In general, when it gets extremely hot people like to take a dip in an ice cold swimming pool or step into the shower and have some nice water run over our bodies. But had you ever considered cold water immersion in a bath and that it might increase longevity? I found it a bit strange or weird at first but It might be really good for your body and mind!
Something happens to your vessels when you get into cold water.--[tag--Shutterstock] They become narrower, so there is less blood flow through them. I hate to admit it but you want this! Slowing down the flow of blood helps in sending more blood in body areas which are important (heart and brain), due to this they can function better, keeping you healthy.
Tips to make trying a cold water bath FUN! Abbreviated Baths: To kick things off, you can try a short bath. You can ease into this by just soaking a few minutes and working up to longer as you get adjusted. This will allow time for your body to acclimate itself to the cold water, rather than having you feel like jumping out as soon as you get in.
Immune System: Cold water baths help to strengthen and support a healthy immune system. Exposure to cold water causes an increase in white blood cell levels within the body. These white blood cells are critical because they help us get better when we're sick and keep us healthy.
Mood Improvement Better Sleep — Having a cold water bath before bedtime can assist you enjoy better sleep at night. If it does, your body temperature falls and informs the brain that you are ready to sleep (down for the night). This will get you to sleep quicker and keep your in a deeper REM( bad stage of the whole sleeping thing- Bad, not good) Sleep.
But why does cold water help us be healthier? It all has to do with how your body responds and reacts to cold. But when you're in cold water, your body has a particular reaction called the "cold shock response." That is good practice as this response can help your body let go of hormones and chemicals that have a whole range positive effects on our health.
The cold shock response is not going to result in only inflammation reduction, but it also can give you immunity and blood circulation improving. It can also help you think more clearly and feel more alert, so for some people having a cold shower is a way to wake themselves up.
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