Why You Need to Take Cold Showers
*I need to preface this post by saying this is directed towards those with no underlying health issues. If you are unsure whether or not this is a good idea for you, please talk to your primary health care provider first.*
Cold showers. If that sounds like an oxymoron, then this post if for you. Alex is the one who got me into taking them. At first, I thought he was crazy. However, there are actually many benefits to taking cold showers and might be something you should consider. Here's why -
Using water to benefit your health is nothing new. The technical term for it is "hydrotherapy." Healthline.com lists these as the main benefits of taking cold showers: increases endorphins, helps improve metabolism, improves circulation and helps fight off common illnesses. Let's look at these a little more in depth.
Endorphins - Also called "feel-good" chemicals. A clinical trial revealed taking a cold shower for up to 5 minutes, 2 or 3 times a week, was shown to relieve symptoms of depression. WebMD says endorphins can trigger a positive feeling that is similar to morphine. Ever heard of a "runner's high?" While there are conflicting articles about the scientific cause of a runner's high, it is safe to say the endorphins after a workout or run attribute to that feeling of euphoria. In short, endorphins are fun.
Metabolism - This can be a tricky one, because the generally accepted idea of what metabolism is, is actually wrong. I have been guilty of it myself. I used to say "If I had my husband's metabolism, I could lose weight a lot faster." According to Mayo Clinic, metabolism is "the bodily processes needed to maintain life." While there can be differences in how effective one person's body is at these "bodily processes" compared to another, what you eat, how much you eat, and exercise all play a much bigger role in weight. So while cold showers can help improve all of the ways your body works to keep you living, this is not to say it can replace a good diet and regular exercise!
Circulation - The National Center for Biotechnology describes the blood circulatory system, or the cardiovascular system, as what delivers nutrients and oxygen to all cells in the body. Why wouldn't you want to improve that? This also ties into the last one.
Helps Fight Common Illnesses - Niveinclinic.com says with good circulation, white blood cells in your immune system will be transported around your body as needed, thus helping your immune system. There is also something called leukocytes, which help fight infection in the body. Healthline says the shock of cold water in the bloodstream stimulates these leukocytes, helping your body resist common illnesses like the cold or flu.
Now, don't get me wrong. I am not saying all of your showers should be cold. Hot showers have their benefits, too. Personally, I like to take a cold shower in the morning, after my run or workout. It helps my muscles recover faster and gives me a nice energy boost to start my day. Then, in the evening, a hot shower helps me relax and wind down for a good night's sleep.
If you would like an idea of what my workouts look like each day, be sure to follow me on Instagram @okto21k
Talk soon!
Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist or a certified trainer. All opinions expressed in my posts are simply to share my fitness journey and what has worked for me. You are encouraged to seek the advice of a medical professional before starting any exercise program.
1 comments
Brrrr!
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