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Cold shower or hot shower, which is better for the body and health?

Summer is coming. Between a good cold shower to cool off, or a good hot shower to relax, which is better?

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What if your day started with a nice cold shower? Curious idea, isn't it? However, this little ritual has its many advantages. In the morning, the body is awakened and boosted. A cold shower, between 12 and 15°, stimulates the body, improves well-being while reducing stress. Cold water pushes the body out of its comfort zone by promoting the secretion of norepinephrine which regulates, among other things, the beating of the heart.

"It also has an effect on the hair, which becomes softer and silkier," explains Charline Royer, a naturopath who, being particularly concerned about the mental and physical health of her patients, advises them to take cold showers.

Cold shower or hot shower, which is the best for the body and health?

Another advantage, the cold water prevents the hair from drying out. And, just like the hair, it makes the skin firmer, smoother and softer since it pushes the pores of our skin to tighten. As a result of this short-term "stress", the immune system goes into "survival" mode and activates. All these mechanisms also allow the body to burn calories since it is forced to make an effort. But beware, an effort once a week is not enough: you have to consider the cold shower over time for the benefits to be noticed.

The cold shower also has an economic (and ecological) effect, since it would not occur to us to stay as long in a cold shower as in a hot shower. The first is always the most complicated, so Charline gives us some tips: “Without questioning, you have to go all at once! » Consider taking deep breaths to focus on something other than the temperature. “I am capable”, advises the naturopath to repeat to herself. Finally, dry yourself thoroughly, especially in winter, to reactivate blood circulation.

Hot showers, useless?

If the cold shower seems to have many advantages, don't get depressed, we don't advise you to forget the hot shower for good. At the end of the day, it promises a moment of relaxation and promotes sleep by providing a feeling of softness and cocooning. The hot shower has a vasodilatory function in the sense that as the vessels dilate with the heat, there is a better flow of blood and oxygen.

Thanks to the heat, muscle contractures are released, the tensions accumulated throughout the day are relieved. To optimize results, take advantage of the temperature to massage the area where you have the contraction. In addition, with the steam it generates, the hot shower has long been known to naturally remedy the symptoms of coughs and colds. The temperature opens the pores of the skin and the products you use for scrubs or treatments will be even more effective.

If it has advantages, the scales still tip for cold showers which have more benefits on the body and health.