Benefits Of Taking Cold Showers
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- October 11, 2021
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Cold showers require you to use water of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is an integral part of hydrotherapy, also known as water therapy, offering a wide range of therapeutic benefits. Numerous research studies have highlighted the health benefits of cold showers. Read on!
Reduces Depressive Symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 10% of people in the United States suffer from major depressive disorders. Many people take antidepressants, such as SSRIs, to treat depression. However, medication can cause side effects, such as anxiousness, indigestion, blurred vision, dizziness, and weight loss.
On the other hand, cold showers are a part of the holistic health strategy.
One study highlights that cold showers can reduce depressive symptoms if taken for five minutes at least 2-3 times a week. Besides, cold water generates electrical impulses in your central nervous system and causes your brain to release serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins.
Improves Metabolic Processes
The human body naturally contains brown fat. However, your sedentary lifestyle, including a lack of exercise and an imbalanced diet, can lead to the accumulation of white fat in your body. As a result, you will have increased risks of developing chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
A 2009 research study shows that brown fat optimizes a person’s overall health and wellbeing, and cold temperature can activate the brown fat mechanism or utilization in the body. However, it is crucial to modify your lifestyle and adopt healthy ways.
It is because brown fat alone can’t help you lose weight. A 2014 study highlights that cold showers or hydrotherapy can increase metabolism and play a role in combating obesity over time. Therefore, researchers recommend taking at least 2-3 cold showers.
Not only do cold showers optimize hormones in your body, but it also stimulates the healing process, particularly in your gastrointestinal system. Remember, optimal gut health is directly proportional to streamlined metabolic processes, leading to weight loss.
Increase Blood Circulation
Although immersing your body in cold water is an uncomfortable experience for many people, cold water can enhance your circulatory system and increase blood circulation to vital organs, including the brain, heart, liver, skin, and even kidneys.
Coldwater also rejuvenates your skin and makes it appear more youthful. Besides, taking cold showers can speed up the healing process after an injury. Although more research is needed, some evidence shows that cold water can soothe inflammation in a bruised or torn muscle.
Taking a cold shower numbs the area around your muscles, increases oxygenated blood supply, and nutrients to the injured area for effective and quick healing. Thus, it protects your body from experiencing inflammatory-related disorders.
Strengthens Immunity
The immune system is the most important component of your body that fights external pathogens and microbes, including viruses, bacteria, etc. Taking cold showers a few times a week can stimulate your white blood cells to help fight the cold, flu, and infections.
A research study published on NCBI states that cold showers can reduce the risk of cancer development by making your body more resistant to carcinogenic substances. A clinical trial study reports that taking cold showers can improve people’s overall health.
Final Words
Enhancing your body’s functions holistically is essential because it connects your body and mind, ensuring these two work in coordination and boost your wellbeing.
Cold showers are a part of a holistic health approach, offering a wide range of benefits, including physical and mental health wellbeing.