Cold showers are any showers with a water temperature below 70°F. They may have health benefits. Water therapy (also called hydrotherapy) has been used for centuries to take advantage of our body’s tendency to adapt to harsher conditions.
Cold showers are not a main source of treatment for any condition, but they may help improve symptom relief and general well-being. Check out the benefits of a cold shower below.
Helps fight depression symptoms
When our bodies are exposed to cold water, our brains release endorphins due to the stress, she explains. This may promote healthier brain development and improve mental health. More studies need to be done, however, to suggest that cold water can cure depression.
Reduce inflammation and swelling
Cold water exposure may spike concentrations of stress hormones in our system, which is known to increase the levels of anti-inflammatory biomarkers in our systems. This, she says, can help reduce inflammation and ward off infections.
Reduce chronic pain in joints and muscles
It’s also all a mental game. Health expert says that when we’re exposed to very cold temperatures (think anywhere between 40 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit) through cold water exposure, it can cause our stress hormones to surge, which can help reduce pain perception. She points to a study that found swimmers who swam in cold temperatures for 12 weeks had a substantial increase in the neurotransmitter in our brains that increases alertness and attention, called norepinephrine. When there is an increase of norepinephrine levels, it can lead to blood vessel constriction and may contribute to us thinking we’re experiencing less pain, she says. She says that cold water exposure may also reduce blood flow to the brain, alter our level of consciousness, and act as a distraction that can reroute pain neurotransmitters so we experience less pain.
Boost your immune system
Even for brief periods, she says that the stress response we experience during cold showers can have a significant impact on the immune system. Jayoushe points to studies that showed those who went for a cold water swim found that their white blood cell count increased, which is a sign of immune system adaptation to stress. Studies also showed that cold water exposure leads to 40% fewer upper respiratory tract infections in people who regularly incorporate this into their routine.
Improve metabolism
Cold showers are shown to possibly help improve our metabolism. She points to studies done with mice that show a strong correlation between cold exposure and weight loss. And though similar studies done with humans are inconclusive, she says that it is known that thermal stress due to cold water exposure helps generate energy and heat (a.k.a. increase our brown fat) to increase our metabolism and break down blood glucose and fat molecules.
Reduce the appearance of pores and help treat acne
Other potential health benefits for the skin include the temporary reduction in the appearance of pores and puffiness due to blood vessels constricting in the skin, which promotes healthier glowing skin as a result of improved blood circulation.
Promote overall improved health
Cold showers can help in many aspects of your general health. Jayoushe lists the following health issues and needs: cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, the risk of chronic cardiometabolic diseases (such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes), stress hormones, and boosting endorphins to improve mental health conditions.
