Are baths gross?

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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, I'm always cold this time of year. And there's 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. "OK, but aren't baths kind of gross?" Our managing editor Kenny's 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, we're 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

what's got us buzzing Baths are full of bacteria, but so what? First, let's get this out of the way: When I want to clean myself, I take a shower — not a bath. Showering washes the day's 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 we're covered head to toe in bacteria, I guess this is really no surprise. However, there's no research that shows people are getting sick from bathing in their own bathtub. In order to get sick, you'd 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 I'm on my soapbox, I'd like to remind everyone that every body of water you swim in is teeming with bacteria. The ocean, the lakes, the rivers — they're all full of animal excrement, decomposing flesh, pesticides, and god knows what else. Comparatively, your own bathtub is pretty much sterile. (On that note, it's 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 wouldn't 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 isn't recommended). Sure, the improved sleep and relieved muscle soreness is great, but it's the feeling of calm that washes over me when I'm 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 If you're 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, it'll help you get even more comfortable as you soak. Buy now Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health.

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Thanks for reading, everyone! I sincerely hope this rant doesn't scare any of you away from swimming in bodies of water. 😬

Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!     This edition was powered by bacteria.   View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy    |    Unsubscribe Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. © 2023 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001