Experts say that showers, whether hot or cold offer different benefits. Though a hot water bath reinforces cardiovascular well-being and improves sleep, a cold water shower might help reduce body pain, inflammation, and swelling. Here we will discuss some potential health benefits of taking cold water showers even in the winter season.
When the body is exposed to cold water, it discharges norepinephrine, which contains anti-inflammatory traits. Hence having a cold water bath can improve the immune system in many ways. A study reveals people who swim in cold water have an enhanced adaptation to oxidative stress. Another study shows that cold water swimming can increase the tolerance capacity of the body. A study shows that people who regularly take cold showers for prolonged time experience fewer symptoms of depression. Research reveals that a cold water bath might strengthen mood and lessen anxiety. Experts say that a cold water shower improves blood circulation in the body. When cold water touches the body, it limits the body’s surface circulation therefore, it triggers the blood in the deeper tissues to circulate faster to maintain the ideal body temperature. Cold water exposure triggers the circulatory system to lessen inflammation that can help prevent cardiovascular ailments.
People who regularly take cold water showers have greater metabolism as their brown adipose tissue or good fat is highly stimulated, that helps the body to generate heat and safeguard against colder temperatures. Stimulating good fat increases metabolism. In cold weather, usually, blood vessels are constricted, and then the blood moves to the central nervous system and other vital organs. During this course, the blood organically becomes nutrient- and oxygen-rich. When the body heats up again, the expansion of blood vessels also known as vasodilation, lets oxygenated blood draw back in tissues of the body. The blood rush in the tissues heals inflammation, which helps reduce muscle soreness that sometimes occurs after physical activity.