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Are cold showers good for you?
Thanks for asking.
Even during the summer, the mere idea of taking an ice cold shower may well be enough to give you the shivers.
After all, the soothing feeling of warm water running over skin is what most people prefer.
But a lot of social media content creators claim to have reaped health benefits from taking cold showers.
They tend to talk about blood circulation, skin quality and the immune system.
So, do their claims have any basis in fact?
Or are they just seeking attention?
What's the impact on blood circulation?
When exposed to cold water, blood vessels constrict in order to conserve heat in a process called vasoconstriction.
As you adapt to the cold, your body starts to warm itself by increasing blood flow to vital organs and muscles.
This process, known as vasodilation, promotes better circulation throughout the body.
Improved blood circulation can help reduce muscle soreness, alleviate symptoms of certain circulatory conditions and may even contribute to healthier skin.
So, while that initial shock of cold water may be uncomfortable, it can ultimately lead to enhanced blood circulation and its associated benefits.
What's more, vasoconstriction also improves the lymphatic system.
Lymph is responsible for collecting cell waste and returning it to the vascular system, promoting the elimination of toxins.
It's also said that cold showers are good for mental health.
Is that true?
A study published by the University of Wroclaw in Poland in 2008 found that exposure to cold increased the secretion of endorphins neurotransmitters that trigger a sense of well-being.
That may explain why scientists in Nordic countries recommend taking ice baths to boost morale.
Other research has indeed shown cryotherapy to be effective against mood disorders and anxiety.
Cold showers also allow for better stress resistance.
They induce a hermetic stress response in the body which is like a small cardio session, since the heart accelerates in response to the cold.
This can have long-term beneficial effects as the body gradually strengthens.
Can cold showers be harmful to the body?
Cold showers can have potential drawbacks if not approached with caution.
The primary concern is the risk of hypothermia, particularly in extremely cold water or for prolonged durations.
Hypothermia can lead to serious health issues.
There's also a slight risk of fainting for people with heart problems.
However, for most healthy individuals short, controlled cold showers are generally safe and offer the various health benefits we've talked about.
If you decide to try a cold shower for the first time, Start out by gradually dropping the water temperature to 15 degrees Celsius, which will help your body get used to the cold sensation.
For your initial attempt, keep the shower short, around 2 to 3 minutes to avoid overexposure.
Focus on your breathing, taking slow and deep breaths to help your body adjust to the sudden cold.
There you have it!
Now you know whether cold showers are good for you.
In under three minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines.
Listen along and you will really know for sure.
