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Te Reagan's avatar

I started taking cold showers in the early eighties. I lived in Key West with no air conditioning. It was a way to cool off.

But, I did notice my mood would improve and I would feel energized.

I’ve continued to do this most my life.

Now, it’s a thing. lol

I usually start out with hot water. But, I always finish with the cold water.

My husband thinks I’m crazy 🤪

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Andrew Errant's avatar

I'm a big fan of ice baths and my friends think I'm obsessed with them.

But here's the truth: they can't fix everything.

Is there any research behind your claims? 250% increase in dopamine is pretty up there.

Dr Huberman (regardless of what you think of him) has talked a lot about the research available. It's fascinating.

https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter/the-science-and-use-of-cold-exposure-for-health-and-performance

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Orry's avatar

Hey Shun thanks for your insight! Ice baths are amazing and I also love to go for a winter swim in the lake from time to time.

The dopamine increase of 250% is more or less a average and can even be way higher. To answer your question, read following study about "Human physiological responses to immersion into water of different temperatures"

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10751106/

It says: "Cold water immersion (14 degrees C) lowered rectal temperature and increased metabolic rate (by 350%), heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (by 5%, 7%, and 8%, respectively). Plasma noradrenaline and dopamine concentrations were increased by 530% and by 250% respectively, while diuresis increased by 163% (more than at 32 degrees C)."

While we’re "just" showering not sitting for an hour and a shower can be even colder than 14°C, at least mine can, we can consider the 250% dopamine increase as an average benchmark for what cold exposure can achieve.

So while a cold shower may not replicate 250% increase seen in long immersions, it still provides a powerful neurochemical boost that enhances motivation, mental clarity and energy levels.

By the way, do you know Wim Hof? He is called the "Iceman". Check him out ;-)

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Claudia Brose's avatar

I have been taking cold showers in the morning for a while, and I have become almost addicted to them. I love it. It really feels like a major energy boost. I have to have hot water first, and then I am able to switch to cold, and I enjoy it a lot.

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Orry's avatar

Amazing Claudia! Same for me iam already addicted. 😅

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