How Soaking in a Hot Springs Pool Boosts Body Immunity

Soaking in mineral hot springs is a soothing, restorative experience. But while relaxation is a major reason why springs enthusiasts keep returning for routine soaks, there are some less obvious benefits that make mineral springs ideal for whole-body wellness.

Here, we explore how mineral pools can boost your body’s immunity through several key mechanisms.

The importance of immunity for your health

What is body immunity?

The immune system is the body’s defense against pathogens, bacteria, viruses, toxins, and other potentially harmful invaders. This complex network is made up of many different components, including your organs, tissues, cells, and microbes, all of which work together to target and neutralize threats. You also have several subsets of body immunity, including:

• Physical barriers, such as your skin and mucosa lining
• The rapid-acting innate immune system
• The adaptive immune system, which targets specific pathogens precisely and retains memory of past infections for the future

The innate immune system is your body’s way of attacking invaders indiscriminately. It’s made up of natural killer cells that act as a first line of defense. This system also triggers inflammation, an important response to injuries and infections.

On the other hand, the adaptive immune system is more specialized and involves white blood cells called lymphocytes. There are several types of lymphocytes, including T-cells—which target infected cells and regulate immune response—and B-cells, which create antibodies to fight specific pathogens.

Why is it important to maintain strong body immunity?

Coordination between well-functioning innate and adaptive immunity ensures a robust defense against viruses, bacteria, and other illness-causing agents. At the same time, a properly functioning immune system prevents your body from going after healthy tissue through mechanisms like immune tolerance. This dynamic, multifaceted system not only protects you against illness, but also maintains your overall health.

How winter affects the body’s immune system

If it seems like you get sick more often or severely during the winter months, it’s not your imagination. There are multiple factors that affect immunity this time of year, including cooler weather itself. When temperatures drop, blood vessels in your skin constrict to conserve heat. This, in turn, reduces blood flow and immune cell circulation to critical areas, like your respiratory tract.

Colder weather also comes with reduced humidity, which can leave your mucus membranes drier and impact their ability to trap pathogens. It then becomes easier for infections to take hold, leading to the common cold and flu.

Additionally, most people tend to spend more time indoors when winter arrives. This can significantly increase your exposure to airborne viruses and bacteria, particularly in crowded areas with poor ventilation.

Seasonal variations in sunlight exposure can also play a role in reduced wintertime immunity. Lower levels of sunlight may lead to a drop in the production of vitamin D, a key nutrient for immune function.

This combination of environmental conditions creates the perfect storm for increased viral activity. Add seasonal stressors to the mix, and your body may become even less efficient at maintaining optimal immunity.

How soaking in a hot springs pool boosts body immunity

While it may not be the first reason you’re searching for “hot springs near me,” visiting WorldSprings could give your immune system an added boost.

Nutrient-Rich Water

Our mineral pools are loaded with immune-boosting nutrients, including:

• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Bicarbonate

While you can certainly get some of these minerals through diet, soaking in our hot springs allows you to deliver them to your immune system through skin absorption.

Soothing Heat

Our mineral pools also deliver a distinct warming effect to your entire body. Heat can help strengthen your body’s immune response in a number of ways.

Heat improves circulation by causing the walls of your blood vessels to relax, creating an effect known as vasodilation. When this happens, blood flow increases, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to key areas, while also supporting the removal of waste products.

Increased heat also has therapeutic effects that could boost your immunity indirectly. For example, soaking in mineral hot springs reduces stiffness and discomfort in sore muscles by enhancing the delivery of oxygen-rich blood and eliminating inflammatory substances. Heat from mineral pools can promote overall body relaxation, encourage better sleep, and reduce stress, all of which support your immune system.

Globally Inspired Mineral Baths & Holistic Wellness Amenities

WorldSprings is home to mineral baths inspired by locations around the world, allowing guests to enjoy mind and body benefits in a serene setting. While our mineral pools are certainly a great place to start for immune support, our facilities have much more to offer.

Our saunas can deliver therapeutic effects, by stimulating your body’s production of heat shock proteins, which aid in cellular repair and enhance cells’ resistance to stress. Saunas also promote vasodilation, which improves circulation and reduces inflammation.

Visit WorldSprings for a true relaxation experience. Whether you prefer soaking in hot springs or the soothing heat of a sauna, you'll enjoy immune-boosting benefits and a comfortable, luxurious experience.