Are you considering taking cold showers as a weight loss hack? Many people believe that taking cold showers can help them lose weight, but is there any scientific proof to back this up? In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of cold showers, dispel common myths, and provide you with the facts you need to make an informed decision.
Weight Loss and Cold Showers: Fact or Fiction?
There is a lot of hype out there about cold showers and weight loss. Proponents of cold showers claim that taking them can burn an extra 500 calories a day, leading to significant weight loss. But is there any scientific evidence to support this claim?
After scouring the internet for studies that compared two groups of people with a control group and an experimental group, we found that the scientific proof is not strong. While there are some studies that suggest cold showers can increase energy expenditure and activate brown fat cells, the difference in energy expenditure is not significant except in certain cases.
In one study, a subject increased the amount of calories burned per day by 400 calories, which is a result that many people would love to have. However, the average increase across all subjects was only around 70 calories, which is not a significant effect. Moreover, there is a huge variation from person to person, meaning that some people might burn even less than 70 calories due to the amount of brown fat cells they have and the way they react to cold environments.
It’s important to note that many of the experiments conducted on cold showers and weight loss were super particular about how they kept their subjects whole body cold for hours. One study even used a liquid conditioned tube suit which would have cold water poured into it. These experiments aren’t exactly applicable to a regular person taking a 30-second cold shower.
Moreover, there was one study done where they actually identified some concrete numbers for us. What they identified was that two hours of daily cold exposure could lead to only one and a half pounds lost over a six-week period. However, this was people under observation in an experiment in which they kept cold for two hours a day. With a 30-second shower or a minute long shower, you’re not even going to have close to that kind of effect.
Benefits of Cold Showers
While cold showers may not be the weight loss miracle some claim them to be, they do have numerous benefits. For example, taking a cold shower can:
- Improve Circulation: Cold water causes your blood vessels to constrict, which can improve blood flow and circulation.
- Increase Endorphins: Cold showers can release endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters. This can help you feel happier and more relaxed.
- Strengthen Immune System: Cold showers have been shown to boost the immune system, making it easier for the body to fight off infections.
- Wake You Up: Cold showers can increase your energy and wake you up, making it easier to start your day feeling refreshed and alert.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while cold showers may not be the miracle weight loss tool that some people claim them to be, they do have numerous benefits. Taking a cold shower can improve circulation, boost the immune system, increase endorphins, and wake you up. So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to boost your overall health, taking cold showers is definitely worth considering.
However, if you’re looking to lose weight, you’re better off sticking to a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, for example, can burn a significant amount of calories in just 15 minutes.
I take freezing cold 1-3 minute showers EVERY DAY, sometimes 2x a day and I’ve been doing it for 3 years to manage pain and increase blood vessel creation and a strengthened cardiovascular system. I imagine your body uses more energy to keep warm, it’s just logical but I’ve noticed no weight loss after 3 years. I’m not doing it for weight loss though but this is my actual experience and results, not relying on other people’s data. After 2 years I went to a Cardiologist for tests and he said my heart is in the top 10, possibly top 5 of all his patients including Athletes so the benefits are massive, just not for weight loss.
I take very short and very cold showers to cool me down before my exercise sessions. It slightly boosts my performance and because of that it absolutely assists me in loosing weight. Also I am able to workout much more efficiently when I use the air conditioner, take ice cold showers, and spend time in the very cold weather. I try to incorporate as many beneficial acts as possible because everything positive helps and every day makes a difference. Sweating is fantastic and I already sweat a great deal. But thankfully my air conditioner will help me immensely. This video is about cold showers ofcourse.
But the cold definitely is extremely powerful!
I take cold showers starting in the late summer to prepare myself for winter as I work outside a lot. Being cold adapted helps with it a lot. While other people are wearing arctic clothing I am still in a hoodie. Even if it only burns an extra 70 cals a day that is still one meal extra burnt off every 2 weeks!
I cold shower and enjoy I do 10mins and I have noticed that my breathing is so much better.