When was the last time you were under cold water? Perhaps it was when it started to rain, or your hot water was turned off, and you had no other choice. Civilization has given us comfort, and with it, the many diseases that are caused by poor lifestyle choices. In particular, our body is intolerant to coldness, and we continually strive to get warm in any way possible. But this is all in vain, because cold water is the key to health and vitality!
1. Immunity
A cold shower is an excellent way to prevent influenza and other viral and bacterial diseases. Czech researchers tested the effect of cold water on the immune system of athletes. For two months, three times a week, athletes were immersed in cold water (14 degrees Celsius). The scientists found that during the experiment, two types of immune cells (lymphocytes and monocytes) had an increased presence in the blood.
2. Increased blood circulation
One of the most effective ways to improve blood circulation is by alternating between cold and hot water during a shower. When the body gets cold, the blood vessels constrict. This phenomenon is called vasoconstriction. In this state, the lumen of blood vessels is reduced, and the blood circulates more rapidly.
Good blood circulation is necessary to prevent serious diseases such as hypertension, varicose veins, and a variety of other vascular disorders.
3. Thermotaxis
A cold shower can help people who have chronically cold extremities, or heavy sweating.
4. Weight loss, improvement of metabolism
Canadian scientists have found that exposure to cold (eg cold shower) activates the so-called brown fat. The brown color comes from the large quantity of mitochondria. Heat production from brown adipose tissue is activated when the body is cold. This contributes to the burning of calories, which leads to weight-loss.
5. Helps with depression
A cold shower can even help combat depression. Researchers from the State of Virginia show that cold water stimulates the "blue spot" of the brain, which in turn leads to the development of norepinephrine - a hormone that helps to cope with depression.
6. Improves lymphatic circulation
Since the lymphatic system does not have a heart to pump it, its upward movement depends on the motions of the muscle and joint pumps. Cold shower improves muscle contraction, which then has a positive effect on lymphatic circulation.
7. Deeper breathing
If you are regularly taking a cold shower, you will notice how your breathing becomes much deeper. This is to combat the stress of the shock, the vasoconstriction and the overall need for oxygen to respire and keep yourself warm.
8. Healthy skin and hair
It is known that hot water dries the skin and hair. While cold water makes our hair shine and makes skin healthier. This healing effect is due to exposure to cold water which shrinks pores.
9. Spirits and good health
A quick cold shower during the morning awakens and energizes you for the whole day. This is due to enhanced circulation, which gives the body a lot of energy.
10. Increased hormone levels
Studies conducted in different countries show that there is a positive effect on the testicles from swimming in cold water. Noting that regular cold shower promotes enhanced production of testosterone, which increases libido, and increases the chance of fertilization.
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