The simple answer is no. According to studies, showering with cold water doesn’t seem to help with weight loss. In fact, it might even be counterproductive. But what exactly is the problem with bathing or showering with cold water?
One of the potential side effects of taking too many hot showers is dry skin. Nowadays, many people use anti-bacterial soap to wash their bodies, which can cause a similar effect. We’re not suggesting you stop bathing or using soap products, but learning how and when to shower could improve your lifestyle and health in numerous ways.
Why Should You Avoid Showering With Cold Water?
First off, the cold water itself seems to have a diuretic effect, meaning it promotes urination. This can cause you to lose a little bit of water weight, as the kidneys are working hard to get rid of it. On the flip side, the diuretic effect of the cold water might cause you to pee more, which in turn could cause you to lose more weight. So, the benefits of the diuretic effect of cold water seem to be canceled out by the fact that you’re peeing more than usual.
Another problem with cold showers is that it exposes you to the adverse effects of the cold. When you stand under a cold shower for longer than a few minutes, your body starts to shiver a little bit. This is actually your body’s natural defense mechanism, which is meant to keep you from overheating. As a result of the initial shivering, your body’s temperature drops, which in turn could lead to hypothermia. When your body is at a stable temperature, your muscles start to relax and may even cause you to fall asleep. While this may be desirable in cases of extreme cold, it’s probably not what you want when you’re trying to lose weight.
A very cold shower might also freeze your skin, which can cause you to lose a little bit of water through your pores. While the water itself won’t freeze, it might feel a little bit chilly, which can deter you from taking a hot shower.
Even when you’re not facing cold showers, you should still try to keep your bathroom as cool as possible. There’s no fixed temperature that you need to aim for; it simply depends on your body temperature. So, if you feel like you’re overheating even when the room is cold, stop and reevaluate your situation. You don’t want to become dehydrated just because you’re trying to lose weight.
How Can You Be Sure That Showering With Cold Water Is Bad For You?
You can’t. There’s no evidence that shows that showering with cold water is bad for your weight loss efforts. Plus, it feels amazing! There’s really nothing wrong with trying out a new habit or trick for losing weight. As long as it doesn’t interfere with your daily activities or pose a danger to your health, there’s no reason to not try new things. When it comes to your weight loss journey, it’s important to try new things that you think could potentially help you reach your goal. Showering with cold water is one of them.