A cold shower, as the name implies, is when you crank the temperature of your shower down, away from the typical comfort of a steamy rinse. Some people take cold showers from start to finish, while others take a traditional warm shower and add a final few seconds of cold water for an invigorating finish.
This practice isn’t accepted everywhere, as the idea of taking a cold shower sends a shiver just thinking about it, but many people swear by the energizing and health-boosting properties of this unusual shower style. Some people are concerned about getting sick from taking a cold shower, as they worry about getting sick when walking outside on a cold, windy day. However, being exposed to cold doesn’t make you sick; it can put undue stress on your immune system, making you more vulnerable to pathogens.
In other words, cold showers aren’t going to raise your chances of becoming ill, since your exposure is completely under your control [2 ], in terms of temperature and duration. Most showers can put out freezing-cold water, which is very uncomfortable, but even a medium-cold setting should be enough to rejuvenate the body.
The top benefits of cold showers include the following:
1. Immunity and Circulation.
Poor circulation means that toxins are removed less quickly, and organ systems aren’t given the resources they need. A cold shower can not only increase [5 ] circulation but also promote the elimination of pathogens and the delivery of immune system cells where needed.
2. Weight Loss.
The human body contains two types of fat white fat and brown fat. A rise in white fat is a characteristic of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases. Whereas [ 8 ] brown fat is the good type of fat, it helps in passive fat burning and maintaining body temperature. Research shows that, when in cold temperatures, white fat cells take the characteristic of brown fat cells, thereby activating them and promoting weight loss.
3. Boost Recovery.
Following an intense workout, many athletes take cold showers, rather than hot ones, in order to relieve sore muscles. Studies have found that the recovery speed [4 ] for muscles is almost twice as fast when the body and muscles are immersed in cold water.
4. Mood and Alertness.
The shock of cold water first thing in the morning is an excellent way to kickstart the circulatory system [1 ], which will release a flush of blood throughout the body. This is like a burst of natural caffeine to improve energy levels at the start of your day.
5. Skin and Hair Care.
Hot water is known to dry out the skin, whereas cold water can cause the pores to clench up and close, which locks in the moisture. If you have naturally [7 ] dry skin, try ending your showers with 10-15 seconds of cold water and watch your complexion improve! It also helps in retaining the moisture in the hair, thereby promoting hair health.
6. Lymphatic System.
The lymphatic system is responsible for removing toxins from the body. In a cold shower, the lymphatic vessels are directly exposed to cold water, which is what leads to their contraction and relaxation, thereby eliminating the waste from the body and promoting overall health.