Most of us love a hot shower to start or end our day, but did you know that switching up the temperature of your shower could benefit your health in numerous ways? Experts recommend alternating between hot and cold water to reap the benefits of both temperatures.
The benefits of cold showers and cryotherapy
Studies have shown that exposure to cold water can decrease inflammation, muscle soreness, and pain. Cryotherapy, which uses extremely cold temperatures, has also been found to reduce swelling, increase blood flow to vital organs, and aid in muscle recovery.
Mitchell Diamond, the founder of the Sydney Cryo Spa Clinic, said that cryotherapy is suitable for everyone from athletes to arthritis patients. “The most common health benefit from cryotherapy is the reduction of inflammation, anti-aging, and muscle recovery,” he said.
The benefits of hot showers and infrared saunas
Hot showers and infrared saunas have numerous benefits as well. They have been found to improve brain health, sleep quality, and blood flow to the muscles. Infrared saunas promote cardiovascular conditioning, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. Exposure to hot temperatures can also help soothe sore muscles and joints and aid in muscle recovery.
According to Mitchell, everyone can benefit from infrared saunas. “While you are in the infrared sauna, your body is working hard at producing sweat, pumping blood, and burning calories,” he said. “It drastically reduces your chances of any heart issues in the future.”
Over the last two years, I’ve added Cold Showers to my morning routine.
Cold showers have become increasingly popular in recent years, with proponents claiming that they offer a range of health benefits. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of cold showers, there is some evidence to suggest that they may offer several benefits to both physical and mental health.
For myself, I noticed a significant improvement in my immunity, especially when combined with the use of an infrared sauna. Aside from the common cold, maybe two times over the last three years, I’ve stayed healthy.
My energy has increased as well as my endurance. I run every morning and play hockey once a week and noticed a quicker recovery time.
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Please note that all these routines/habits I discuss throughout my journey were added incrementally over time. Remember, personal growth is not a race, it’s a marathon. We get better over time, one rep, one second, one habit at a time.
Here are a few potential health benefits of cold showers:
- Boosts immunity: Cold water can help to boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells. These cells are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases.
- Increases circulation: Cold water can increase circulation by constricting blood vessels and forcing blood to flow more efficiently through the body. This can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to cells more quickly, which can improve overall health.
- Reduces inflammation: Cold water can help to reduce inflammation by constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling. This can be especially beneficial for people with chronic inflammation or autoimmune conditions.
- Increases mental clarity: Cold water can help to improve mental clarity and alertness by increasing blood flow to the brain. This can make it easier to focus and stay on task.
- Increases endurance: Cold water can increase endurance by forcing the body to work harder to maintain its core temperature. This can help to improve physical performance and increase overall fitness.
- Promotes healthy skin: Cold water can help to tighten pores, which can improve the overall appearance of the skin. Cold water can also help to reduce redness and inflammation, which can be beneficial for people with acne or other skin conditions.
- Increases energy: Cold water can help to increase energy levels by stimulating the production of adrenaline and other hormones. This can help to boost mood and improve overall well-being.
Another area Cold showers have become increasingly popular due to their potential health benefits, includes weight loss. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of cold showers on weight loss, there is some evidence to suggest that they may help to boost metabolism by activating brown fat, which is responsible for burning calories to generate heat.
Additionally, exposure to cold water may also increase the production of hormones like adrenaline, which can help to mobilize fat stores for energy. Incorporating cold showers into your routine may be a simple and refreshing way to support your weight loss goals.
- Buijze, G. A., Sierevelt, I. N., Van Der Heijden, B. C., Dijkgraaf, M. G., & Frings-Dresen, M. H. (2016). The effect of cold showering on health and work: A randomized controlled trial. PloS one, 11(9), e0161749. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0161749
This study investigated the effects of cold showering on health and work in 3018 participants. The results suggest that taking cold showers may have a positive impact on weight loss, as well as improving physical and mental health.
It’s important to note that cold showers may not be suitable for everyone, and it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before making any major changes to your routine. However, for those who are able to tolerate them, cold showers may offer a range of potential health benefits.
Both hot and cold showers can have significant health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving muscle recovery, and promoting better sleep. To get the most out of these benefits, try alternating between hot and cold water, and consider incorporating cryotherapy and infrared saunas into your routine.
