Cold or hot shower? All the benefits

Cold shower: when is it recommended?

A low-temperature shower has the power to revitalize the body, strengthen the immune system and even promote weight loss. This practice is very popular among athletes and all sports in general. When you are exposed to the cold, the body is activated to start various processes such as energy production, digestion, fat burning and muscle activity.

For example, when we are outdoors and the temperature is very cold, our body starts shivering slightly and then shivers more frequently to keep our body heat high and protect our internal organs from the cold. Can we exploit this peculiarity of our body to benefit from it? Yes! Exploiting the same principle in a more controlled way can be done, for example with a cold shower or an ice bath, based on everyone’s resistance.

However, it is important to always pay attention to the temperature of the water that will accompany us during our shower and the duration of the shower itself, since excessive exposure can have the opposite effect on our body, such as muscle contractions and even hypothermia.

There are different times of the day when you can take a cold shower to get the maximum benefits. A cold shower in the morning can be an excellent solution to wake up and regenerate, while a cold shower after physical activity can help reduce muscle inflammation and promote recovery. In any case, it is important to follow your own needs and preferences, remembering however not to overdo it.

The benefits of a cold shower

Beneficial for the skin and for our body in general, cold showers are a common solution to many ills. Although they are not particularly loved, many sportsmen and women use them for the various benefits they bring. Let’s find out together:

• Relieves pain. This is because cold temperatures increase blood flow to the affected area, reducing swelling and inflammation more quickly. In addition, cold can decrease the speed of transmission of nerve signals to the brain, causing a lower perception of pain. It is for this reason that the application of ice is often recommended as first aid in case of injuries.

• Blood circulation. Contact with cold water can sometimes increase blood pressure and improve tissue oxygenation.

• Toning effect on muscles and skin. When the body comes into contact with cold water, the epidermis contracts, closing the pores and preventing the entry of impurities. The skin therefore appears more compact and toned.

• Calorie consumption. In fact, it is known that our body, subjected to certain temperatures, tends to burn energy to create heat. The functioning of this mechanism can be found in the lipids, fats that make up brown adipose tissue, which are burned and “sacrificed” for this purpose.

• A powerful stress reliever. Did you know that a cold shower has the natural ability to improve mood? Well yes, thanks to the stimulation of noradrenaline hormones which help to feel stronger at a mental level, mood and consequently stress can also improve significantly.

• Muscle regeneration. One of the most widespread practices among sportsmen is to undergo short (but intense!) cryotherapy sessions at the end of the sporting activity. This is because cold therapy considerably helps the stimulation and regeneration of the muscles.

Hot shower: when is it recommended?

The hot shower has always relaxed body and mind, in a combination of sensations that are favored by most to the sharper ones of a cold shower. In general, a hot shower can be relaxing and enjoyable after a stressful day or during cold weather. It is also useful in the case of muscle tension or joint pain. However, there are some situations to keep an eye out for in which using water that is too hot could be problematic.

For example, if you suffer from allergies or skin problems, a hot shower could cause dryness and irritation of the skin itself, a condition that could worsen if you stay in high temperatures for a long time, leading to burns. Another case study is that of hypertension or cardiovascular problems, prolonged exposure to hot water could raise blood pressure and cause other health problems.

In any case, the hot shower turns out to be a cure-all.

The benefits of a hot shower

Taking a hot shower is a very common practice for relaxing the body and mind. Various populations over the centuries have indicated the hot shower as one of the best methods for taking care of one’s body. It is no coincidence that the high temperature of the water has beneficial effects on muscles and blood circulation, promoting relaxation and distension. Here are the main benefits of a hot shower:

• Relieves pain and relaxes muscles. A warm water shower can help reduce muscle tension, causing inflamed muscles to relax. The resulting benefits are various: from the reduction of pain in the case of muscle or joint injuries, to the progressive reduction of accumulated stress. Seeing is believing!

• Makes you more beautiful. Hot water when you take a shower favors the gradual cleansing of the skin pores, helping to eliminate the impurities present, including sebum and superficial dirt. Furthermore, the pores dilated by the heat also act on surface dirt or excess sebum, favoring cleaning and the elimination of impurities. Furthermore, if relaxed and open, they appear to be prepared to more effectively absorb the creams that are part of your daily routine.

• Helps sleep. For those who have trouble falling asleep or relaxing at night, taking a hot shower can help de-stress from the day. However, it is important to choose the right time to take a hot shower in order to effectively improve sleep. In fact, hot showers stimulate the nervous system which leads to the feeling of tiredness. To promote quality sleep, it is not recommended to take a hot shower immediately before going to bed or too early. Taking a hot shower in one of these two moments could interrupt the natural cycle to which our body is used, which is made up of two distinct phases: a first one, in which the body temperature remains stable and there is an accumulation of heat which it lasts all day, and a second one in which the accumulated heat is slowly dispersed before going to bed. Several studies have indicated 60/90 minutes as the ideal time to take a hot shower before sleeping.

• A panacea for health. A hot shower among the many benefits brings, also has the particularity of being a real panacea for the health of the respiratory tract. It can bring concrete relief in case of seasonal colds or respiratory tract infections in general. As well as the steam emanating from a prolonged hot shower which has always been a natural remedy for seasonal ailments, helping to decongest the nose and throat.

Conclusions

In general, choosing between a hot or cold shower depends on personal preferences and the needs of the moment. However, if you suffer from circulation problems or want to improve skin tone, a cold shower may be a better choice. If, on the other hand, you are looking for relaxation and stress reduction, a hot shower may be more suitable. And which one do you prefer?