Hot Shower or Cold? What does your body need?
All that sweat oozing out from your body after
you are done working out forces you to take a shower to feel fresh. But the big
question occurs- which one should you choose? A hot shower or a cold one! Well,
there is no correct answer to this. The choice depends on the benefits your
body requires that time and not the weather.
Here are some facts about both of them, and you can choose one depending on body status.
Hot
Showers:
●
Reduce Soreness- At the time of workout, your
body goes through tension. A hot shower can be as beneficial as a hot pack to
provide relief to your muscles. The blood vessels relax and expand, increasing
the blood flow and hence reduce soreness, increasing tissue flexibility.
●
Increase blood circulation- As the blow flow
eases after a hot shower, it is better for people having a blood pressure
problem. Along with that, it can also benefit in relieving pain, stimulating
healing and reduce inflammation.
●
Lactic dispersion- Due to better blood flow,
the lactic acid accumulated during the workout disperses efficiently decreasing
uneasiness.
●
Better breathing- The steam from the hot
shower act as a natural decongestant which helps clear nose for any cold
symptoms and hence proper breathing health.
●
Better skin- A hot shower opens up the pores
which cleanse your body. It also soothes it and makes it healthy.
●
Improves Insomnia- Since a warm shower is
relaxing for your body, it helps to have a much better sleep. The temperature
difference between a warm bath and a cold room induces sleep.
However, too hot
the water can cause blood pressure problems, dry skin, and can cause itching
also. It's essential to maintain the temperature.
Cold
Showers:
●
Quicken muscle recovery- A cold shower
contracts the muscles, which reduces swelling and bruising.
●
Reduces Pain- The low temperature of water
numbs your nerve endings, which relieves you of pain instantly.
●
Stimulates Immune System- The cold shower
contracts the blood vessels focussing the blood flow to the vital organs.
●
Better Hair- The cold water can close up the
pores, strengthening the hair follicles and hence better and healthy hair.
●
Healthier Skin- It can be helpful for better
skin as it doesn’t dry it up, locks the moisture in and tightens it.
●
Control acne- The hot shower open pores and
oil or sebum can be removed from the skin. However, this leads to its increased
production, which can cause acne.
Cold showers can
increase the time your body requires to reach a moderate temperature. It is
also not advised to have a cold shower when you are sick. It indeed improves
the immune system, but it's not beneficial to do so while it's doing its job.
In conclusion, since no one choice can be
declared as the best one, alternating between the two is the most effective. It's best to keep the temperature moderate
otherwise unless you are showering for a particular benefit.
Follow us to live healthier and fitter.
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