Cold Showers for Weight Loss, Immunity, and Better Sleep
Showering is a part of personal hygiene. If it is a cold shower, there is nothing like it to wake you up completely! The thought of a cold shower may make your teeth chatter, but it is beneficial for your health.
Benefits of cold showers
Cold water showers are also known as cold water therapy or hydrotherapy and have myriad benefits.
1) Circulation: Cold showers constrict the blood vessels (vasoconstriction), thereby aiding the movement of blood towards our vital organs. Thereafter, as our body warms, our blood vessels dilate, leading to improved blood circulation in our body.
2) Immunity: Cold showers stimulate the production of white blood cells that are beneficial for staving off infections and diseases. The natural defence system, i.e. immune system, is activated, making us less prone to contracting infections/illness.
3) Metabolism: Cold showers trigger the brown adipose tissue (BAT), aka brown fat, which burns calories and produces heat. This enhances our metabolism and may lead to weight loss.
4) Energy: Cold showers stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the ‘fight-or-flight’ mechanism. They energise us and increase our alertness, making us charged and ready to take on the world.
5) Inflammation: Cold showers have anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate the swelling and inflammation of joints and muscles. A cold shower after exercise reduces soreness and aids in faster recovery, and is greatly preferred by athletes.
6) Skin & hair: Cold showers preserve the natural oils of our body, close our pores, and tighten our skin, restricting the entrance of dirt and bacteria, which prevent acne and other skin-related issues. Hair becomes stronger as the cuticles are constricted by the cold shower.
7) Tolerance: Cold showers acclimate our body to tolerating cold temperatures and reduce the risk of contracting cold-related issues and discomfort. They are beneficial for people residing /working in areas with cold climates.
8) Cognitive functions: Cold showers stimulate our nervous system and accelerate our heart rate, make us more alert and improve our cognitive functions. As a result, our focus, concentration and mental clarity levels are boosted throughout the day.
9) Mood: Cold showers release hormones like endorphins that improve our mood, and the sudden impact of the cold water distracts us from negative thoughts, anxiety and depression.
10) Sleep: A cold shower before bed reduces our body temperature, thereby making us sleep peacefully and regulating our sleep cycle.
Pointers for a cold shower
Every individual reacts differently to a cold shower. While it may be bearable for some, it may be unbearable for others. Here are a few pointers
- Gentle adjustment: This is tried and tested – begin with a warm shower and switch over to cold water for the last few seconds, and gradually increase the duration of the cold water over a period. This gradual adjustment helps you adjust better to the cold water.
- Breathe: Before plunging into the cold shower, breathe! Deep breaths make you adjust better and reduce the shock of the cold water.
- Sensitivity: Your arms and legs are less sensitive and better able to feel the impact of the cold water than the chest and back. So, begin with exposing your arms and legs first.
- Timer: You can set a timer for the length of your cold shower, which will increase your tolerance towards it.
- Motivate: Recall the benefits of cold showers, like improved health and energy, to motivate yourself.
- Warmth: It is essential to warm your body after a cold shower to avoid any shock to your system or hypothermia.
- Consistent: The regularity and consistency of your cold showers will increase your tolerance and make you adapt better to them.
Care
Cold showers have their benefits but may not be suitable for all, like people with cardiovascular issues/lung conditions/arthritis, pregnant women, among others.
Always consult your medical practitioner to avoid any health complications resulting from taking cold showers.
