Is It Okay To Take Cold Showers In Winter? Expert Tells

Cold showers in winter could be harmless and refreshing to some people, yet might not be recommended for everyone. Cold water therapy is known to increase blood flow, alertness, and mental strength. Moreover, this could also be beneficial in relaxing muscle spasms and reducing inflammation. But is it really safe or even beneficial to take cold showers during the colder months? According to experts, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no.

In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Consultant Dermatologist, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, explained that cold showers in winter can be safe and helpful for certain individuals, but they are not advisable for everyone. “Cold water treatment may enhance blood flow, wakefulness, and mental toughness. However, winter adds an extra layer of complexity that people often overlook,” she said. Read ahead to know everything she shared with us.

Impact of Cold Showers on Body during Winter Months

When cold water comes into contact with the skin, the vessels constrict in a natural process called vasoconstriction. Taking control of this reaction, the process may enhance alertness and circulation. Many people experience a revival of alertness and invigorating feelings when they expose themselves to a cold shower, no matter the season.

Cold showers may also have a role in the relief of muscle soreness post-workout. This is because cold showers have the ability to relieve the soreness. This technique is practiced by athletes in order to retrieve relief from the soreness. The season does not matter in the use of this technique. Another benefit of taking cold showers would be the stimulation of the nervous system. This will allow the individual.

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However, Dr Passi warne that the body is already working hard during the winter to keep the center of the body warm. “Whereas, cold shock can cause the over-constriction of blood vessels, which can be harmful to people with asthma or heart problems, immune deficiency, or people with joint complaints.”

Taking cold showers is not a universal health and fitness routine. Some health-related individuals must be extra cautious. Patients with heart ailments may experience a sudden rise in blood pressure. Asthmatic patients may encounter difficulty in breathing, and those suffering from arthritis or joints pain may feel more stiffness.

Lastly, senior citizens and those with low immune systems may also be at risk for hypothermia or reoccurring infections if immersed for an extended period of time in cold water. In this situation, the risk may outweigh the advantage.

How to Take Cold Showers Safely During Winter

If you are healthy and want to try cold showers in winter, experts recommend a gradual and mindful approach. “It is advisable to follow individual body feelings and thus avoid over-exposure,” said Dr Passi.

Cold exposure should be limited to short exposure times, preferably no longer than 30 to 60 seconds. This way, acclimation of the body is achieved without overstraining the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. 

Dr Paasi noted that listening to your body is essential. “If it feels dizzy, too cool, short of breath, or uncomfortable, it is best to stop right away. Warming up afterwards, using towels and/or warm clothing, or having a warm drink should be preferred.

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The Winter Balance: Comfort vs. Benefits

Although there are some advantages to taking cold showers, it is also a season where the warmth factor plays a significant role regarding immunities and comfort. Taking warm or lukewarm showers can ensure muscle relaxation, improve sleep, and reduce the dryness of skin, which is common in the winter season. Taking the alternate options of warm or mild cold showers may therefore prove to be a better choice for some people.

Bottomline

While taking cold showers in winters can be very beneficial for some people, it can be dangerous for others, and therefore, experts suggest it is necessary to be cautious.