Cold shower: How it improves your life
You may have heard that taking a shower with hot water may not be the healthiest for our body all the time. Experts suggest that you should shower with cold water every once in a while.
So what are the benefits of taking a cold shower?
Many cultures have a long history of using cold showers. A farmer by the name of Vincenz Priessnitz gave the cold shower instant notoriety in the 1920s. He claimed that the idea of a cold shower, which he popularized as a medical treatment known as hydrotherapy, was beneficial for a variety of illnesses [1].
Hydrotherapy’s appeal declined through the second half of the 20th century. Since people began to place more trust in physicians and medications. However, hydrotherapy was still used as a reliable treatment strategy.
1. Accelerates Metabolism and Loses Weight
There are 2 types of fat in our body: white and brown fat. White fat is the bad guy in our body, and brown fat is the good guy. White fat is the body fat that everyone knows and tries to get rid of. The task of brown fat is to maintain the ideal temperature of our body.
According to a 2009 study, brown fats are activated by cold temperatures [2]. These fats, which are also known as brown adipose tissue, are in charge of controlling body temperature. White fat, which makes up the majority of our body fat and stores energy if we accumulate too much of it, can cause obesity.
Our brown fat breaks down sugar and fat molecules to heat us up when our body temperature drops, along with other metabolic adjustments [3].
Your metabolic rate and energy levels are thought to increase as a result of this process, which also burns more calories.
2. Reduces Depression
You might feel happy after switching from a hot bath to a cold shower. A 2007 study by the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine discovered that taking cold showers 1–2 times per day was a successful treatment for reducing depression symptoms [4].
Although cold-water may not be exactly a cure, the outcomes seem positive for our mental health. Increased levels of beta-endorphin and noradrenaline were thought to alleviate the symptoms of depression.
3. Increases Energy and Vitality
There are many advantages to finishing your showers with cold water. Ancient samurai warriors are known to dip their heads in cold water every morning. It was a purification ritual on a spiritual level. Thus, they believed that they cleansed their souls and made a fresh start to the day. Cold shower definitely makes you more lively and energetic.
It helps boost your exercise performances. Numerous studies demonstrate the benefits of cold water therapy for improving muscle recovery and performance across a range of sports and activities. The most effective treatment is 5–15 minutes of 10–15°C water [5].
It’s crucial to remember that the ideal time frame for this therapy relies on the water’s temperature and the interval between the therapy and physically demanding activity.
4. Deepens Breathing
You will clearly feel the effect of the cold shower on your breath. A cold shower opens the lungs, allowing more oxygen to be taken. Thus, you will feel less tired and you will be less tired while doing sports.
5. Keeps Skin and Hair Healthy:
Hot water dries out the skin and hair. On the other hand, cold water makes the hair shinier and the skin healthier.
Cold water prevents the formation of acne, as it narrows the pores. It also contributes to detoxification and ensures that toxins and waste materials are removed from the skin. Thus, the skin looks cleaner and younger.
6. Stimulates the immune system
I’ve already said that taking a cold shower speeds up metabolism. Your immune system activates when your metabolism increases.
Cold showers raise the quantity of white blood cells, which help your body fight off viruses and prevent frequent illness.
Additionally, a cold shower promotes blood circulation. This offers defense against ailments including artery hardening and hypertension.
7. Strengthens the Lymph System
The lymph system fights pathogens (diseases) by removing waste materials from the body. Transport of waste materials is provided by lymph fluid. Movement of lymph fluid occurs by contraction of muscles.
The lymphatic system also works better, as a cold shower causes the muscles in the whole body to contract. Thus, waste materials are excreted from the body faster. If the lymph system does not work well, waste materials are collected at the end points of the body. This causes various health problems.
How to Start?
I found it really impossible to take a cold shower. I was having trouble since I wasn’t used to it, despite the fact that I knew how useful it was. Cold shower is good for the appearance of cellulite as it accelerates circulation. After learning this, I started to wash my legs with cold water after every shower.
However I began a 50-day challenge 48 days ago, and one of my ambitions was to live a healthier lifestyle. I made an effort to take more cold showers throughout this period. Don’t push yourself too much.
You can gradually switch from hot water to cold water. For most people, a sudden change in habits can be a great source of stress to handle. A good way to add a cold shower to your daily routine is to switch to cold water only in the last minute of your showers.
I am on the 48th day of my struggle. My skin definitely looks smoother and tighter. I also lost weight, but I added other things to my life such as diet and sports. That’s why I don’t connect them all to cold showers. But I have absolute faith in science, if researchers are talking about such benefits, it’s worth a try!
References
1. Czeranko, Susanna. “Vincent Priessnitz (1799–1851)”Integr Med (Encinitas). 18(4): 25. 2019 Aug;
2. Cypess, Aaron M et al. “Identification and importance of brown adipose tissue in adult humans.” The New England journal of medicine vol. 360,15 (2009): 1509–17. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa0810780
3. “How Brown Fat Improves Metabolism.” National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 17 Sept. 2019, www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-brown-fat-improves-metabolism.
4. Shevchuk, Nikolai A. “Adapted cold shower as a potential treatment for depression.” Medical hypotheses vol. 70,5 (2008): 995–1001. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2007.04.052
5. Versey, Nathan G., Shona L. Halson, and Brian T. Dawson. “Water immersion recovery for athletes: effect on exercise performance and practical recommendations.” Sports medicine 43.11 (2013): 1101–1130.
Thank you for taking the time and reading my post. I hope you enjoyed. I wish you all the best.
48 days ago, I started a 50-day challenge to change my life. One of my goals is in this process to share a post on Medium every day. I would appreciate it if you would support me and accompany me on my journey. I hope to see you around.
