Is showering with cold water in winter harmful?

Arabia Weather - In the winter, the question arises about the suitability of bathing in cold water in light of low temperatures. Can a cold shower be beneficial or harmful? Many people are drawn to the purported benefits of cold showers, from stimulating the immune system to improving blood circulation and enhancing a sense of alertness.

However, concerns remain about the effect of this process on health, especially in the winter when the effect of cold water on body temperature can be alarming.

In this article, we will take a closer look at scientific research and expert opinions to explore the impact of bathing with cold water in the winter on public health. Is it a behavior that is beneficial to the body, or may it be harmful, especially for individuals who suffer from specific health conditions?

Bathing with cold water: benefits and harms

Dutch athlete Wim Hof suggests that cold water may have benefits in reducing stress and increasing energy levels, but are these claims true?

In an article published in the British newspaper "The Independent", Lindsay Bottoms confirmed that followers of the program "Freeze the Fair" presented by "Wim Hof" on "BBC" may question the effectiveness of the cold bath, as Hof, who achieved a record... In swimming under the ice, he recorded in the Guinness Book of Records:

“A daily cold shower keeps you from having to visit the doctor,” as it is supposed to help reduce stress and increase energy levels.

However, Bottoms questions the validity of these claims, and notes that more research is needed to determine the accuracy of these benefits.

Benefits of showering with cold water

Research indicates that showering with cold water may have some health benefits, and despite the lack of studies in this field, the largest study to date, which included 3,000 people in the Netherlands, found that individuals who used to take a cold shower daily after taking a warm shower for short periods ( 30 seconds, 60 seconds, or 90 seconds) for a month, they missed work up to 29% less than those who relied only on a warm shower, and it is important to note that the duration of the cold shower did not affect the rate of absence due to illness.

Despite these positive results, the exact reason why cold baths are a way to avoid disease remains unclear. There are suggestions that a cold bath may boost the immune system, as a Czech study showed that staying in cold water for an hour a week for 6 weeks can slightly boost the immune system in young athletes. However, a broader understanding of these benefits and the effects of a cold bath on the immune system is required. Immunity more research.

Hof points out that bathing with cold water helps enhance the activity of the cardiovascular system, as when taking a cold bath, the heart rate and blood pressure rise, which activates the nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s automatic reaction in situations of stress or rest.

It highlights the hormone noradrenaline , which is released during a cold shower, contributing to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Some research indicates improved blood circulation during an ice bath, as exposure to cold water leads to constriction of blood vessels in the skin, which reduces blood flow. Coming out of cold water, the body begins to heat itself.

In his program, Hof points out the importance of increasing the duration of bathing with cold water daily. However, a Dutch study indicated that the duration of the cold bath does not affect the health of the body, which means that a cold bath for 15 seconds at a temperature of 12 degrees Celsius may be sufficient to benefit from the benefits of the body. Potential benefits.

Harmful effects of showering with cold water

Bathing oneself with cold water may be a shocking experience for some people, and the author stresses that this type of bathing may have negative effects on individuals who suffer from heart disease. When the heart rate and blood pressure increase suddenly, this can lead to problems such as seizures. Heart or irregular heartbeat.

The statement notes that people with fatty deposits in their arteries may be particularly at risk, as a rapid increase in heart rate may cause some of those deposits to be released, which can lead to clogged arteries and cause cardiac events such as a heart attack.

Mike Tipton, an expert in human physiology at the University of Portsmouth, said that a cold bath is associated with an increase in breathing rate, as it contributes to speeding up the breathing process as a result of the “diving response” that occurs when the body is immersed in cold water.

The body automatically lowers the heart rate and stops breathing instinctively, which is the opposite of the fight-or-flight response. This determination indicates that bathing in cold water can cause disturbances in the heart system, and perhaps sudden death, especially when immersed in cold water, such as swimming in the water. Open water.

Although some believe that showering with cold water has a positive effect on mental health, a Dutch study did not show any improvement in anxiety among some participants. However, cold showers showed a positive effect in alleviating symptoms of depression, as the cold shower activates the cold sensory receptors on the skin. This stimulates the brain and directs electrical impulses to the brain, which enhances mood and acts as an antidepressant.

In a study of older adults, washing the face and neck with cold water temporarily improved brain performance, enhancing memory and attention. Although there is some scientific evidence to support Mike Tipton's claim about "avoiding a doctor's visit" due to cold showers, the health benefits and reasons have not been definitively determined. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals who suffer from heart disease be careful when trying this technique.

Is showering with cold water in winter harmful?

Although bathing with cold water in winter may not be an ideal choice, as a person suffers from cold in this season, and cold water will not help warm the body, this process may cause more cold, and it takes a longer time to warm the body.

Although there are few studies on the effect of bathing with cold water in the winter, it may increase the risk of stroke or heart attack, as a result of low body temperature and high peripheral vascular resistance, which causes high blood pressure. However, more research is needed to be sure. .

Caution must be taken when bathing with cold water for people who suffer from a weak immune system or serious cardiovascular diseases.

Although some people prefer to shower with warm water, there are still benefits to bathing with cold water, such as increasing the feeling of alertness, stimulating the functioning of the immune system, improving blood circulation, alleviating skin itching, improving mood, accelerating the healing and recovery process, and alleviating pain and muscle pain after exercise, preferably. Consult a specialist doctor before showering with cold water, especially if there are any health problems.

Also know:

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How to maintain your eyes in winter?

Sources:

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