If you’re looking for a way to lose weight, chances are you’ve heard about the wonders of cold showers. Every health enthusiast and fitness buff raves about how cleansing cold water can help you shed those extra few pounds. But is it true?
The answer is a solid maybe.
While there’s no scientific evidence that supports claims that cold showers are able to trigger weight loss, studies have shown that they can help cleanse your body of harmful toxins. In fact, you can use cold showers as part of an overall weight loss program, even though they might not necessarily help you shed those extra pounds on their own.
The key is in how you use them. According to studies, people who took cold showers at least three times a week for a few weeks lost more weight than those who took warm showers. So if you’re looking to shed those extra few pounds, why not give it a try? You might just find that it’s the best shower cure ever invented.
How Does Cold Showering Work?
The short answer is that the cold temperature of the water opens up your body’s thermostat, causing your body to produce more heat-producing cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that aids in stress management, and increased cortisol helps you lose weight because it stimulates your body’s metabolism. So while it’s not necessarily good for you to lose weight, it can help with the process.
The human body was not built for long periods of time spent in the sweltering heat. Our ancestors may have found shade wherever they could, but that wasn’t always easy to come by. That’s why modern day showers were invented – to provide us with a place to wash off the dirt of the day and get out of the heat. So for years, showers have largely been used for hydration and relaxation – mental and physical health benefits.
While there’s no question that spending time in the shower is good for you, your body doesn’t need excessive heat exposure. That’s why when you come into contact with cold water, your body’s natural defense mechanism is to increase your metabolism and release more calories through heat generation. Plus, when you wash off the toxins that build up through exercise or daily activities, you’re helping your body function at its best.
To get the most out of your shower experience, stick to the following tips:
Wash Your Body As Often As Possible
The old saying “Cleanliness is next to godliness” certainly applies to showers. Just like with other parts of your body, keeping your shower clean is essential if you want to lose weight. So, every time you come into contact with water, wash your body right away. Even if it’s just a quick splash on your forehead before you get into the tub, it’s better than nothing.
Some experts recommend that you shower before you go to bed, which is especially important if you’re going to be using a new bathroom or a shared one. Washing off the day’s toxins will allow your body to relax and prepare for bed, which might just put you in a better mood to lose weight.
Do Try A New Way To Take Your Shower
If you’ve been in a dry spell of showers for a while, it might be time for an upgrade. Instead of the usual flow of water, try a few cups of freshly made lemon or ginger tea. The citric acid in the tea helps your body stay hydrated, while the aroma is good for your mental health. Not only that, but you can also use the time to practice your breathing and relax.
If you’re really looking for a new way to take your shower, why not consider the bath bomb craze that’s swept the internet? These little packets of juicy fruit and spice scents that you drop in the water are fun to use and a great conversation starter. You can also put them in the freezer for about ten minutes to create an ice skating rink in your tub.
Change Your Washcloth Once A Day
Instead of using the same old, dirty washcloth every time you wash your hands, which eventually leads to bacteria breeding and an entire family of microbes moving in with you, change it out once a day. And please don’t use that weird cloth that feels like sandpaper against your skin. If you do, you’re doing it wrong. Velveterious
There are several options when it comes to washcloths, and you should experiment to find the one that feels the best against your skin. Some experts say that bamboo is the most eco-friendly option because it grows quickly without needing a whole lot of water, and there’s no need to cut down more trees to make paper products when you can buy them already grown. If you care about the environment that much, consider getting a bamboo washcloth.
Take A Warm Shower
There are two ways to take a shower that you should try. The first way is called a warm shower, and the second way is called a cold shower. A warm shower is the normal kind you take every day; it feels good on your skin and it feels like it hydrates you slightly more than a cold shower. The main difference between a warm shower and a cold shower is temperature. A warm shower is usually not as cold as a cold shower, so you’ll feel the difference while you’re in it. But as soon as the hot water stops flowing and the tub water temperature drops, all the benefits of that steamy shower disappear.
If you’re really looking to lose weight, changing how you take your showers can help. Instead of a cold, damp experience that eventually chills you, try a warm shower that’ll keep you feeling refreshed instead of sluggish. As with everything else in your life, you might not necessarily see weight loss results right away, but over time, the tiny changes add up and can help you reach your goals.