If you are like most people, you have probably experienced squeezing yourself in the corner of your shower because you’ve accidentally turned the water too cold. But do you know that you are doing your health a favor by having a cold shower? First of all, you need to realize that there is nothing special about hot showers. Yes, warm baths have their health benefits, too, but so do cold baths.
A Cold Shower Helps Burn Fat
It may sound surprising, but a cold shower can actually encourage weight loss. You see, our body depends on two types of fat: white fat and brown fat. Most people are familiar with white fat since it is the type of fat that we all struggle to get rid of. Brown fat, on the other hand, is not as popular, but that doesn’t make it less important. On the contrary, brown fat is the type of fat you want to keep, because when activated due to cold, it starts to burn calories to keep your body warm.
A Cold Shower Can Improve Your Mood
Feeling a little bit down and blue? Why not take a cold shower to lighten up? As cold water touches your skin, your breathing deepens as a way for your body to keep warm. This results to more oxygen being pumped into your brain, improving your mood.
A Cold Shower Can Boost Your Immunity
A lot of people may think otherwise, but a cold shower can actually boost your immune system and help your body fight off flus and colds. Researches from Czech Republic observed that individuals who immerse themselves in cold water three times each week has a significant increase in white blood cell count. White blood cells are responsible for consuming pathogens as well as eliminating bacteria and fighting toxins and viruses. If you are prone to getting colds, it would make sense to consider taking a cold shower at least once a week to give your immune system a boost.
Also Read: Health Benefits of Cold Vs. Hot Showers – Which is Better?
A Cold Shower Revitalizes Your Hair and Skin
The explanation for this can be quite straightforward – taking hot showers frequently can dry your skin and hair. Taking cold showers, on the other hand, can tighten your skin pores and cuticles. This prevents dirt from accumulating on the skin and the base of the hair, keeping both fresh and young looking all the time.
A Cold Shower Speeds Up Muscle Recovery
Since cold baths can help improve circulation, it makes sense that they can help speed up recovery of sore muscles after a strenuous physical activity. A 2009 study by Massachusetts Medical Society has found out that a 24-minute cold shower is effective in relieving muscle soreness after exercise. A cold shower is especially effective when dealing with delayed-onset muscle soreness.
A Cold Shower Keeps You Alert
Getting out of bed in the morning can be real challenge for most people. Feelings of grogginess and sleepiness more than enough to convince you to go back to sleep. If staying alert after waking up in the morning is a constant struggle for you, perhaps it’s time for you turn down the heat in the shower. Researcher from Virginia Commonwealth University suggests that cold water can help activate the brain’s noradrenaline source, also known as the “blue spot.” Noradrenaline is the chemical responsible for cognitive alertness. This means that taking a cold shower can significantly increases your alertness and focus.
A Cold Shower Can Increase Your Testosterone Levels
Need to get your juices flowing? Studies show that taking a cold shower regularly can increase your testosterone levels. Apparently, it also increases libido. Not only that – cold showers can also increase a man’s overall strength and energy level.
No wonder the ice bucket challenge became an instant hit! If you’re looking for a cheap and convenient way to lose weight, boost your immune system, and stay looking and feeling young, try a cold shower today.
Books on Cold Showers
Your First Cold Shower – Rejuvenate Your Life and Stay Healthy
Cold Showering 101 – Master the Art of Cold Showering for Your Happiness, Health & Wellbeing
The Life Changing Secrets of Cold Showers
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