Surprising health benefits of cold showers revealed by a doctor!
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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be taken as medical advice, if in doubt, you should seek advice from your trusted medical professional.
Let’s face it: forgoing the warmth of a regular, steamy shower in favour of a blast of cold water is definitely not what most of us want to do in the morning.
The thought often brings shivers to many, and for some who grew up where hot water running from the showerhead was a luxury, the last thing on our minds is turning the tap down to an ice-cold level.
But according to Dr Poonam Desai, an emergency room and lifestyle physician, we might actually be missing out on some amazing long-term health benefits that the unimaginably chilly water provides us.
Dr Desai recently shared about the science behind cold water therapy and says that we only need a quick shower of cold water 11 minutes a week to reap its health benefits such as an immunity boost, decreased inflammation, improved blood circulation, better sleep, and even reduced wrinkles!
'Did you know that exposing yourself to cold water has many health benefits?' she said.
‘I recommend about 11 minutes per week and you want to divide that up into two to three sessions of two to three minutes.’
So, what does cold water therapy involve?
It can take place in a variety of different ways. You can experiment with a cold shower or take a dip in an ice-filled bathtub, depending on your preference.
Dr Desai also shares how this routine can do wonders for your body.
'Some of the benefits of exposure include boosting collagen, so it helps increase the elasticity of our skin,' she said.
‘So if you haven’t tried cold exposure, definitely add that into your routine. It has many benefits for our overall health,’ she suggests.
Research offers further proof as to why cold showers are worth it, too. One study published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health found that soaking in cold water, specifically immersing in ice water, was found to have potentially ‘reduced or transformed’ body fat and ‘improve sensitivity to insulin’.
According to Bupa, an international healthcare company, many athletes have begun cold-water therapy due to its effectiveness in post-workout soreness.
It’s been found to reduce swelling and inflammation by causing blood vessels to constrict, much like when you apply ice to an injury.
‘Then when you hop out, the temperature difference causes a rapid change, re-opening the vessels, flushing out the muscles’ metabolic waste products and delivering oxygen and nutrients to the muscle,’ Steph, a registered nurse, said.
‘This will reduce your risk of injury next time you work out,’ she added.
In 2016, another study also discovered that those who took cold showers just 30 to 60 seconds a day for 30 days were 30 per cent less likely to call in sick for work or school compared to people who opted for warm showers.
While it may not be the most enjoyable thing to do, experts see why those willing to brave the chill might be experiencing some valuable health advantages.
You may watch Dr Desai’s full video below:
Despite the alleged health benefits of cold showers or immersion, we must note that cold showers may not be for everyone.
We reiterate that you must consult a doctor before you make any drastic changes to your routine.
Have you tried cold water therapy? Let us know in the comments below!
Let’s face it: forgoing the warmth of a regular, steamy shower in favour of a blast of cold water is definitely not what most of us want to do in the morning.
The thought often brings shivers to many, and for some who grew up where hot water running from the showerhead was a luxury, the last thing on our minds is turning the tap down to an ice-cold level.
But according to Dr Poonam Desai, an emergency room and lifestyle physician, we might actually be missing out on some amazing long-term health benefits that the unimaginably chilly water provides us.
Dr Desai recently shared about the science behind cold water therapy and says that we only need a quick shower of cold water 11 minutes a week to reap its health benefits such as an immunity boost, decreased inflammation, improved blood circulation, better sleep, and even reduced wrinkles!
Dr Desai reveals why she takes a very cold bath when showering! Image: Instagram / @doctoranddancer
'Did you know that exposing yourself to cold water has many health benefits?' she said.
‘I recommend about 11 minutes per week and you want to divide that up into two to three sessions of two to three minutes.’
So, what does cold water therapy involve?
It can take place in a variety of different ways. You can experiment with a cold shower or take a dip in an ice-filled bathtub, depending on your preference.
Dr Desai also shares how this routine can do wonders for your body.
'Some of the benefits of exposure include boosting collagen, so it helps increase the elasticity of our skin,' she said.
‘So if you haven’t tried cold exposure, definitely add that into your routine. It has many benefits for our overall health,’ she suggests.
Experts suggest you may want a cold water routine during showers to have health benefits! Image: Freepik
Research offers further proof as to why cold showers are worth it, too. One study published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health found that soaking in cold water, specifically immersing in ice water, was found to have potentially ‘reduced or transformed’ body fat and ‘improve sensitivity to insulin’.
According to Bupa, an international healthcare company, many athletes have begun cold-water therapy due to its effectiveness in post-workout soreness.
It’s been found to reduce swelling and inflammation by causing blood vessels to constrict, much like when you apply ice to an injury.
‘Then when you hop out, the temperature difference causes a rapid change, re-opening the vessels, flushing out the muscles’ metabolic waste products and delivering oxygen and nutrients to the muscle,’ Steph, a registered nurse, said.
‘This will reduce your risk of injury next time you work out,’ she added.
In 2016, another study also discovered that those who took cold showers just 30 to 60 seconds a day for 30 days were 30 per cent less likely to call in sick for work or school compared to people who opted for warm showers.
While it may not be the most enjoyable thing to do, experts see why those willing to brave the chill might be experiencing some valuable health advantages.
You may watch Dr Desai’s full video below:
Despite the alleged health benefits of cold showers or immersion, we must note that cold showers may not be for everyone.
We reiterate that you must consult a doctor before you make any drastic changes to your routine.
Have you tried cold water therapy? Let us know in the comments below!
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