The fact that soaking your feet in hot water can aid in weight loss has been around for decades, but the exact science behind it has only recently been revealed. Soaking your feet causes your body to go into the parasympathetic mode and relax, allowing it to burn fat at an accelerated rate, which results in weight loss. Here are 7 ways to lose weight by soaking your feet.

1. Lose weight by soaking your feet in saltwater

If you’re looking for a way to rid your body of excess water and lose weight, then soaking your feet in saltwater might be just what you need. The process of using foot baths is not a new one—people have been doing it for years with positive results. This process is often used before an event such as a wedding or prom because it helps get rid of any excess water in your body. The way that these foot baths work can be done easily at home and doesn’t require any special equipment—you will only need sea salt, Epsom salts, and warm water.

2. Get better circulation

Being on your feet all day can lead to increased swelling and sluggish circulation. The area around your toes has more than 100,000 capillaries per square inch, which is one of the highest concentrations in your body. When you soak your feet, oxygenated blood travels up from your feet and into every capillary, improving circulation. This results in more nutrients for healthier skin, nails, and hair – as well as a decreased likelihood of having a stroke or heart attack. A study published in Nutrition Journal reports that 10 minutes of reflexology may improve blood flow and reduce arterial stiffness in those with chronic hypertension (high blood pressure). To lose weight safely but quickly, try soaking your feet after a long day standing on them!

3. Rid yourself of plantar warts

Plantar warts are warts that form on your feet. They’re caused by a virus, and they’re highly contagious. Wearing shoes can spread plantar warts to others, so if you have them, it’s important not only to treat them but also to wash your hands thoroughly after touching any part of your body. Most often treated with salicylic acid or freezing agents, plantar warts require several weeks of treatment (and soaking in water) before they go away. Consider seeking out a podiatrist if your current treatment method isn’t working. Most people who keep at it eventually rid themselves of plantar warts completely; however, some cases require surgery and even injection therapy before things can get better.

4. Clean out excess calcium

Calcium is a mineral that helps build bones, but when you have too much of it in your blood it can create an environment for weight gain. Excess calcium settles into tissues and organs that are trying to lose weight such as our kidneys and pancreas, making them work harder than they should. One way to balance out your calcium levels is through whole foods such as yogurt, cheese, and leafy greens like kale. These will help regulate your body’s use of calcium while still giving you all of its other health benefits.

5. Treat ingrown toenails

If you’re overweight, chances are your feet suffer from it. No matter what type of foot problem you have, be it calluses or bunions, you can probably find a cure in soaking your feet. That’s because soaking helps reduce inflammation, relax muscles and restore blood flow—all things that improve circulation and make healing possible. To do so: Place one bucket inside another slightly larger one.

6. Calm foot pain

Foot pain has many causes, and one of them is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of a tissue that runs along your sole. Plantar fasciitis can be hard to manage with over-the-counter solutions; soaking your feet in Epsom salt might help. If you have foot pain that is caused by plantar fasciitis, fill a large tub with about 3 inches of warm water and add a cup or two of Epsom salt. Soak for 15 minutes, three times per week. You may also want to alternate between using a heating pad or ice pack on areas around your foot that are in pain.

7. Get rid of athlete's foot, heel fungus, and other foot problems

When your feet are in bad shape, you’re more likely to gain weight. (Even if it’s not on your feet!) One study found that people with athlete’s foot are almost three times as likely to be overweight than people without it. An athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection of your skin and nails. You can catch it from walking barefoot in public places like gyms and pools or other wet environments. The symptoms include itching, burning, and redness between toes or on soles of feet, in between toes, or around nail beds. If you have an athlete's foot, avoid walking barefoot. Change socks daily—if possible wear different shoes each day so they dry completely between uses.