Looking to forgo that morning coffee to wake you up? Wanting to bolster your immune system? A cold shower in the morning could be the solution to these problems and more according to new research. A recent large-scale study in the Netherlands has revealed that people who took cold showers were less likely to take time off work due to sickness.
The study divided 3,000 participants into four groups. Three of the groups were asked to end their daily warm shower with blasts of cold water (30, 60 and 90 seconds), whilst the control group were not subjected to the blast of cold water. After a three-month follow-up period, the study found that the groups that had cold water exposure saw a 29% reduction in their absence from work.
Though the reasons are still unclear as to why the cold-water blast stops people from getting ill, some researchers suggest that it may have something to do with boosting the immune system. A study conducted in Czechia showed that being immersed in cold water three times a week led to an increased immune system response.
Cold water has also been proven to improve circulation. Cold water decreases blood flow to the skin and when stopped, the body needs to increase the amount of blood flow in order to warm up. Some scientists believe that this could lead to better circulation. One such study examined cold water immersion after exercise and saw improvements in blood flow to muscles after only four weeks.
Aside from the physical benefit of a boosted immune system, research has also shown that cold showers have mental health benefits too. Cold water immersion has been shown to increase alertness and improve brain function in adults if applied to the face and neck. Additionally, it may be beneficial to alleviate symptoms of depression due to the overwhelming electrical impulses sent to the brain.
Though there is ample evidence of the benefits of cold-water immersion, before rushing to turn on the cold tap, it would be wise to be aware of potential risks. A sudden gush of cold water is a shock to the body and could be potentially dangerous to those with heart disease or heart rhythm regularities
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
