Yogurt and Hot Spring Bathing: A Promising Duo for Enhancing Gut Health

Recent research from Kyushu University highlights a novel approach to improving gut health by combining dietary and lifestyle interventions. The study reveals that consuming yogurt increases the diversity and alters the composition of gut microbiota, which is essential for overall health, including digestion, immune function, and neurological health. Additionally, bathing in chloride-rich hot springs, known as onsen in Japan, after yogurt intake, was found to further enhance bowel movement quality.

The investigation involved 47 healthy adult volunteers who had not used onsen baths in the previous two weeks. Participants were divided into three groups: a control group with no intervention, a yogurt-only group, and a combined yogurt plus onsen group. Over four weeks, the yogurt groups consumed 180 grams of low-sugar yogurt daily, enriched with beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. The onsen group also bathed in Beppu's chloride spring for at least 15 minutes every other day.

Results showed that yogurt intake alone significantly increased gut microbial diversity and induced changes in bacterial taxa. Both the yogurt-only and the combined groups experienced notable improvements in bowel movement scores, with the combined group showing a more pronounced effect. Interestingly, the microbial shifts were specific to the yogurt group, whereas the beneficial effects on defecation were greater in those who also bathed in the onsen.

These findings suggest that yogurt consumption can be an effective way to promote gut microbiota diversity, and when paired with onsen bathing, may have synergistic effects on bowel health. This research underscores the potential of combining accessible lifestyle interventions for preventive health strategies.

The study is published in Frontiers in Nutrition and supports the concept that simple, non-pharmacological approaches can positively influence gut health and overall well-being. As gut health continues to be a focus for chronic disease prevention, such combined interventions offer promising avenues for future health promotion and wellness tourism, especially in regions known for their onsen.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-yogurt-hot-combination-gut-health.html