Should You Take a Cold Shower? The Pros and Cons Explored

Cold showers are beneficial in preventing skin diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and enhancing digestive function, but they can also make you susceptible to colds. It is recommended to gradually adapt to cold showers starting from summer. Cold showers should be avoided when you are hungry, full, within half an hour before bedtime, or when you feel unwell. It is also important to warm up properly before taking a cold shower, and it is not advisable to take cold showers frequently in winter.

Here are the pros of cold showers:

• They can increase blood circulation efficiency, enhance skin nutrition, and make the skin more elastic, reducing the risk of skin diseases.
• They can improve the body's ability to adapt to temperature changes, prevent cardiovascular diseases, and exercise blood vessel elasticity, preventing vascular hardening.
• They can increase blood flow in the digestive tract, thereby enhancing digestive function.

However, there are also some cons:

• People who are accustomed to hot showers may experience accelerated heartbeat, muscle contraction, and nervous tension when suddenly switching to cold showers, and they are also more likely to catch a cold.

Here are some precautions to take when taking cold showers:

• Start gradually in summer or autumn and gradually adapt to the colder temperature.
• Avoid cold showers when you are not feeling well, have a cold, or are emotionally unstable.
• Wait at least one hour after a heavy meal before taking a cold shower.
• Avoid cold showers on an empty stomach.
• Stay warm after a cold shower.
• Do not take a cold shower within half an hour before bedtime.
• Warm up properly before showering, including limb activities and skin massages.
• In winter, it is advisable to take a cold shower every 2-3 days.