You’ve probably heard an above-average amount of advice lately on how to boost your immune system. While certain tips are quite common, there are also slightly more unusual ways to establish an effective immune defense. One such is definitely the cold showers. Some experts believe that it is with them that we can very successfully contribute to making it easier for our body to defend itself against pathogenic microorganisms.
Cold showers are said to help increase the number of natural killer cells
One of the positive effects of cold showers is thought to be related to their effect on natural killer cells, also called NK cells. With the help of cold showers, it should be possible to increase the number of these cells. Just how high the number of natural killer cells is, however, is one of the most reliable indicators of what form your immune system is in.
One of the studies related to the effects of cold showers, for example, showed that adrenaline is released during a shower with cold water, which causes an increase in interleukin 10 - one of the most important anti-inflammatory cytokines that regulates our body's response to infections. It is also interesting to note that the need for sick leave from work is much rarer in people who use cold water in the shower.
Showering with cold water is not only popular because of the effect it is supposed to have on the immune system, but it is also associated with many other positive effects. Among other things, it is supposed to help relieve pain, relieve inflammation in the body and sleep problems, and some believe that the use of cold water during the shower can even contribute to a longer life. Thus, cold showers are sometimes compared to fasting, the effects of which are said to be very similar.
Combining hot and cold water can be even more effective
The idea of giving up pleasantly warm water and showering with cold instead probably doesn't sound too tempting to most - especially not in the part of the year when outside temperatures are very low. However, for the positive effects, it is not even necessary to use exclusively cold water during the shower. According to some data, the effect is even better if you combine cold water with hot. This is just enough of a shock to the body to boost the immune system.
Those who advocate a shower with cold water as one of the ways to strengthen the immune defense, therefore recommend that you start this "project" gradually. This means that you first take a shower with the water you normally use, and then use cold water at the very end.
The last part, ie showering with cold water, should last about 30 seconds, and you can gradually extend this time, but not more than about 2 minutes. Finally, quickly wrap yourself in a warm towel and try to warm up as quickly as possible. You can also treat yourself to a warm beverage - for example, a cup of ginger tea with the addition of freshly squeezed lemon juice, as it is a great combination to strengthen the immune system.
Photos are taken from pixabay.com and unsplash.com.
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@Purebeauty
Yes i like n dare it, most of the time, that's what i used so i can stay awake 'coz it made me wide awake especially if my duty at work before's so early, thank u for the upvote :)