We take showers every day. Some of us like it luke warm, others like it scalding.
But have you ever met anyone who enjoys a freezing splash of cold water when they turn on the showerhead?
Well, experts say a cold shower may just change your life.
Dr Majdoline Jayoushe, a specialist in internal medicine and associate professor at Mount Sinai says cold showers are a like a ‘shock’ to your system.
Distracting your body from unpleasant thoughts and helping you get ‘out of your head’.
So, cold showers offer a certain mental health benefit for those brave enough to try them. But that’s not all.
Studies have found that cold showers offer a wealth of benefits.
This includes fighting off depression, reducing pain and inflammation, increasing endorphins, improving circulation and even promoting weight loss.
Dr Mahammad Juber, who has specialised in pharmacology also says that cold showers can also have a beautifying effect, helping tighten the pores and give shine to hair.
But if you fear having to freeze your butt off for 10 minutes or longer, worry not.
A 2016 study found that 30 to 90 seconds is enough for a cold shower to have work its magic. particularly on your immune system, helping you stave off those sick days.
Time to take the plunge
Cold showers or cold plunges are not just a staple for athletes.
You can also try them at home to enjoy the many benefits of doing so.
But that is not to say that hot showers don’t have their fair share of benefits, too.
Hot showers help with muscle relaxation, clearing out nasal passages, and clear out skin blemishes.
But too much can dry out the skin, causing conditions like eczema to worsen.
If you want to try out cold showers, do so slowly and with gradual decreases of temperature.
However, if you have certain respiratory challenges like asthma, cardiovascular conditions, hypertension; or other heart-related issues, consult with a doctor before trying cold showers.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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