Discover the benefits of hot and cold water baths and which one is right for you. Dive into the Splashdown Showdown now!
Bathing, we all do it. It's a daily routine that we all follow to maintain personal hygiene and good health. Access to daily baths was once a privilege. Regular hot water baths were often restricted to the wealthy or those close to the hot water springs.
Bathing has health benefits too. Whether you like it hot or cold, there are benefits to each of them. Now let's take a look at the effects of hot water baths vs cold water baths on our health:
Turn up the heat!
A hot water bath is a popular choice for people, especially during winter. It is relaxing and soothing with many health benefits. One of the benefits of a hot water bath is that it relieves muscle tension and soreness. When we soak in hot water, our muscles relax, which helps ease pain and stress.
A hot water bath also improves blood circulation. When we immerse ourselves in hot water, our blood vessels dilate, allowing blood to flow more freely. This can help improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to our muscles and organs, which can be particularly beneficial for people with circulatory issues.
Hot water baths also improve sleep quality. When we soak in hot water, our body temperature rises; when we get out, our body temperature drops. This drop in body temperature can signal our body that it's time to sleep, helping us fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
But before you run off to take a hot shower, wait. Hot water baths can cause problems too. People with health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure should avoid them. Frequent hot water baths can cause a drop in blood pressure and affect blood sugar levels. It's always best to consult a doctor before regularly taking hot water baths.
Cold water supremacy
Cold water baths are not as popular as hot water baths. Who amongst us truly enjoys a freezing shower in winter or when it's raining? But it has many health benefits.
Conor McGregor and the likes of Virat Kohli and Valentino Rossi do it. All your favourite athletes across different sports will tell you one not-so-secret about cold water baths. They work.
In a study conducted by a government body involving over 3000 people. 79% of the participants showed significant improvement in their immune systems and reported fewer sick days at work.
Cold water baths boost our immune system. When we immerse ourselves in cold water, our body responds by producing more white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases.
Cold water baths also help to reduce inflammation and improve circulation by stimulating the production of blood cells. It also enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to our muscles and organs.
However, you must know a few things before you plunge into an ice bath. Cold water baths have some limitations. It should be avoided by people with certain health conditions, such as Raynaud's disease, which causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to narrow, reducing blood flow and causing numbness and pain. It's always best to consult a doctor before regularly taking cold water baths.
Hot Water Bath Vs Cold Water Bath: Which is Better?
There is no correct answer. It would be great to have a mix of both to stay healthy. Have hot showers when needed, but remember to end with a cold shower. The best of both worlds would lead to a healthier human.
The key is moderation. Overdo any one of them, and your body will show its displeasure accordingly. Enjoy yourself and treat bathing time as healing time, for your mind and your body.
Hot or cold, your health is the most precious thing in the world. You should learn how to protect your health and wealth by getting a health plan from Kenko. The Individual Plan from Kenko Health gives you 50% off all your medical bills!
*TCA