We need your help settling this debate!
͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( Presented by [Skin at Work]( In a Nutshell
When I say I love a bath, I mean that I love a bath. Between the time I spend in sub 55-degree ocean water and all the single paned windows in my apartment, Iâm always cold this time of year. And thereâs nothing that warms my bones like soaking in very hot water.
Believing my love of baths was relatable and uncontroversial, I casually pitched a story on the topic at our last team meeting. Little did I know, I had waded into the waters of yet another fiery debate.
âOK, but arenât baths kind of gross?â
Our managing editor Kennyâs response to my pitch took me off guard. After all, I clean my tub religiously. But after some internet sleuthing I discovered that many people are super grossed out by the very thought of a bath. So today, weâre conducting an investigation. Is my favorite way to decompress from a long day actually a petri dish of scum?
But first, some stories to stew on: • [6 common sociopathic personality traits]( • [Vegan vs. omnivore: Which diet is better for your heart?]( • [7 side effects of too much apple cider vinegar](
#baths4lyfe,
Ginger Wojcik
Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Ginger Wojcik
December 13, 2023 ⢠4 min read [Baths are full of bacteria, but so what?]( whatâs got us buzzing
[Baths are full of bacteria, but so what?](
First, letâs get this out of the way: When I want to clean myself, I take a shower â not a bath. Showering washes the dayâs bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells off me and into the drain, where they belong.
I do not bathe to get clean. In fact, I feel greasier after a bath since it makes my scalp sweat. Also probably because baths are, it turns out, full of bacteria. [Research]( shows our bodies shed a significant amount of microbes when immersed in water. And since weâre covered head to toe in bacteria, I guess this is really no surprise.
However, thereâs no research that shows people are getting sick from bathing in their own bathtub. In order to get sick, youâd need to be carrying around pathogenic bacteria in the first place. Then, a large concentration of this bacteria would need to wash off you and into either an open wound or your mouth.
And while Iâm on my soapbox, Iâd like to remind everyone that every body of water you swim in is teeming with bacteria. The ocean, the lakes, the rivers â theyâre all full of animal excrement, decomposing flesh, pesticides, and god knows what else. Comparatively, your own bathtub is pretty much sterile.
(On that note, itâs a good idea to [disinfect your bathtub]( now and again. The soap scrum, aka biofilm, that builds up has [been shown]( to be a reservoir of bacteria and could pose a risk of infection to people with compromised immune systems.)
I know in my heart that no amount of convincing will get the haters on my side. And truthfully, I wouldnât give up my nightly soak even if it was home to all the bacteria on Earth. There are few things I treasure more than sinking my tired, chilled body into a steaming bath (and yes, I know, very hot water isnât recommended). Sure, the improved sleep and relieved muscle soreness is great, but itâs the feeling of calm that washes over me when Iâm finally warm again that really sends me. [BATHS VS. SHOWERS](
So, are you team bath or team shower? Let us know at wellnesswire@healthline.com! Great finds
Bathe better [Basic Concepts Bath Pillow](
[Basic Concepts Bath Pillow](
If youâre on team bath, you might be excited to know that there are waterproof bath pillows now! This machine washable pillow suctions to your tub to stay in place. Designed to support your head, neck, and shoulders, itâll help you get even more comfortable as you soak. [Buy now](
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[Simplify Your Skin Care Routine]( health stories you need
What weâre reading next [] ð¥ [Sign up for our type 2 diabetes newsletter series!]( Learn how to manage your nutrition over the holidays.
ð¬ [9 signs youâre dating a narcissist.]( Plus, how to keep yourself safe.
ð§ [Simple tips for mindful drinking.]( Donât let all the holiday cheer hinder your goals.
ð¥ [12 evidence-based health benefits of magnesium.]( And simple ways to get more of it. Thanks for reading, everyone! I sincerely hope this rant doesnât scare any of you away from swimming in bodies of water. ð¬ Until next time,
[healthline](
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