Why Take A Cold Shower?

This is a summary of an article at MaxLugavere.com

The Yolk

• Why take a cold shower?
  • Helps depression and memory
    • By increasing norepinephrine
    • Cold water therapy decreased patient’s depression scores by 50%
  • Reduces inflammation
    • 91% of people in this study reported “good feeling” after treatment
  • Burns fat
    • Cold temperatures increase brown fat, which uses more energy and reduces triglycerides
  • Increases circulation
    • Strengthens blood vessels by way of vasoconstriction (the vessel gets tighter)
  • Enhances the immune system – maybe
    • Improved antioxidant responses in winter swimmers
    • A minimal gain of immune responses in athletic men
• How to start taking a cold shower
  • Slowly – start with as long as you can even a few seconds
  • 2 minutes is beneficial
  • 50 degrees F is the target temperature

Perspective

• Keep in mind if you have a health condition, this may not be safe for you
• Try cold water even for a few seconds after a regular shower and see how it feels
• Cold therapy is a useful treatment for muscle recovery and injuries

Research & Resources

• The Wim Hof Method of cold exposure
• Sore muscles show best results with cold therapy for 11-15 minutes at 51-59 degrees F