Are cold showers really beneficial?

Question

When comparing cold showers and hot showers, cold showers have been shown to carry more benefits to the human body.

Though not the most pleasant cold showers they can,

- reduce inflammation

- improve circulation

- lower stress levels

Comments

This is a really useful and interesting fact that could benefit many people with inflamation, circulation and stress issues. I like how you sourced/used WebMD which is a trusted health source.

Answer 1

This is true. A study at UCLA found six ways cold showers can boost your immunity, such as improving immunity, combatting depression, improving circulation, increasing metabolism, reducing inflammation, and relieving localized pain. However, their effectiveness varies.

study: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/6-cold-shower-benefits-considerv

Comments

A great and straight to the point factcheck that uses a strong, reliable source. Excellent work.

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I believe that cold showers have their benefits but also need to be weighed by each individual. I found similar claims and results as in the UCLA research article in an article by Health.com. They believe based on 13 medical sources that there are various benefits such as: an improved mood, possible reduced muscle soreness/recovery, can help us to wake up, helping our immune system, relieving pain, aiding metabolism, and possibly even helping prevent age-related conditions. These are all beneficial things that I think anyone willing to turn the temperature down for a short time would be silly to pass on the potential benefits of. The claims that taking cold showers seems to be initially supported and decently well researched. Although with it being such a new trend it would seem wise to weigh the risks and possibly wait for longer term more comprehensive research. The Cleveland Clinic backs up this sentiment, stating, "And although some evidence suggests cold showers may boost your immune system, overall research on this is limited as well. If you still want to try a cold shower after the gym or to wake you up in the morning, Dr. Young recommends slowly easing into the colder water. But some people should avoid them altogether." So while they can be extremely beneficial it may be more on a case by case basis than a general guideline to follow.

https://www.health.com/benefits-of-cold-showers-8401921