Cold showers are reported to offer a number of physical and mental health benefits.
However, for some people, cold showers may not be safe and could cause health problems.
Exercise and dietary calorie restrictions are other examples of hormesis.
Moyo Studio/ Getty Images
Some people might benefit from daily cold showers, however, people with certain conditions should avoid them.
Some of the benefits cold showers may include:
1.
This increasedcirculationis proposed to be healthy for the body.
Stronger Immune System
The benefits of cold showers on the immune system are still being researched.
Weight Loss
Most studies on weight loss have centered on cold water immersion, not cold showers.
Cold showers may immediately improve your mood and increase energy levels, with effects similar tocaffeine.
Healthy Skin and Hair
Cold showers increase circulation and decreaseinflammation, which may improveskinandhair healthand appearance.
Disadvantages
The biggest disadvantage of cold showers is the uncomfortable sensation of cold water on the skin.
In one study, 91% of participants said they would continue daily cold showers despite the discomfort.
However, of that percentage, only 64% actually took a cold shower.
Studies have also shown that cold exposure can impair cognitive function in adults, another disadvantage of cold showers.
Pregnancy
The effects of cold showers on people who are pregnant are not well understood.
Lower Testosterone
The science is mixed on the effects of cold water on testosterone.
Other studies, however, have found that cold water immersion has little or no effect on testosterone.
Pros and Cons of Taking Hot Showers
Bathing in hot water also has pros and cons.
Some of these include:
Pros:
Cons:
What’s Better: Hot vs.
Cold showers can be stimulating and energizing, so they are often recommended earlier in the day.
Hot or warm showers open blood vessels throughout the body and can decrease muscle soreness and fatigue.
Do this for three or four cycles and end the shower with the cold phase.
How Long Should You Be in a Cold Shower?
However, the frequency of cold showers needed to see benefits will depend on your goals and tolerance.
Summary
Cold showers are purported to have many health benefits.
The main disadvantage of cold showers is that many people consider them uncomfortable.
Cold showers can also be dangerous for those with certain heart or lung conditions.
Hot and cold showers have different benefits, so one is not better than the other.
Agathokleous E, Calabrese EJ.Hormesis: The dose response for the 21st century: The future has arrived.Toxicology.
Diets, caloric restriction, and exercise-induced hormesis.Nutrition.
2022;99-100:111629. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2022.111629
World Economic Forum.Cold showers boost immune systems and increase energy levels, study shows.
Harvard Business Review.Cold showers lead to fewer sick days.
doi:10.1136/bcr-2018-225007
American Academy of Dermatology.8 ways to stop baths and showers from worsening yourpsoriasis.
American Academy of Dermatology.Dry skin: tips for managing.
Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
2012;2012(2).
2019;33(2):502-513. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000001884
MedlinePlus.Stuffy or runny nose - adult.
American Academy of Dermatology.Dry skin: Tips for managing.
2019;46:124-135. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2019.04.008
National University of Health Sciences.Hydrotherapy contrast shower.
UCLA Health.6 cold shower benefits to consider.
