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Cold shower vs hot shower: Which is better for your health?

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Healthy 18/03/2023 3 Views

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Both cold shower and hot shower can offer a variety of health benefits, depending on your goals, specific health concerns, and personal preferences. Let’s dive into the perks of each type, so you can decide which one suits you best.

Cold shower: Wake up and feel refreshed

Cold showers can be a bit of a shock at first, but they come with some impressive health benefits:

1. Boost your immune system: Cold showers can increase white blood cell production, helping your body fight off illness more effectively.
2. Lift your mood: Feeling a bit down? A cold shower can improve your mental state by increasing blood circulation and oxygenation.
3. Improve circulation: Cold showers help your body maintain its internal temperature by constricting superficial blood vessels, which can prevent high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.
4. Help treat depression: Cold showers may increase endorphin levels, promoting feelings of well-being. However, more research is needed, and they should not replace medical treatments.
5. Ease muscle pain: Post-workout soreness? Cold showers can reduce inflammation and aid muscle recovery.
6. Speed up metabolism: Cold showers can help burn calories by forcing your body to work harder to stay warm.
7. Keep skin healthy: Cold showers won’t strip away natural skin oils, and they can help reduce redness and itching for people with certain skin conditions.
8. Protect your hair: Cold water helps your hair retain natural oils, keeping it soft, smooth, and hydrated.

Hot shower: Relax and unwind Hot showers are great for relaxation and offer their own set of health benefits:

1. Relieve respiratory problems: Steam from a hot shower can help clear congestion and soothe irritated airways.
2. Improve sleep: A hot shower before bed can help you relax, reduce stress, and fall asleep faster.
3. Relax muscles: Hot water increases blood flow, helping to ease muscle pain and tension.
4. Remove skin toxins: Hot showers open up your pores, allowing for a deeper clean.
5. Relieve migraines: Better blood flow can help reduce headache and migraine pain.

So, which one should you choose? It depends on your personal preferences and the specific benefits you’re looking for. You can even alternate between hot and cold showers to enjoy the best of both worlds. Experiment with different temperatures and find the perfect balance for you!

References

• VAN DER LANS, Anouk A. J. J.; et al. Cold acclimation recruits human brown fat and increases nonshivering thermogenesis. J Clin Invest. 123. 8; 3395–3403, 2013
• BUTTS, Cory L. et al. Physiologic and Perceptual Responses to Cold-Shower Cooling After Exercise-Induced Hyperthermia. Journal of Athletic Training. Vol 51. 3 ed; 252-257, 2016

• MOOVENTHAN, A.; NIVETHITHA, L. Scientific Evidence-Based Effects of Hydrotherapy on Various Systems of the Body. N Am J Med Sci. 2014;6(5):199–209. doi:10.4103/1947-2714.132935. Vol 6. 5 ed; 199-209, 2014
• Chris M Bleakley1, Gareth W Davison2. What is the biochemical and physiological rationale for using cold-water immersion in sports recovery? A systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine. Vol 44. 179-187, 2010
• HINKKA, H. et al. Effects of Cold Mist Shower on Patients With Inflammatory Arthritis: A Crossover Controlled Clinical Trial. Scand J Rheumatol. Vol 46. 3 ed; 206-209, 2017
• HIGGING, Trevor R.; GREENE, David A.; BAKER, Michael K. Effects of Cold Water Immersion and Contrast Water Therapy for Recovery From Team Sport. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. Vol 31. 5 ed; 1443-1460, 2017
• BUJIZE, Geert A. et al. The Effect of Cold Showering on Health and Work: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PLoS One. Vol 11. 6 ed; 2016
• SHEVCHUK, Nikolai A. Adapted Cold Shower as a Potential Treatment for Depression. Med Hypotheses. Vol 70. 5 ed; 995-1001, 2008