The Coolest Trend: Cold Shower!

We all know how relaxing a shower with hot or warm water can be. But there are other things our souls need besides relaxation.

What are they?
To feel energetic, full of life and strong.

The way to feel like this is actually through a simple, simple application:
A good shower with cold water.

Don’t just say a cold shower; experts say that a cold shower, even for a few minutes, acts as a physical, mental and spiritual therapy and helps you to feel good in general.

 

Why Can a Cold Shower be Good for You?

First of all, we have to say that a cold shower is not a treatment for any illness and there is not enough research to say for sure what the benefits of a cold shower are.

However, based on the research, we can give you the following information about the benefits of taking a cold shower.

 

It Can Boost Your Immunity to Colds

Switching from a hot shower to a cold one – even for a few minutes – can protect you from circulating viruses. The shock of cold water can stimulate infection-fighting blood cells (leukocytes). A Dutch study found that people who took cold showers for 30, 60 or 90 seconds over 90 days were 29 per cent less likely to get sick than those who did not take cold showers. (1)

 

It May Help with the Symptoms of Depression

There is little research on the effects of cold water therapy on depression. However, the research that does exist shows some positive results. In one clinical trial, participants who took daily cold showers for several months reported a reduction in symptoms of depression. (2)

 

It May Help Improve Your Circulation

Cold water puts a strain on your body – your body goes into ‘survival mode’ and works hard to maintain core temperature. This in turn stimulates your body to increase blood flow.

Dr Sharon Hame, an orthopaedic surgeon at UCLA Health, says that a cold shower increases blood flow, and the circulating blood is delivered in its fresh, oxygenated state to the parts of the body that need healing.

 

Stimulates the Metabolism

Your body uses energy to stay warm in a cold shower. The result can be a small amount of calories burned and an increased metabolism. Now that we have said this, please do not think about throwing your healthy eating and exercise plan in the bin! Exercise and proper nutrition are our basic needs…

 

Reduces Inflammation and Can Prevent Muscle Soreness

Cold temperatures cause your blood vessels to constrict (vasoconstriction). When this happens, the blood, which is also enriched with oxygen and nutrients, moves towards the centre of your body and your vital organs.

When your body warms up again, the blood vessels dilate (vasodilatation) and oxygen-rich blood reaches your tissues. This helps to reduce inflammation, which is one of the causes of soreness that can occur a few days after exercise.

 

So How Do We Start?

First of all, be patient and let your body get used to cold showers step by step.

1. Once you have your shower as cold as you are used to it, gradually reduce the water temperature.
2. As you get used to the gradual cooling of the water, make the shower as cold as possible.
3. Start with 30 seconds of cold water. Work your way up to one minute, and so on, until you have a cold shower for two to three minutes.
4. Alternate hot and cold: Alternate between warm, hot and cold water. Finish with cold water.
5. Listen to your body. Give it time to adjust to cold water.

If you have a heart condition or skin problems, consult your doctor before using.