need a lot of blood to help digest food. At this time, if you take a hot bath immediately, the hot water will dilate the blood vessels on the surface of the body, and the blood flow to the surface will increase, which may lead to a relative decrease in the blood of the digestive system. In this case, the efficiency of the digestive system is reduced, which may lead to indigestion and even stomach pain, bloating, and other discomforts.
Scientific studies have shown that the digestion process takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours, when the stomach is at its most active. Therefore, it is advisable to wait at least 30 minutes before taking a shower to give the digestive system enough time to digest the food. Especially for the elderly, this should be paid more attention due to the relatively weak digestive system.
Let's take a concrete example: Let's say that taking a shower immediately after dinner, especially after enjoying a good dinner, may feel an upset stomach or slow digestion. This is not a coincidence, but because the temperature of the body rises when bathing, blood circulation increases, which leads to a lack of blood ** in the digestive system.
Not only hot baths, but also cold showers need to be taken care of. Cold water causes the body's blood vessels to constrict rapidly, causing temporary stress on the heart and vascular system, which can be a burden for people who have just eaten.
Taking a shower after sweating: an exciting moment for the body and mind.
Taking a shower immediately after a workout may sound like a comfortable thing to do, but there are some hidden risks behind it. When sweaty, the body is undergoing a complex series of physiological changes. At this time, the heart beats faster, the blood vessels dilate, and the body's thermoregulatory system is in a highly active state. If you rush to take a bath at this time, especially if you use cold water, it can cause unnecessary stress on the heart and vascular system.
Considering this state of the body after exercise, the correct thing to do is to do a proper cooling first. For example, jogging for a few minutes or doing some light stretching exercises will gradually bring your heart rate back to near rest. This process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the intensity of the individual's exercise and physical condition. The cooling process helps to gradually regulate the body's temperature and the functioning of the cardiovascular system, preparing it for the next bath.
Regarding the temperature of the water in the bath, it is also a factor worth noting. Studies have shown that using water that is too hot or too cold can be an additional burden on the body. Warm bathing is considered the best option because it helps the body relax without causing blood vessels to constrict or dilate excessively.
Drunken baths: a hidden health trap.
Alcohol is a potent vasodilator. When alcohol enters the bloodstream, it dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow. This phenomenon is especially noticeable when taking a hot bath, as the hot water itself causes blood vessels to dilate. Combined with the effects of alcohol, it can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure, which is no small challenge to the heart and circulatory system.
For example, suppose someone goes to a hot shower immediately after drinking, and the hot water causes the blood vessels to dilate and blood flow to the surface increases. At this time, the body needs to speed up the beating in order to maintain normal blood circulation. But alcohol at the same time relaxes the walls of blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and increases the burden on the heart. This condition can lead to syncope and even potentially life-threatening for people with a history of heart disease.
Alcohol also affects the body's thermoregulatory system. After drinking, people's ability to regulate body temperature decreases, and it is difficult to effectively perceive changes in the outside temperature. Bathing in this state, especially when using excessively hot or cold water, can easily cause the body's heat stress response. For example, overheated water can cause the body to heat up excessively, while overcooled water can cause a sharp drop in body temperature, causing discomfort.
After considering the potential risks of bathing after drinking, it is advisable to wait for at least some time for alcohol metabolism before bathing. In general, alcohol is metabolized at a rate of about 10 milligrams per hour of 100 milliliters of blood. Therefore, if you do not drink a lot of alcohol, it is safer to wait about 1-2 hours. But it also depends on the individual's alcohol tolerance and the amount of alcohol consumed. If you drink a lot of alcohol, it's best to wait longer or consider bathing after you're sure you're back to normal.
The Art of Bathing: Mastering the Best Timing and Methods.
Bathing is not only a part of daily life, but also an art of health. Choosing the right timing and method will allow you to maximize the health benefits of bathing while avoiding potential risks.
The best time to take a bath is a matter of concern. In general, it is a wise choice to wait at least 30 minutes after a meal before showering. This is because bathing immediately after a meal may affect the digestive system, causing an upset stomach. Wait for a while to allow your body enough time for the digestive process before taking a bath, which is good for your health and allows you to enjoy the comfort of bathing.
Timing of bathing after exercise. The body is usually in a state of high temperature after exercise, and taking a shower with cold water immediately may cause the body to shock and increase the burden on the heart. Therefore, you should rest for 10 to 15 minutes after exercise to allow your body's temperature to gradually lower to near normal levels before taking a bath. This method helps to avoid the effects of sudden temperature changes on the body.
When it comes to bathing after drinking, this is an often overlooked health hazard. Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, and a hot bath further exacerbates this effect, which can cause dizziness or low blood pressure. Therefore, it is advisable to wait at least an hour after drinking alcohol and wait for the effects of alcohol to subside before showering.
When it comes to bathing methods, the choice of water temperature is crucial. The ideal water temperature should be mild, around 36 to 39 degrees Celsius. Excessively hot water, while pleasant, may cause dryness and dilated blood vessels, while excessively cold water may cause physical discomfort. The bath time should also be controlled within 10 to 15 minutes, too long a bath time may damage the natural oil layer of **, resulting in **dryness.
Bathing frequency is also an aspect that should not be overlooked. Bathing too often, especially with strong bath products, can damage the natural barrier, leading to problems. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right frequency of bathing according to the amount of activity and type of activity of the individual.