TRIVIA QUESTION: What's the difference between these two showers:
It's the 22nd day of the 30-Day Cold Shower Challenge and I want to share an interesting, yet obvious, health benefit from taking cold showers: NO STEAM. What happens with steam in a bathroom? First of all, it requires a fan, which uses electricity, causes noise. But have you noticed even with the fan turned on that a hot shower still leaves moisture on the ceiling, mirror, and other parts of the bathroom. What happens when this moisture gathers, day after day? MOLD. And how bad is mold?
Accrding to the CDC:
"Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.
In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children."
http://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm
Needless to say, that's a good thing. Just one more benefit to taking a cold shower.
Today's cold shower was... COLD! I was taking a cold shower at my folk's house instead of my place, as I am looking after it. I guess their water is colder? It seemed cold. But, as usual, once I just took the plunge, I got through it with flying colors.
Now, as we know, a cold shower is not exactly soothing to your muscles. I miss that. But, my SKIN feels smoother.
Health benefit: Did you know that your body receives a stimulating effect from cold showers on the brain's "blue spot"? The Blue Spot is the main source of noradrenaline for our bodies. Noradrenaline is a chemical that might be useful to help alleviate depression.1
Apparently, the cold shower shock's the brain to also increase the blood level of beta-endorphin as well.
I've personally noticed that my mood is INCREASED since taking cold showers. I just seem more confident and happy. And that, to me, is a great thing.
Follow the other posts on the 30-Day Cold Shower Challenge Here:
Day 20 of Cold Shower Challenge: Mental Matters
Taking the 30-Day Cold Shower Challenge
Cold Shower Challenge Day 6 - Discipline
Cold Shower Challenge Day 9 - Breath Right
1Research at the Department of Radiation Oncology at Virginia Commonwealth University.
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