Can improve your mood and your immune system

Just 30 seconds under cold water can have an advantage, according to expert Brian Clarke from UK Saunas and Ice Baths.

« Switching from hot to cold during the shower for 30 seconds to 2 minutes can help your body fight colds and other infections. The cold water stimulates your immune system and causes your white blood cells to fight potential infections, » he said, according to the media Express.

« Some studies suggest that regular exposure to cold can lower your risk of infection and help your body better tolerate stress. There is also some proof that it can help regulate your blood sugar. »

The deceased Dr. Michael Mosely also believed in the benefits of cold dip, and he said it could help improve the mood.

In his podcast Just One Thing, he said cold bath had resulted in reports of increased dopamine, serotonin and b-endorfin levels, which could explain the ‘Post-Swim High’ that many have reported.

Switching from hot to cold water under the shower can simply mimic this reaction and help improve your mood and your energy. Furthermore, cold water is also great for sore muscles and inflammation.

« Bathing in cold water limits the blood vessels, sending blood to your core and vital organs. When you warm up again, these vessels expand and oxygenated blood flows back to your muscles, » Brian says.

« This helps reduce inflammation and relieve the muscle soreness that can occur a few days after exercise. In addition, when your body is exposed to cold, it uses energy to stay warm and can improve your metabolism. That said, it is not a substitute for healthy eating or regular exercise. »

If you are interested in starting bathing in cold water, you don’t have to jump directly into it. Below you can read about how, according to Brian, you should do it at home.

• Hold the water below 15 degrees: « You will usually make the water as cold as possible, but everything below 15 degrees will be beneficial once you start. »

• Take it slowly: « Start with cold water for 30 seconds when you start. Every time you take a shower, start working your way up from 30 seconds to a minute, and then to two to three minutes. »

• Change between hot and cold water: « The contrast will help reduce inflammation after exercise. Simply take a hot shower for three minutes, followed by a cold shower for a minute. Repeat this a few times, and always end with a cold shower. »