A recent
study by AMC (in Dutch) revealed that showering in cold water really is good for you. Sick leave for people who shower cold in the mornings is 29 percent lower than those who take a warm shower, according to the study,
BNR reports (in Dutch).
More than 3 thousand healthy people participated in the study. One test group showered in warm water as usual. The rest were divided into four groups – one showered completely in cold water, the other groups ended their shower with a cold jet lasting 30, 60 or 90 seconds. While
most benefits seem to come from having the entire shower in cold water, those who ended in cold water also felt more fit.
Geert Buijze, orthopedic surgeon in training and lead researcher, explains: “What happens is that your immune system is turned on in one go. Your heart rate goes up, your blood pressure goes up. You can compare it with a sprint, exercise.”
At least a third of those who showered in cold water for this study
indicated that they will continue doing so in future.
