We do it every day without even thinking about it. We are talking about showering, an integral part of our personal hygiene. But which is actually better for your health: a warm or cold shower? We explain what is healthier.
Most people do it every day – taking a shower in the morning or in the evening . The preferences in terms of water temperature differ. There are those who find it relaxing to be sprinkled with hot water for as long as possible, while others prefer the cool water. But what is actually healthier for the body: a warm or cold shower?
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Taking a hot or cold shower: which is healthier?
Health benefits of warm showers
In fact, both hot and cold showers can be beneficial to your health. Therefore, no general statement can be made as to whether hot or cold showers are healthier. The benefit of a warm shower is its relaxing effect, which can help relieve stress after a stressful dayto dismantle As the vessels dilate, the muscles relax. A warm shower can also help people who have trouble falling asleep, as the body temperature then drops and the sleep hormone melatonin is released. Likewise, cold symptoms can be alleviated by a high-temperature shower. The warm steam will help loosen mucus in your nose and sinuses. However, make sure that the water temperature when taking a warm shower does not exceed 43 degrees, otherwise your skin can dry out.
Health benefits of cold showers
But cold showers can also have a beneficial effect on your body’s health. While showering with hot water permanently damages skin and hair, taking a cold shower has the opposite effect: the cold water strengthens the hair and the skin’s protective layer of fat is preserved. People who tend to have dry skin in particular should therefore take cold showers. According to studies , a cold shower should also have a positive effect on the psyche and can improve symptoms of depression. When it’s cold, the body releases adrenaline, endorphins, and anti-inflammatory compounds that can reduce stress and improve mood. Of course, a treatment does not replace a cold shower. One often reads that cold showers strengthen the immune systemcan strengthen. In fact, a Dutch study found that out of 3,000 subjects, those who regularly took cold showers were around 30 percent less likely to be on sick leave than those who took hot showers.
Health benefits of contrast showers
Contrast showers, i.e. the interplay of alternating warm and cold water, also have health benefits. Because these strengthen your immune system even more than cold showers: Due to the temperature difference, the blood vessels contract and expand again, which trains them. This has a positive effect on the body’s defenses. Exercising the blood vessels can also slightly lower blood pressure, which in turn can be helpful for people with circulatory problems or high blood pressure.
Also interesting: 5 reasons why contrast showers are healthy >>
