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A study from the University of Basel showed that taking a cold shower every day for 12 consecutive weeks can significantly reduce the number of illness and sick leave days, but this should be done step by step and paying attention to the body’s reaction.
California Post Report: Hate getting sick from the cold? A new study shows that making relatively simple changes to your bathing habits could significantly reduce your chances of getting sick.
Whenever the weather changes, there is always someone around us who feels unwell. ButSwitzerland A new study from the University of Basel does not look at vitamin C supplements, but takes a completely different approach to preventing colds.
The new study is psychological at its core: If you’re willing to take a (possibly uncomfortable) cold shower every day for 12 weeks, it found that you’ll get sick significantly less often.
The research team asked 735 subjects to take a cold water bath every day for three months. The person should stand under the shower head and rinse for 30 to 120 seconds with the water temperature adjusted to the coldest (about 59℉, while normal bath water temperature is about 100℉).
The results show that people who persevere actually take 26% fewer sick days, and the number of days they ask for sick leave from the company is reduced by 31%.
However, not everyone can stand firm. Many people choose to drop out within the first two weeks, but the dropout rate drops significantly after that. Psychiatrist and study author Lena Glaser said this suggests that “people gradually adapt to this kind of stimulation.”
The study also reported that the withdrawal rate for women was 33% higher than that of men. Other research shows that in the same cold environments, women feel more discomfort than men, which may be partly due to women’s naturally higher body temperatures.
Lena Glaser reported that people who were able to take cold water baths experienced “significant improvements” in their overall physical and mental health and vitality.
There are many physiological mechanisms behind why taking a cold water bath is beneficial to the body: Low temperature stimulates the body’s blood circulation to run at full speed to maintain the body’s core temperature, which can promote metabolism, relieve pain, and strengthen the function of the immune system.
The Cleveland Clinic specifically reminds that not everyone is suitable for a cold shower. People suffering from heart or cardiovascular disease should not try it. In addition, if you feel “cold shock” (such as intense pressure, fear, gasping, difficulty breathing) or dizziness during the procedure, you should immediately leave the shower head or increase the water temperature.
Lena Glaser suggested that if people are interested in trying it, they should go step by step, starting with a lower temperature that they can tolerate, and gradually adjusting to the challenge over time. “It’s important to listen to your body and be aware of how you’re feeling, and the water doesn’t have to be the same cold every day,” she emphasizes.
Summary FAQ
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Research shows that people who took a cold shower every day for 12 weeks actually reduced the number of days they took sick by 26%, and the number of days off work by 31%. Also, their overall physical and mental health and vitality improves.
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The research team asked 735 subjects to take a cold shower every day for three months, adjust the water temperature to about 59℉, and rinse for 30 to 120 seconds under the shower head to observe body changes and disease.
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It is not recommended for people with heart disease or cardiovascular disease; If you experience cold shock, difficulty breathing, strong pressure, gasping or dizziness, you should leave immediately or increase the water temperature.
