Cold showers are not for the faint-hearted (literally as well as figuratively). They are a great way to increase your metabolism and immune system. Here are some of the benefits of cold showers.
To start with, slowly reduce the water temperature until it reaches 20°C (70°F). Keep the temperature at your desired level. You can take a cold shower once or twice per week for a few seconds until you develop a tolerance.
5 Benefits of cold showers
1. Muscle Recovery
After a workout, most people prefer to take cold showers. Although cold showers may reduce the body’s core temperature and help to relieve muscle soreness (delayed-onset muscle soreness), scientific studies have not shown that they can help with DOMS. However, a study that showed cold showers can help with muscle relaxation did not show any benefit.
2. Improved Blood Circulation
Regular immersion in cold water causes blood to circulate faster in the veins closest to your skin. To oxygenate the entire body, you will inhale more deeply. A healthy brain is one that is alert!
Try a cold shower if you are having trouble getting up in the morning. Turn on the kettle to warm up your water before you take a shower. You’ll be able to look forward to a hot beverage!
CONTRAST SHOWER
If you are unable to imagine yourself in a cold water shower, it is worth switching between hot and cool water. This is a good option if you have heart problems and can’t handle the shock of an icy water shower.
HOW TO TASTE A CONTRAST SHOWER
- Use warm water to rinse off.
- After the water has warmed up, turn off the water and take a step back.
- Rinse the outer right side and right leg with cold water. This is the area that’s closest to your heart. Slowly, move the cold water up your right foot until it reaches your hip. Next, move the cold water up your right leg until you reach your hip.
- Next, wash your arms. Next, move upwards from your right hand’s back to your shoulder. Keep your lateral side of the arm. Continue to loop down through your armpit and along the inside side of your arm. Repeat the process with your left arm.
- Don’t hesitate to take the plunge. Rinse your entire body with cold water.
- With warm water, repeat steps 3 and 4.
- Refresh your entire body with cold water.
3. Stonger Immune System
There are many natural ways to increase your immune system. You may now be able to add a cold bath to this list. A study found that regular cold showers made people less sick and less likely to report sick to work. However, the research didn’t conclude that cold showers increase your immune system ( 3). However, those who took one felt more healthy. It seems that even an icy shower can make you feel strong and resilient. Taking on everyday challenges can boost your confidence, no matter if you’re running or taking a shower.
4. Depression Treatment
The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine found that cold showers may help alleviate depression symptoms. Scientists believe that the brain receives more depression-easing electrical impulses when it is temporarily cold. This theory is still being researched. It’s possible to give it a shot, provided you have no underlying medical conditions.
5. Metabolic Boost
There are two types of fat in humans: brown fat and white kind. Brown fat is essential for our daily functioning and health. It also keeps us warm. In mice, activating brown fat led to an increase in metabolic function. A study in mice showed that activating brown fat increased metabolic function.
Both mice and men can be triggered to eat more if they are cold. Your cold shower may give you a boost in metabolism, but it won’t help with weight loss if you add calories to compensate. These five breakfast options won’t cost you a fortune!
But are cold showers dangerous?
Cold showers may be contraindicated in some cases. Cold showers should be avoided by people with high blood pressure, heart disease, past hypothermia, and other conditions. ( 5)
Be Calm
Although the scientific community is still unsure about the benefits of cold baths, the majority of society strongly believes in them. Cold showers have been shown to increase blood circulation, stimulate neurological responses and improve health. The jolt will certainly get you up in the morning. The metabolism might be boosted by cold showers.
If you are healthy and curious, cold showers might be a good idea. If you believe they work, let us know by commenting below.
Pooja Chandak is an avid reader and an experienced content writer. Apart from blogs, she writes quotes and poems. She started writing when she was in school. Pooja currently works as a Content Development Executive for a Mumbai-based company.