Deadly mistake in the shower during summer!

Prof. Adam Taylor from Lancaster University states that taking a cold shower in hot weather traps heat inside rather than cooling the body.

Sudden contact with cold water can trick the body into narrowing blood vessels close to the skin, preventing heat from being released. This poses a serious risk, especially for individuals with heart disease or high blood pressure.

HOW DO WE KEEP BODY TEMPERATURE BALANCED?

The human body cools itself down with various mechanisms to maintain its ideal temperature of around 37°C. While the most well-known method is sweating, radiating heat to the environment (thermal radiation) is also part of this process. To this end, the veins near the body surface dilate, increasing blood flow and transporting the heat from the inside to the outside.

However, when the air temperature rises above body temperature, these natural cooling methods become difficult, which can lead to undesirable results.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF A COLD SHOWER ON THE BODY?

Experts say that going straight from a hot environment to a cold shower can have a shocking effect on the body. Especially if the water temperature is around 15°C, a condition called the “cold shock response” can develop. With this reaction, the veins suddenly constrict, blood pressure can rise and the pressure on the heart can increase. Although such reactions are rare, they can have fatal consequences, especially for heart and blood pressure patients.

THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND SAFE METHOD: WARM SHOWER

According to Prof. Taylor, the healthiest way to cool down is to take a warm shower. Water at around 26-27°C both increases blood flow to the body's surface and helps distribute heat evenly without creating a feeling of extreme cold. In this way, cooling is achieved and the body does not go into shock.

COLD WATER CAN ALSO NEGATIVELY AFFECT CLEANING

Another important point to consider when taking a shower is hygiene. Cold water may not be able to effectively clean the oil, dirt and sweat residue accumulated on the skin. This can lead to bad odor, pore blockage and acne formation.

RECOMMENDATION FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO TAKE A COLD SHOWER

If you still want to take a cold shower, experts recommend that you do it gradually. Starting with your hands and feet, gradually acclimating your body can help you avoid the sudden shock effect. With this method, you can achieve balance without risking your health while cooling down.