Any shower with a temperature of less than 70 degrees F is considered cold. Cold shower benefits start with hydrotherapy (also known as water therapy), which uses water to help our bodies adapt to harsher environments. It has been used since ancient times. As a result, our bodies are more resilient against stress.

Although cold showers may not be the best treatment for every condition, they can help with symptom relief and overall well-being. Below are some cold shower benefits.

Increases endorphins

Depression affects at minimum 10 percent of American adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many different medications can treat depression, depending on how severe or long-lasting the symptoms are. Hydrotherapy is a holistic treatment option that’s growing in popularity. A clinical study found that a cold shower of up to five minutes per day can help with depression symptoms.

Cold showers can work as a gentle form of electroshock therapy for people suffering from depression. Cold water can send many electrical impulses to the brain. They stimulate your body to increase energy, alertness, and clarity. Endorphins, also known as happiness hormones, are also released. This causes feelings of optimism and well-being.

Improves Metabolism

While white fat is often associated with heart disease and obesity, we were born with brown fat. Researchers discovered that brown fat plays a significant role in adult health. Healthy levels of brown fat indicate that white fat is at a healthy level too. Exposure to cold temperatures activates brown fat.

Obese people cannot simply take cold showers to lose weight. They need to change their lifestyle. However, a cold shower two to three times per week can help increase metabolism. Over time, it may be able to help fight obesity. According to research, it is not clear how cold showers can help people lose weight. It is known that cold water can balance certain hormones and heal the digestive system, leading to weight loss.

Improves circulation

Although it may feel uncomfortable to immerse our bodies in cold water, it can also be incredibly refreshing. Because water that is colder than our body’s natural temperature makes the body work harder to maintain its core temperatures, cold showers can improve the efficiency of our circulatory system if used regularly. People often report that their skin looks healthier after taking cold showers. This is likely due to improved circulation.

Athletes have known the benefits of cold showers for many years, even though we only recently discovered data supporting cold water as a treatment for sports injuries. It is the same reason ice reduces inflammation when we bruise or tear muscles. To speed up the delivery and warming of fresh oxygenated blood, it is necessary to lower the temperature of an area. This speeds up the recovery process. People may find cold showers beneficial if they need to move their blood more quickly. These include people who have poor circulation, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

Helps fight off common illnesses

Our bodies are built to resist the elements we are exposed to. Leukocytes, for example, are responsible for fighting infection. The shock of cold water can stimulate leukocytes.

One study found that cold showers might make your body more resistant to certain types of cancers. Another study showed that cold showers made people less likely to call out of work.

Cold showers are recommended for people who are getting ready to undergo surgery or any other treatment that may decrease immunity.

Limits And Risks Of Cold Showers

Cold showers don’t magically cure all conditions. They are meant to be used in addition to traditional treatments and not as a replacement.

People taking medication to treat their mental health shouldn’t abruptly stop taking their medications. Likewise, cold showers should never be used as a substitute for treatment prescribed by their doctor.

Do not use cold showers if you feel sick, have recently been released from the hospital, or have other immune system problems. The cold shower habit can be beneficial for most people, but it takes some getting used to. Adapting to cold showers can cause some physical and mental discomfort.

The Bottom Line Of Cold Shower Benefits

The best way to take a cool shower is to make it your habit.

Begin by gradually lowering the temperature after a regular shower. You should get the water to a temperature that is starting to feel uncomfortable. Then, stay under the water for at least 2 or 3 minutes. You can reduce your discomfort by breathing deeply. Make the water slightly colder next time you do this exercise. Make sure you can last at least a minute longer in the colder water. After doing this exercise 7-10 times, you may find that you can turn the hot water off.

Combine the cold shower benefits with the benefits of regular exercise. It will improve your physical health dramatically.

Learn more about cold shower benefits for men here.