Water temperature below 70°F, or 21°C, is considered a ‘cold shower. Many people around the world swear by the benefits of cold showers for better health. People have been using hydrotherapy for a long time. They use it to take advantage of the human body’s ability to adapt to harsh conditions. As a result, our bodies become more resistant to stress.
Cold showers are not the main source of treatment for any condition or ailment. That said, they could help with symptom relief and general well-being.
Here, we outline some of the benefits of cold showers for better health.
One of the benefits of cold showers is increased endorphins levels
Depression affects 10 percent of American adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2 to 3 cold showers per week, for up to 5 minutes, can reduce depression symptoms.
For those suffering from depression, hydrotherapy can work in a similar way to gentle electroshock therapy. The cold water sends lots of electrical signals to the brain. These signals jolt the system and increase clarity, alertness, and energy levels.
One of the benefits of cold showers is that they release endorphins. The brain releases endorphins, also known as happiness hormones when the electrical impulses reach it. These hormones lead to feelings of optimism and general well-being.
Helps improve metabolism
While white fat contributes to obesity, heart disease, and other conditions, brown fat is inherent to each of us. Researchers have discovered that brown fat has an important role in adult health. A healthy level of brown fat is an indicator that white fat will also be at a healthy level.
Furthermore, brown fat is activated by exposure to cold temperatures.
This doesn’t mean that overweight people can take cold showers and lose weight – not without changing lifestyle habits. But a cold shower, 2 or 3 times a week, can help increase a person’s metabolism. A higher metabolism can help with weight loss over time.
Among the benefits of cold showers is improved circulation
Improved circulation is another of the benefits of cold showers. It can be uncomfortable to stand under a cold shower, but it can also be invigorating. This is because water that is below our natural body temperature forces the body to work a little harder to maintain its core temperature.
With regular use, cold showers can make the circulatory system more efficient. Athletes have known of this particular benefit for some time, even though we have only seen data that supports cold water therapy for recuperating after a sports injury.
A cooler environment allows for faster delivery of warm, oxygen-rich blood to an area. This speeds up recovery time. Some people could benefit from cold shower therapy as a way to help blood mover their body more quickly. This could be beneficial to people with diabetes, poor circulation, and high blood pressure.
Helps fight off common illnesses
To survive, the human body is designed to become resistant to external elements. For instance, something called leukocytes helps to fight infection in the body. Coldwater hitting the body stimulates the body’s leukocytes to take action. Ironically cold showers can boost your resistance to common illnesses such as colds and the flu.
It has been suggested that cold showers could make the body more resistant to certain cancers. Those people preparing for surgery, or other disease treatment, that could lead to decreased immunity may want to begin cold water therapy in preparation.
Documentation and research support the benefits of cold showers for optimal health, but acclimating to them is a process Try lowering the temperature of your showers over a while, rather than jumping straight in.
