Is there any truth to the claims that cold showers offer various health benefits? And does the practice come with any risks?

Jumping on the bandwagon of a health trend is easy to do – especially when its numerous advantages are being promoted with seemingly proven scientific evidence. Taking a cold shower is one such example that’s gained momentum over recent years. It’s not an easy task to sift through all the stated science, so how do you know if any of the myriad health-benefit claims are true? And are there any risks involved in taking cold showers on a regular basis?

The theory behind cold showers is that immersing the body in cold temperatures – whether in a shower, ice bath or frozen lake – increases dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These chemicals can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety and play a role in decreasing inflammation in the body. Norepinephrine also increases heart rate and is associated with a boost of energy, potentially having similar effects on the cardiovascular system to exercise. But how do you know if the theory translates into results? And how do you decide if they’re right for you? To answer the latter, start by asking yourself these questions: