Lifestyle
Hot vs. Cold Shower Health Benefits Revealed: Which One Is Better For You?
Get in the shower and be healthy!
Getting a shower not only leaves you smelling fresh and clean but is, overall, considered good for your well-being. It doesn’t matter whether you like to have a hot shower or a cold one because either way, you will be enjoying long and short term benefits.
Here’s a simple infographic that effectively sums up the difference between the two:
Benefits of Hot And Cold Shower At A Glance
Cold Shower Benefits
Pumps Up Energy – If you want to start the day right feeling invigorated, go ahead, get a cold shower. Cold water gets your heart to beat faster resulting in more blood being pumped throughout your body.
Better Blood Circulation – When you get in the cold shower, the body gets surprised by the feel of the cold, which will send your arteries in a rush. This will then result to efficient blood pumping for a healthier heart.
Protects Skin – Cold water tightens pores and cuticles, keeping your skin and scalp protected from germs and bacteria.
Keeps Hair Healthy – Cold showers can also help keep your hair healthy as cold water makes it stronger and shinier by preventing the natural oils from being stripped off.
Muscle Recovery – Cold showers are best after an intense workout. Not only does it let you cool off but it will also benefit your muscles and reduce the soreness.
Toughens Your Immune System – Getting cold showers lowers your blood pressure, which in turn will clear blocked arteries and improve the functions of your immune system.
Detoxification – Cold water promotes proper lymphatic movement and this helps because the lymphatic system functions by eliminating waste from our cells.
Reduce Stress For Better Sleep – As with hot showers, cold showers can also reduce stress so it can help you sleep better. Cold water also tends to improve one’s willpower tolerance to disease and stress.
Relief from Depression – The cold water sends a shock to your body, which then sends electric signals to the brain. This triggers the serotonin neurotransmitter which then regulates the mood.
Improves Production of Sex Hormones – Studies have proven that cold water can boost sperm cell count and the levels of testosterone in the body.
Hot Shower Benefits
Release Tension – Getting a hot shower can relax stiff muscles and relieve your tension. Heat things up inside the shower and get the relaxation you need.
Decongestant – Feeling congested and fuzzy? Hot water gives off steam which can moisturize your nasal passages so they will no longer be congested.
Ease anxiety – Hot showers have the power to turn your stressful day into a relaxing one. Hot water has been proven to increase levels of the the love hormone, oxytocin.
Improve circulation – Since hot showers can release tension in your body, it also promotes proper blood circulation.
Good for skin cleansing and exfoliation – Hot water opens up skin pores, which makes it easier for dirt and other impurities leave your body. Hot water also scrapes off dead skin, leaving you feeling fresh.
Helps in weight loss – Hot water helps in increasing your metabolism which promotes weight loss.
Ease pain – Ladies can benefit much from hot showers on their monthly periods as hot water helps with cramps. Also, bathing in hot water is a natural way of fighting your headache. You may not need to take painkillers after all.
Good for Pre-Workout –If you need to warm up before having your morning exercise, getting the hot shower would be a great idea. It will get your blood to flow naturally and will warm up your muscles.
Kills bad body bacteria – Hot water is germs and harmful bacteria’s enemy so getting hot showers should help eliminate these microorganisms, leaving you less susceptible to illnesses.
Sedative – If you’re having trouble sleeping, get in the hot shower to calm your mind and body. Once the hot water relieves your tension, you should be able to sleep soundly.
Cold Or Hot Showers: Which Should You Go For?
Based on the benefits listed above, showering either in hot or cold water is overall a healthy habit. Skin experts, however, acknowledge that hot showers can dry the skin. It is recommended to use hot water on the body and cold when washing your hair and face.
Which one is your favorite? Sound off in the comments below!