There’s a lot of methodology on how exactly you can jumpstart your immunity for a boost of protection. Among the choices are a number of supplements: zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, exercising, and an odd one: jumping into the cold shower. It seems counterintuitive to jump into an ice-cold shower during the winter. There could be something to this science-based approach. Why do you ask? We did some research to find out. Keep reading for more!
Why Do Cold Showers Jumpstart Immunity?
The short of it is cold showers have been shown to increase your natural killer cells, which indicates your body has a strong immune resilience. Interestingly enough, cold water affects your adrenaline hormone. This makes your anti-inflammatory response kick into ultra-high gear. In a study done by PLOS One, those who took hot-to-cold showers reduced their sickness-related work absences by 29%. Cold showers also help with short bursts of stress that stimulate longevity genes in your body, according to MBG. Fasting is also something that does this.
You may have seen one or two people rep the cold shower game, including the “Iceman” Wim Hof. He cites cold therapy for improving sleep, easing pain, and alleviating anxiety and depression. Scientists even injected him with an endotoxin that stimulates a high immune response like fever, headaches, and shivering. The result? No symptoms came to be with him.
How to Cold Shower for Immunity
How to start? For starters, if you have a sauna available, jump in there for 15 to 20 minutes and then take a cold shower. If not, take a hot shower, start with 30 seconds of cold water, and work up to 3 minutes. That’s all you need to gain the benefits of a stimulated immune response! Happy showering!
