Have you ever been so relaxed in a nice hot shower, only to be blasted by what feels like a sub-zero devil water? I know, it seems like your world has come to an immediate end. But next time this happens, embrace the cold. Because this ice cold shower may be exactly what you need.
Before we get into the actual benefits of cold showers, let’s establish the simple fact that hot showers are a luxury and not a necessity. Throughout most of human history, people had to bathe in whatever water was available to them. Think about the last time you’ve ever swam in a lake or the ocean. That water wasn’t warm and yet you still went in right? The Greeks invented heating systems for public baths in the 1st century BC, but interestingly enough, many Greeks chose to continue bathing in cold water due to the health benefits.
Ian Fleming, the author of James Bond even incorporated cold showers as a part of agent 007’s daily routine.
He may have been trying to highlight the character’s Scottish ancestry since cold showers are usually referred to as ‘Scottish showers’ or maybe he himself knew the benefits of cold showers and thought this added quirk would make his suave agent look even more badass. While there are many benefits proven to exist from a cold shower, this first one is sure to tempt you into dipping a toe in that ice cold water.
BURN FAT
Recent research shows that cold showers have actually been proven to help to burn fat. Wait…is this for real? Yes my friends, it is. There are two types of fat in the body. White fat (bad fat) is the fat that we all know and hate. It’s the fat that our bodies produce when we consume more calories than we are burning, and it tends to accumulate primarily in our waist, lower back, neck and thighs. Then we have brown fat (good fat), which serves the purpose of providing our body energy to heat itself up when we are cold. Essentially, brown fat burns calories in order for us to regulate our body temperature. It does so by increasing our metabolic rate which allows us to use energy more efficiently. Researchers have even found that taking cold showers improved the metabolic rate of brown fat by 15 fold which could lead someone to lose approximately 9 pounds in a year if sustained.
BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
This increase in our metabolic rate also helps to activate our immune system, which releases virus-fighting white blood cells that will help us get sick less frequently.
RECOVER FASTER
Cold showers also increase our overall oxygen intake which in turn increases our circulation. Alternating between cold and hot showers after having exercised is a great way to speed up muscle recovery and avoid unwanted soreness. Cold water causes our blood to move to our organs to keep them warm. Warm water reverses the effect by causing the blood to move towards the surface of the skin. The change in blood flow to different organs stimulates the activation of many self repairing cells and can help prevent hypertension and the hardening of arteries as well.
IMPROVE SKIN AND HAIR HEALTH
Hot water is notorious for drying out skin and hair. If you want to avoid an irritating itch and ashy elbows, turn down the temperature of your showers. The cold water will make your hair look shinier and your skin look healthier by closing up your cuticles and pores.
CAFFEINE-FREE WAKEUP CALL
A cold shower in the morning is also a great way to stimulate alertness by giving you a shot of adrenaline. Your heart starts pumping, and the rush of blood through your body helps shake off the lethargy of the previous night’s sleep. This will cause you to feel refreshed and will greatly increase your mood.
Research conducted have indicated that short cold showers may stimulate the locus coeruleus, a nucleus located in the brainstem, which is the brain’s primary source of noradrenaline — a chemical that could help attenuate depression through its function of increasing alertness and arousal.
While it is undeniable that there are proven benefits of cold water on the human body, not all research has yet been concluded definitively. There is sure to be more and more research conducted in the next several years on hydrotherapy and its effect on the immune system, physical activity, sleep patterns and mental health. However, many health experts suggest that you could revel in the possible benefits with just a 10 second burst of cold water at the end of your shower! So get ready to channel your inner James Bond and make a rule, whether summer or winter, to never skip your Scottish shower!
—
Lydia-Rose Kerouac-Dube
Professional Training Coach
Innovative Fitness Kitsilano
Follow IF on Instagram.
