Many wonder which water is preferable for a shower — hot or cold. Even during water procedures, one wants to improve health. Allergist and immunologist Evgenia Parshina shared her opinion on this matter.
First of all, the choice depends on individual preferences. Forcing oneself to take a shower that does not bring pleasure is impractical and ineffective. However, if the desire for health improvement through water procedures is strong, it is worth considering the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Cold Water
A cold shower is great for waking up, boosting energy, and improving concentration. It can help accelerate metabolism. Dermatologists often recommend cold water for strengthening hair, as it improves blood circulation in the scalp. Additionally, such water makes the skin firmer.
The most noticeable effect of a cold shower is its impact on circulation. Icy streams activate blood flow, which contributes to heart tone and serves as a preventive measure against various diseases, such as varicose veins. However, it is important to remember that one should prescribe cold procedures with caution, especially in the presence of cardiovascular diseases. In such cases, the risks can be high and unpredictable.
Instead, it is worth considering a contrast shower. Its benefits include improving mood and reducing the likelihood of depressive states. Cold water induces physical stress, which is then followed by a feeling of well-being.
For athletes and people engaged in physical activity, a cold shower is especially beneficial for recovery after workouts.
Hot Water
Warm and hot water can be considered as a whole, as they contrast with cold. Warm water promotes better blood circulation in people with chronic heart diseases by dilating blood vessels.
A hot shower contributes to the elasticity and stiffness of blood vessels, which helps regulate pressure and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.
Taking a hot shower or bath improves cognitive functions by stimulating neuron development in the brain. This, in turn, enhances learning ability and improves memory.
Hot water also helps alleviate inflammation and pain, which is the basis for recommendations from rehabilitation doctors during recovery from injuries. Additionally, heat is sometimes prescribed in the treatment of arthritis and arthrosis.
Hot water can also be an excellent remedy for normalizing sleep. Specialists note that a hot shower or bath an hour or two before sleep helps relax the body and muscles, which speeds up the process of falling asleep.
It is important to remember that both cold and hot water have their contraindications, which should not be ignored, as this can lead to serious consequences. Most often, problems arise from the cardiovascular system. Therefore, if a person has heart diseases, it is essential to consult a doctor and avoid experiments.
One should also be cautious with hot water regarding skin condition — it can become overly dry. In the presence of skin diseases, such as eczema or other dermatitis, the water temperature for a shower or bath should not exceed 35 degrees.
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