Hot shower vs cold shower: Which is healthier and why

After a long, intense day, a shower is something we all look forward to. Stepping into a shower feels like a reset button for our bodies. But the question that is still lingering is, should we go for a hot shower or a cold one? Well, to our surprise, both have their unique benefits, their pros and cons. The answer, however, is not always one-size-fits-all kind of. Some might suggest taking hot showers for that relaxing feeling, others might recommend cold showers for the purpose of energising and anti-inflammatory effects. It is important to understand the impact of each, to evaluate the benefits of each.Let us look at the benefits of hot and cold showers one by one.Hot showers feel like warm hugs to the body. Apart from bringing calm and solace, it brings several health benefits. Well, for starters, it enhances our blood circulation, soothes the aching muscles. Its benefits also extend beyond these. Scroll down to know more!Hot water exposure has a profound effect on your circulatory system. When your body is subject to hot temperatures, your blood vessels expand (a process known as vasodilation), which promotes better blood flow. This improved circulation can help lower blood pressure, promote better heart health, and improve the function of your muscles and arteries.For people suffering from cold, allergies, or sinusitis, hot showers are healthier. A hot shower acts as a natural decongestant, which can open airways, loosen phlegm and clear out the mucus from our bodies. Not a permanent solution but a temporary one providing relief from nasal and sinus congestion.Most of us have heard about the hot water compress or warm water therapy. Well, it is because hot water can help dilate the blood vessels, increasing oxygen flow in the entire body, loosening up sore or tight muscles, especially after an intense workout. Pro tip: Add a spoonful of salt to this water for maximum benefits.Ever heard elders saying, “Take a long-cold shower, you'll instantly feel that burst of energy”. Turns out they were right! Cold showers do boost our energy levels and make us more alert. But there are other benefits as well, let us discuss! It is a general belief that cold showers increase immunity. A study conducted in the Netherlands found that people who switched to cold showers called out sick from work 29% less than people who did not switch to cold showers. While there is limited evidence for this, it is still believed that cold showers can act as “therapy” for our bodies. In a clinical study, participants who took cold showers daily for several months reported a decrease in depression symptoms. Other studies also suggest that cold showers can boost our mood and decrease anxiety.Our body expends energy trying to stay warm in a cold shower. The result may be a small amount of calorie burn and increased metabolism. But don’t plan to throw your healthy eating and exercise plan out just yet; research on this benefit is limited. Cold temperatures make our blood vessels tighten up, and when that happens, it moves our body’s vital organs and the blood naturally becomes oxygen-rich during this process.Each type of shower has its benefits. Adopting any kind of shower, whether hot or cold, should be done considering your existing health conditions, lifestyle, and personal preferences.