Dr Tulleken to BBC 'I've been doing it for six months and I feel amazing'

Many claim that taking a daily cold water shower can have health benefits: improving circulation, relieving stress, increasing vitality and mental clarity are some of the benefits most often attributed to this habit.

It is also said to help treat depression and anxiety, repair muscles after exercise, burn more fat, or even boost the immune system.

Are there any scientific studies to prove it? And if so, are these purported benefits compelling enough to tempt you to turn the faucet to the other side?

From the outset, it is clear that cold water, in contact with the skin, is a shock to the body: the body reacts by triggering a massive stress response, which increases the heart rate, promotes blood circulation and releases adrenaline.

Some experts believe that repeated exposure to cold water can help better manage the psychological stress that often accompanies anxiety.

One hypothesis suggests that, given the large number of cold receptors in the skin, a cold shower sends a huge amount of electrical impulses from peripheral nerve endings to the brain, which could have an antidepressant effect.

However, at home, a cold shower is quite safe and, apart from shivering, does not have any significant negative effects on health. Dr Chris van Tulleken says that unless you are very old or have heart problems, there is generally no major risk associated with this practice.

According to a 2014 study published in Physical Therapy in Sport , there were no statistically significant differences between a single brief immersion, intermittent brief immersions of cold and hot water, or 10-minute baths in water cold to 6 or 10 degrees when it comes to muscle recovery after exercise.

In conclusion, according to Dr. Tulleken, until now, scientific research into the benefits of cold showers as a therapy is still at an early stage. However, as no significant side effects have been reported, other than feeling cold, and it is not addictive, if someone finds it works for them, there is no reason to stop, suggests Tulleken.

“Personally, I've been doing it for six months and I feel amazing,” Dr. Tulleken said.

To do like Dr Tulleken, and go even further, order your ice bath here:

Source: https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-43316788