3 Ways Heat Therapy Can Help with Menopause-Related Weight Gain

Menopause brings a host of changes to your body, and weight gain is often one of the most frustrating. But imagine if you could counteract this weight gain with a daily ritual that’s not only relaxing but also enjoyable. Enter the concept of sauna time or a warm bubble bath as a potential ally in your fight against menopausal weight gain. Recent research has shown promising results in mice, suggesting that heat treatments could have a positive impact on postmenopausal weight gain. In this study, older female mice that underwent 30-minute whole-body heat treatments daily gained less weight and showed better insulin utilization, which is crucial for controlling blood sugar levels. How Heat Therapy Works The magic behind this process involves a protein known as TRPV1. When activated by heat, TRPV1 initiates something called futile calcium cycling. Essentially, your body uses energy to pump calcium ions across cell membranes, burning calories in the process. This not only helps in fat burning but also improves insulin sensitivity, reducing fat accumulation in critical areas like the liver and brown fat, which is vital for maintaining metabolism. Before you rush to integrate daily sauna or warm bath sessions into your routine, it’s important...