Yogurt and Hot Spring Baths Show Surprising Gut Benefits
A new study from Kyushu University suggests that yogurt and hot spring bathing could work together to support gut health. Researchers found that while yogurt alone improves the diversity of gut bacteria, combining it with hot spring bathing further enhances bowel health, especially when it comes to improving regularity and easing digestion.
The research was published in Frontiers in Nutrition and highlights the potential of combining simple lifestyle habits as a natural approach to preventive medicine.
Why Gut Health Matters
A healthy gut is not just about digestion. Scientists now know it plays a vital role in immunity, nutrient absorption, and even mental well-being. Foods like yogurt are already well-known for promoting gut health because they contain beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria.
On the other hand, Japan’s famous hot springs, known as “onsen”, have long been linked with relaxation, skin health, and circulation. This new study is among the first to explore what happens when diet and hot spring bathing are combined.
How the Study Was Conducted
The trial enrolled 47 healthy men and women who had not visited a hot spring in the two weeks before the study. They were randomly divided into three groups:
- Control group: no changes to diet or bathing routine
- Yogurt group: ate 180 grams of low-sugar yogurt daily after dinner
- Yogurt plus hot spring group: ate the same yogurt and also bathed in a chloride-rich hot spring in Beppu City for at least 15 minutes every two days
Over four weeks, the researchers collected stool samples to study gut bacteria and asked participants detailed questions about bowel movements, including frequency, consistency, and comfort.
What the Researchers Found
The yogurt-only group showed the clearest increase in gut bacteria diversity, meaning more types of healthy microbes were thriving in their digestive systems. This group also reported better bowel movements.
Interestingly, the yogurt plus hot spring group did not show the same changes in gut bacteria diversity. However, they did report greater improvement in bowel movement status compared to yogurt alone, suggesting that hot spring bathing may provide an extra boost for digestive comfort.
Conclusion
The results suggest that yogurt helps build a healthier gut microbiome, while combining yogurt and hot spring bathing may offer an additive effect on bowel health. Although the study was small, it highlights the growing importance of lifestyle-based strategies for maintaining wellness without medication.
Lead researcher Professor Shunsuke Managi explained, “Our findings show that even simple habits like eating yogurt and bathing in hot springs may complement each other to support gut health.”
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 22 August 2025
- 20:00
