Some scientific studies have confirmed the benefits of bathing with cold water for physical and mental health, and in this article we will learn about the most prominent of these benefits, and which is better bathing with cold or hot water.

Benefits of taking a cold shower

There are many benefits to using cold water in the shower, including the following:

1. Benefits of taking a cold shower in the morning

When the body is exposed to cold water in the morning, this results in an increase in heart rate, high blood pressure, and respiratory rate, and thus the person feels more energetic and alert as a result of these symptoms, and cold water affects the increase in the metabolic rate, but it cannot be completely relied upon to lose weight. .

2. The benefits of showering with cold water for the nerves

Using cold water in the shower helps activate the sympathetic nervous system, stimulating the functions of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and endorphin, known as the happiness hormone, which reduces symptoms of depression.

3. Reducing pain after exercise

Sports experts recommend cold water while showering after exercising, for its ability to reduce inflammation and relax muscles, in addition to its ability to treat heat stroke that may result from exercising and training outdoors under the sun for a long time.

4. The benefits of taking a cold shower for the heart

Bathing in cold water helps improve blood flow in the body and stimulate blood circulation, which reduces inflammation and avoids cardiovascular diseases.

5. Benefits of showering with cold water for skin and hair

There is not a lot of proven scientific facts about the benefits of showering for skin and hair, but there is plenty of evidence for the ability of cold water to:

• Maintain skin moisture and freshness, reduce itching and inflammation of the skin.
• The outer layer of the skin, which is responsible for protecting the skin and hair, does not dry out, unlike showering with hot water.
• Strengthen hair and increase its length, strength and luster.

6. Enhance men’s sexual health

One of the studies dating back to 1993 indicated that the use of cold water while showering may increase sexual desire in men, and increase the secretion of testosterone, which is not limited to increasing sexual ability, but is an essential component of muscle formation.

Disadvantages of taking a cold shower

There are some situations in which you should not take a cold shower, including:

• It is not right for patients who are taking medications related to some mental illnesses to stop taking the drug in return for trying another treatment alternative such as taking a cold shower, especially those who suffer from persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder.
• Avoid showering with cold water when feeling cold, because cold water will not help warm the body in any way, but will increase the feeling of cold.
• People with very weak immunity, or who have serious heart health problems such as patients with heart failure.

Which is better showering with cold water or hot water?

There are two options to answer this question, either taking a shower with lukewarm water, or standing for a minute to take a shower with cold water, which will help blood flow through the body, and then transferring the heat to bathing in hot water, which will help open blood vessels and blood flow to all muscles and organs of the body. It will also help purify the body of toxins, so according to the health of the body, you can diversify between the two methods according to what your body needs.

After recognizing the benefits of taking a cold shower, its benefits can be combined with the benefits of taking a hot water shower because of its positive impact on the health of the body.