Shower in cold water for your health and that of the Planet

By Michael Smith (Veshengro)

Health benefits of a cold shower have been known for many years, or at least they have been assumed to be this and that for many years. Kneipp based cures around cold water and they seem to have worked.

Everyone has their morning routine and showers are, hopefully, a part of it and while you may think it is going to be tough it is not that bad at all. Here are a few very good reasons why you should switch to cold showering.

There are a number of benefits arising from taking cold showers, for yourself and the Planet.

Cold water does a fabulous job at waking up the body so, if you are having a tough time getting going in the morning, taking shower of cold water can perk you right up. This helps jump start both your mood and motivation for the day. It also helps you quickly finish bathing, which helps save water and that is also always a good thing, especially if you pay by the amount of water that you use.

I do not just, I have to say, shower cold in the beginning of the day. I shower cold 99% of the time. Using Fairy Liquid – a liquid dish soap as a shampoo and soap, which works out cheaper and also seems to be better for skin and hair – I wash hair also in cold.

Yes, it does take getting a little used to but I found that my hair seems to be in better condition and my skin does not dry as much as when using warm/hot water.

Showing in cold water also does not dry your skin from the use of soap as does using hot water and using cold water is thus better for you and your body.

According to Alexa Fleckenstein, M.D., author of Health20, a cold shower helps train and improve your circulation. Cold water brings blood to the capillaries, boosting the circulatory system and releasing tight muscles. The improved circulation will actually help boost your mood and relieve physical and mental stress.

Dr. Fleckenstein goes on to mention that cold showers also enhance immunity, decreasing the likelihood of infections and even cancer. It does this by improving one’s lymphatic circulation. Additionally, in a study done by the Thrombosis Research Institute in England, taking cold showers correlated with an increase in the number of viruses fighting white blood cells.

It also reckoned to have the effect of strengthening your mucous membranes, helping your body combat allergies, colds, and hay fever.

Even though I, basically, only take cold showers and have ever since childhood (and cold baths) I still suffer from hay fever and that badly at times.

Using cold water not only gets you out of the shower quicker, saving water, but it also saves energy needed to warm the water. Changing to taking cold showers thus boost the health of the environment. It also should boot you financial health in that you will also be saving money on water and energy.

A total win-win situation are cold showers.

© 2011