For many, bathing in winter is a daunting task, and the idea of taking a cold water shower can be even more unsettling. Several individuals claim that taking a bath in cold water, particularly in winter, can also make them sick, which, according to Dr Hari Kishan, Senior General Physician, Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar, Hyderabad, is a widespread myth as cold and flu primarily result from viral infections transmitted through respiratory droplets. Instead, the doctor shared that bathing in cold water during the winter can actually prove beneficial, listing some of the advantages while speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team.
Also Read: Should You Bathe Immediately After Eating? Expert Answers
Improved Blood Flow
Bathing in cold water triggers vasoconstriction and vasodilation, which help exercise the circulatory system, enhance blood circulation, and potentially reduce cardiovascular risks, said Dr Kishan.
While vasoconstriction reduces the volume of blood that can flow through the blood vessels to minimise heat loss and maintain core body temperature, vasodilation involves the relaxation of the blood vessels, causing them to widen and send warm blood to flush out the cooled blood and raise the skin temperature.
However, it's important to note that individual responses to cold water exposure can vary, and anyone considering such practices should consult with a healthcare professional.
Dr Kishan shared, "Rapid shifts between hot and cold environments can momentarily stress the body, impacting the immune system's responsiveness. Hence, it's advisable to ease into cold water exposure gradually. Individual tolerance to cold varies, and prolonged exposure may lead to conditions like hypothermia, especially in those with reduced cold tolerance."
Mood-Enhancing Properties
A cold water shower may also release endorphins, serving as natural mood enhancers and potentially alleviating stress and anxiety, according to Dr Kishan.
A study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that cold water immersions lead to a flood of stress hormones like noradrenaline (up 530%) and dopamine (by 250%), both of which play an important role in your body's “fight-or-flight” response, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Dopamine is even known as the “feel-good” hormone due to the role it plays in regulating mood.
Boosts Immune System
According to a 2016 study published in the journal PLOS ONE, people who took cold showers regularly for 90 days had 29% fewer days of work absence due to illness than those who didn't take cold showers. This has been attributed to the association between cold exposure and certain immune system responses, including an increase in white blood cell production, which in turn helps in preventing various illnesses, said Dr Kishan.
Also Read: Side Effects Of Skipping Daily Bath: Here Is Why You Should Shower Everyday
Dermatological Benefits
Cold water constricts blood vessels and pores, reducing blood flow to the skin's surface and regulating sebum production. This can help promote healthier skin and prevent excessive oiliness and acne, according to Dr Kishan.
Additionally, washing your hair with cold water can also benefit your hair's health. It helps close the hair cuticles, which are the outermost layers of the hair shaft, making your hair smoother and shinier, preventing damage, and reducing frizz, the doctor added.
Aids In Weight Management
While it may seem impossible, cold showers may actually aid your weight loss journey.
According to Dr Kishan, activation of brown fat by cold temperatures increases something called thermogenesis, which potentially aids in weight management through calorie burning.
Unlike regular fat tissue that just stores energy, brown fat actively burns calories to generate heat when exposed to cold. This process also helps keep your body warm in chilly environments.
Apart from that, research suggests that cold water showers may also boost metabolism, which increases the body's calorie-burning efficiency, subsequently aiding in weight loss.
All things considered, it is important to note that this is just a tiny piece of the weight management puzzle. A healthy diet and regular exercise are still crucial for sustainable weight loss and overall well-being.
Conclusion
While taking a cold shower in the winter may be the last thing on your mind, it does provide several health benefits. From boosting immunity to improving blood circulation and keeping your body warm, the advantages may outweigh the unpleasantness. However, Dr Kishan recommended monitoring comfort levels to prevent overexertion. As individual tolerance to cold may vary, he advised easing into cold water exposure gradually.