Hot shower or cold shower: Which is healthier?
Some recommend hot showers for a relaxing feeling, while others recommend cold showers for their energizing and anti-inflammatory effects. It's important to understand the effects of each and evaluate their benefits. WHY SHOWER HOT? Hot showers feel like a warm embrace. Besides providing calm and soothing sensations, they also offer numerous health benefits. First and foremost, they improve circulation and soothe sore muscles. Their benefits extend beyond that.
Exposure to hot water has a profound effect on your circulatory system. When your body is exposed to high temperatures, your blood vessels widen (a process known as vasodilation), promoting better blood flow. This improved circulation can help lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and improve the function of your muscles and arteries.
Hot showers are healthier for those suffering from colds, allergies, or sinusitis. Hot showers act as a natural decongestant, opening airways, loosening phlegm, and clearing mucus from our bodies. While not a permanent solution, they provide temporary relief from nasal and sinus congestion. MUSCLE RELAXATION AND PAIN RELIEF Most of us have heard of hot water compresses or warm water therapy. This is because hot water dilates blood vessels, increasing oxygen flow throughout the body and relaxing sore or tense muscles, especially after an intense workout. Expert advice: Add a spoonful of salt to the water for maximum benefits.
Have you ever heard old people say, “Take a long cold shower and you’ll feel that instant burst of energy”? Turns out, they were right! Cold showers boost our energy levels and make us more alert. But they have other benefits too. BOOSTS IMMUNITY It’s a common belief that cold showers boost immunity. A study in the Netherlands found that people who switched to cold showers called in sick from work 29% less often than those who didn’t. FIGHTS DEPRESSION While there’s limited evidence on this, it’s believed that cold showers can act as “therapy” for the body. In one clinical study, participants who took cold showers daily for several months reported a decrease in symptoms of depression. Other studies also show that cold showers can improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Our bodies expend energy trying to warm up in a cold shower. The result may be a small calorie burn and a boosted metabolism. However, don't plan to immediately abandon your healthy eating and exercise plan; research on this benefit is limited. Cold air constricts our blood vessels, and when this happens, our body's vital organs are mobilized, and the blood is naturally oxygenated in the process. Each type of shower has its own unique benefits. Whether hot or cold, choosing any type of shower should be done considering your current health, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
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