During the cold months, many people like to take a really hot shower. But is it really great? Read here how you can strengthen your immune system with the right shower temperature.
More than half of Germans shower every day. Although from a medical point of view, two to three showers per week are enough, many people prefer to shower more often.
The shower temperature you choose depends not only on your personal well-being, but also on your health.
Taking a warm shower: benefits for the body
“Taking a warm shower has various positive effects on the body, as long as you don’t raise the temperature too much. The water in the shower should never be higher than 43 degrees,” says general practitioner Tatyana Zakharova specially for MedicForum.
A warm shower helps reduce stress
After a busy day, a warm shower is very beneficial and helps reduce stress. Higher water temperatures cause blood vessels to dilate, which relaxes the muscles.
“So the shower temperature may be a little warmer in the evening. However, be careful if you're under constant stress; taking hot showers all the time can damage your skin.”
Warm showers can relieve cold symptoms
A warm shower creates a lot of water vapor, which can have a positive effect on colds. Reason: Steam helps loosen mucus in your nose and sinuses.
Do warm showers really help you fall asleep?
If you have trouble falling asleep, try taking a warm shower before bed.
“This leads to a decrease in body temperature and the release of melatonin, the messenger of sleep, which promotes inner peace and restful sleep.”
Cold showers: benefits for the body
Facing the thought that in the morning having to take a cold shower, most people would probably choose to run away as quickly as possible. There are many good arguments in favor of cold showers.
“The only thing that is important is to never suddenly take cold water, but to allow the body to gradually get used to the temperature of the water. Otherwise, cold shock may occur.”
Beauty enhancer for skin and hair
Using warm water removes the protective fat layer from the skin, which means it dries faster. Especially people prone to neurodermatitis or dry skin should take cold showers.
Hair also benefits from cool water: hair follicles are strengthened, making hair look stronger and healthier.
Take a cold shower to get in shape?
“Many people believe that cold showers are good for the immune system. However, this widely held belief has not yet been scientifically proven.”
Cold can improve your mood
The fact that cold showers have antidepressant effects , increasing the release of beta-endorphins and norepinephrine.
“So if you often suffer from depressed mood, you may be able to relieve your symptoms by taking daily cold showers over a long period of time (several weeks). However, this method is not an alternative to treatment “.
Cold showers are the enemy of germs
Hot water dries out your skin, making you a target for bacteria. On the other hand, cold showers do not attract germs. Especially if you already have dry skin, you should take a cold shower.
Here's how a contrast shower can benefit your health
A mix of warm and cold in one shower: alternating showers is a little difficult at first. Once you get used to it, you can do a lot of good for your body.
Showering regularly will make you happy
“The greater the temperature difference when taking a shower, the more intense the feeling of happiness is felt. That is why it makes sense to start the day more often with a contrast shower.”
If you want to get rid of muscle pain, you should use a contrast shower
Alternating showers take the pressure off your muscles, which can do wonders after a workout: As with compression stockings, the constriction of blood vessels caused by alternating showers can lead to a slight reduction in muscle soreness.
Beneficial for the immune system< /h3>
The effect that many attribute to cold showers can actually only be demonstrated by using a contrast shower: it strengthens the immune system. Blood vessels seem to be training under a cold-warm alternating shower, which hardens them.
Can regulate pressure
Another advantage of a contrast shower: circulation is regulated. Exercising your blood vessels slightly lowers your blood pressure.
“That's why this method of showering is ideal for anyone struggling with circulatory problems.”
MedicForum previously wrote about coughing as a symptom of heart failure.
Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.