Cold Bath Vs Hot Water, Which One Is Healthier For The Body?

Illustration of a warm bath. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Everyone has their own habit of choosing the type of bath you like. Some feel calm after taking a warm bath after work. But there are also those who choose to take a cold shower in the morning to raise enthusiasm.

Regardless of the type of temperature chosen, bathing is proven to make the body and mind feel better. But, did you know that water temperature can also affect health? Here are the benefits of cold showering and warm water, as reported by the WebMD page.

Many people prefer to take a warm bath rather than cold water. In fact, cold water (about 1015 degrees Celsius) has tremendous benefits for the body if it is done regularly.

1. Maintain Rambut Glance and Skin Wetness

Hot water tends to open pores, which can cause skin and hair to lose their natural oil. On the other hand, cold water can help temporarily shrink pores and maintain skin natural moisture and hair shine.

For those of you who have dry skin or broken hair, once in a while rinse the body with cold water. If your skin is acne or needs deep cleaning, a warm bath is still the best choice.

2. Improve Mental Health and Immunity

Cold baths trigger the production of noradrenaline and beta-endorfin, which is a chemical in the brain that can help reduce symptoms of depression. The body's response to cold water can also strengthen the immune system. This makes us more resistant to diseases such as flu.

3. Launching Blood Circulation

When the body is exposed to cold water, the heart rate increases and the blood circulation system works faster. This can make the heart pump blood more efficiently and help clean the skin from dirt that clogs the pore.

4. Increase Energy and Metabolism

Cold showering in the morning can be a natural energy driver. This cold sensation that forces the body to "fight" this low temperature can increase metabolism temporarily and help the calorie burning process. But keep in mind, a cold shower cannot replace a healthy sport or diet.

On the other hand, warm baths also have many benefits that are no less important, especially for relaxation after a tiring day. Here are the benefits of a hot shower.

1. Burn Kalori

A warm bath can help burn a little calories because high temperatures make the body work harder to balance internal temperatures. But this doesn't mean it can replace sports.

2. Clean skin and pores

Warm water helps open pores and remove toxins and dirt that accumulates on the skin. As a result, the skin feels cleaner and fresher.

3. Improve Sleep Quality

Hot bathing can help the body and mind relax, especially if it is done about 1.2 hours before bed. This can improve sleep quality and reduce stress.

Bathing before bed can also help keep beds clean from germs, sweat, and body oil.

Each type of shower has its own benefits. Bathing cold water is good for increasing energy, strengthening the immune system, and increasing circulation. Meanwhile, hot showers are more suitable for relaxation, reducing muscle aches, and helping to sleep better.

For example, people who have joint inflammation can be more comfortable bathing in the warm water in the morning so that the joints are more flexible. On the other hand, athletes with mild injuries can choose to take a cold shower to reduce swelling and inflammation.

The most important thing is to avoid bathing with water that is too hot or too cold extremely because it can have a negative impact on health.