Turning down the temperature when showering has come into focus due to the energy crisis. Many people scoffed at the suggestion of taking shorter, cooler showers, but it was more the idea of “just” turning down the water temperature by a few degrees.
Still, the idea of taking a really cold shower isn't all that new. The positive effects of cold water on health have long been known, just think of Kneipp therapy or cooling down after the sauna.
Is the cold shower already part of your morning routine? If not, you should think about it again, because the cold shower actually has some positive effects. Find out more about the benefits of the cold bath here. For some, taking a cold shower has long been an everyday occurrence, for others it is pure horror. But overcoming it really seems to be worth it!
Which shower temperatures make sense?
As always, you have to pay attention to the healthy middle ground when it comes to cold therapy at home. Going into the ice bath unprepared can actually be dangerous. The same applies to unprepared showering with ice-cold water. Make your way slowly and slowly turn from lukewarm to cooler and cooler. When it comes to temperatures, we can use the limits of contrast showers as a guide.
When taking a contrast shower, instead of scalding hot, only use warm water (not warmer than 38 degrees) and instead of ice cold, only use cold water (not colder than 14 degrees).
1. Taking a cold shower helps you lose weight
Our body consists to a certain extent of fat. A distinction is made between two different types of fat in our body. Fromwhite fatis used to refer to the unwanted fat that accumulates on the stomach or hips.
Withhowever, a different variant is meant. These fat cells are desirable because they help you lose weight. The mitochondria it contains convert fatty acids and glucose into warming energy.
We have the most brown fat cells in infancy. Unfortunately, these are increasingly lost as we grow up. However, the remaining ones can be reactivated by taking a cold shower. Scandinavian researchers have this in oneStudyfound out.
In response to cold ambient temperatures, the body initiates a process called cold thermogenesis, in which metabolism is increased to keep core body temperature stable.
Reading tips:
2. Taking a cold shower wakes you up
It's obvious: taking a cold shower, especially in the morning, wakes you up. Morning grouches really get going with a cold shower. Similar to the tried and tested contrast shower, the cold water temperatures get our blood circulation going, which is also supposed to be good for the connective tissue. The circulation gets a real boost, without any caffeine.
However, there is a lot more going on in our bodies: If we consciously expose our bodies to cold temperatures, we also activate the release of the hormones adrenaline, cortisol and endorphins.
Wait, those are stress hormones! True. But this is physical stress. The same effect can also be achieved with a round of morning exercise in the morning.
Psychological stress, on the other hand, should be alleviated precisely through such measures, as endorphins are also released, which, among other things, have a mood-enhancing effect. This is exactly what ensures that we immediately feel awake and full of energy.
Reading tips:
3. Taking a cold shower strengthens your immune system
With a refreshingly cold shower you can do something good for more than just your skin and hair. You can also strengthen your immune system. That has oneStudyfrom the Netherlands.
The study examined the extent to which cold showers affect health and work. The scientists found that the 'cold shower' group called in sick at work less often than the control group. Additionally, cold showers have also been found to have a positive impact on mood and productivity.
Tip: After a cold shower, quickly slip into a cozy bathrobe,you can get it here at Amazon*.
4. Take a cold shower for shiny hair
You want shiny? After shampooing, rinse your hair with warm water, this is necessary so that the shampoo and conditioner are washed out. Then rinse your hair with cold water. The cold water closes the cuticle layer of your hair follicles, which ensures more shine.
5. Take a cold shower for beautiful skin
What applies to hair also applies to skin. By now it should be common knowledge that showering too hot is not good for your skin. Sensitive skin in particular shows this clearly through redness and itchy dry patches.
If the cold shower is too fresh for you in the long run, you should get into the habit of only showering lukewarm and showering yourself with a cool shower at the end. This closes the pores and also helps retain moisture.
At this point there is external content from Spotify that is recommended by our editorial team. It complements the article and can be displayed and hidden again with one click.
I agree to this external content being displayed to me. Personal data may be transmitted to the content provider and third-party services.
6. Taking a cold shower helps your muscles
An ice bath helps the muscles regenerate after a hard training or competition, as we already know from our national soccer team.
Since we as amateur athletes don't always want to do the complex cold water therapy after exercise and bathe in ice water, it's nice to hear that cold water can be enough to strengthen the musclesand to assist the body in healing from sore muscles.
At this point there is external content from Instagram that is recommended by our editorial team. It complements the article and can be displayed and hidden again with one click.
I agree to this external content being displayed to me. Personal data may be transmitted to the content provider and third-party services.
Important note at the end: Your body is as individual as your character. You have to find out for yourself what is good for you and suits you best. We're just giving you an overview. In principle, however, the following applies: an active lifestyle, with a balanced diet and lots of exercise, is still the best way to stay fit in the long term and achieve or maintain a healthy weight.
