Cold wave continues to wreak havoc in North India and the entire country including Delhi-NCR. With the onset of cold wave, people have started shivering with cold. In the changing weather, our lifestyle and eating habits often change completely. Along with this, as soon as the cold arrives, people also start taking baths with hot water. At the same time, there are some who like to take cold showers in winter. Very few people know that taking baths with cold water is better and more beneficial than taking baths with hot water. However, it is very important to know how good bathing with cold water is for health in winter.

People shiver just by thinking about bathing with cold water in winter (Winter bathing tips), but it has many benefits. Cold shower can promote blood circulation. Increases mental alertness and also helps in reducing inflammation. According to a 2016 study, bathing with cold water increases immunity. However, this benefit is usually seen for some time. Let us know from Dr. Vipul Gupta, Group Director of Neurointervention at Paras Hospital Gurugram, what effect bathing with cold water in winter has on health (Health risks of cold water).

How safe is bathing with cold water?

• While there are several benefits of taking a cold water bath, when it comes to winters, taking a cold water bath for a long time throughout the winter can be dangerous as it can cause cold stroke , especially in people suffering from heart or respiratory disorders.
• Apart from this, bathing with cold water can also be harmful for people whose skin is sensitive. In such people, bathing with cold water can increase skin problems like psoriasis, eczema, dryness and itching.
• Prolonged cold bathing may put a strain on heart functioning, especially in people with high blood pressure, as the body attempts to maintain a core temperature of 98.6°F (37°C).
• For sensitive people, such as those with asthma, cold water baths may aggravate respiratory problems or cause hypothermia.
• To relax the muscles and avoid cold, the water temperature in winter should be mild (37–40°C or 98–104°F).
• After showering, a brief (10-15 seconds) splash of cool water helps increase circulation without cooling the body too much.