A doctor has revealed how taking a cold bath or shower can improve your overall health and make you not only feel younger, but even look younger.
Dr. Poonam Desai recommends adding a quick dip or shower in cold water to your routine to reap a range of surprising health benefits.
The American doctor said cold exposure can stimulate collagen to reduce wrinkles, keep stress levels low, reduce inflammation and even help you sleep better.
‘Did you know that exposing yourself to the cold for a short period of time has many health benefits?’ asked Dr. Poonam online video.
“By exposing yourself to cold I mean taking a cold shower or a cold bath, taking a dip in an ice bath and you definitely want to do that for a short period of time.”
She suggested 11 minutes of cold exposure per week, dividing the time into several two- to three-minute sections.
Dr. Poonam explained that there is a list of benefits that cold exposure has, including its ability to stimulate collagen.
‘What that means is that it helps reduce wrinkles and increases the elasticity of our skin. It also helps reduce stress, reduce inflammation and can even improve our sleep,” she said.
“If you’ve never tried cold exposure, definitely add it to your routine, it has many benefits for our overall health.”
Dr. Poonam said you should always consult a doctor before starting a new routine and warned that cold exposure may not be suitable for everyone, especially pregnant women.
Cold dips have been all the rage lately as more and more people wonder how much it can improve their health.
Dr. Poonam Desai said taking cold baths and showers has a number of health benefits. She recommended soaking in a cold bath or shower for 11 minutes every week
The US doctor said cold exposure can boost collagen to reduce wrinkles, keep stress levels low, reduce inflammation and even help you sleep better (stock image)
Wim Hof, nicknamed ‘Iceman’, believes that exposure to the cold can help with depression, anxiety, energy levels and even prevent diseases such as cancer.
The 63-year-old has withstood freezing temperatures after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in shorts and standing in a container full of ice cubes for 112 minutes.
Wim previously told FEMAIL that you can even treat depression with cold therapy, with complete immersion leading to a 540 percent increase in adrenaline and 250 percent in dopamine – both of which are known to help moderate symptoms.
‘You’ll see your heart rate drop over the course of the day, reducing your stress levels. You feel more energetic. The improved blood flow provides better nutrition for your cells. You notice that you no longer get sick,’ said Wim.
He recommended starting by taking a cold shower for 15 seconds one day, 30 seconds the next, and increasing the time by 15 seconds until you reach 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
Wim invented the Wim Hof Method is a form of meditative therapy and a practical way to become healthier, happier and stronger.
It has three components: deep breathing, cold water exposure, and a focused mindset.