Regular cold showers boost immune responses, increasing levels of immunoglobulins and cytokines critical in protecting against infections.
Cold exposure has long been used in traditional medicine for its many health benefits. However, recent research demonstrates that cold affects the immune system. A new study found that regular cold showers can increase immune cells and antibodies that protect against infections.
Researchers assigned 60 healthy adults to one of two groups, one taking cold showers (five to 10 minutes at 10° to 15°C, 50° to 59°F) and the other hot showers (40° to 42°C, 104° to 107.6°F) for 90 days. Showers were brief, lasting just five to 10 minutes. They took blood samples at baseline, 30, 60, and 90 days to measure various immune factors, including immunoglobulins, cytokines, and interferon-gamma levels.
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They found that those who took cold showers had considerably higher levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM) and cytokines (interleukin-2 and interleukin-4). In contrast, those who took hot showers experienced decreased IgM levels and no marked changes in cytokine levels.
These findings suggest that regular cold showers boost the body’s immune responses. Cold showers offer a practical and accessible alternative to full cold-water immersion, requiring no specialized equipment beyond a regular shower, and can be taken conveniently at home. Their brief duration minimizes the risk of hypothermia, making them a safer cold exposure option. Learn about the many health benefits of cold exposure in our comprehensive overview article.