It is believed that it’s useful to go to the bathhouse and a contrast shower helps to strengthen the immune system but an untrained person diving into cold water can prompt a heart attack. Let’s find out what science says about the dangers and benefits of temperature changes for the body. Is a hot bath really “detoxifying”, is it useful to travel to warm countries in winter, and can food of contrasting temperatures cause harm?
1. Cold and Hot Shower
People often attributed magical properties to the contrast shower as it should strengthen the immune system, train muscles and even regulate the endocrine system. A couple of years ago in the Netherlands, a study was conducted involving three thousand people, who in the morning took either a normal or a contrast shower.
It turned out that the number of days when people were sick (mainly colds) was the same in both groups, but those who took a contrast shower were 29% less likely to miss work because they handled viral infections much easier.
According to the authors of the study, such a mechanism is not yet clear but it is not associated with the "strengthening" of immunity. It turned out that cold and hot at the same time causes reactions that enhance and suppress immune function. Possible explanations include psychological expectations (a placebo effect).
Due to temperature contrasts, the general condition of health improves because the cardiovascular system is trained. Under the influence of cold, the surface vessels narrow to protect the body from heat loss. In the heat, the blood vessels expanse to avoid overheating. As with any other workout, the body should be accustomed to it gradually, starting with mild temperature changes and short intervals.
2. Sauna and Cold Water
With scientific evidence of the benefits of the sauna, everything is not so simple. Baths are associated with a healthy lifestyle and a couple of years ago, one study confirmed that regular bath visit correlates with a reduced risk of heart disease and even mortality. An official commentary on these results stated that people with risk of cardiovascular complications may experience discomfort in the bathhouse.
A sharp immersion in cold water or snow immediately after the steam room is life-threatening according to scientists. This also applies to diving into the ocean or sea at the beginning of the summer season, when the air is already warmed up but the water remains cold.
In such a situation, the body can develop two opposing reactions such as a cold shock (causes the heart to beat faster) and response to diving (slows the heartbeat, trying to save oxygen). It is very important to enter cold water gradually, allowing the body to adapt.
3. Travel From Winter to Summer
A long winter is tiring not only with the cold but also with the need to wear closed clothes, the lack of sunlight and traffic congestion gets worse due to snow. Solid reasons to fly on vacation to a place where it is hot and sunny. To recharge your internal batteries and relax without putting yourself at risk.
The main risks of traveling from winter to summer are overheating and sunburn. Often we promise ourselves to lead a healthy lifestyle on the trip. The heat itself loads the body and it is better to get used to the heat first. Experts recommend drinking plenty of fluids and resting.
4. Ice Cream with Hot Drinks
A sharp change in temperature has no effect on tooth enamel which is the hardest tissue in the human body but it can significantly affect other tissues. Under the enamel is dentin, a material consisting of microscopic tubes that connects the pulp of the tooth with the external environment.
If dentin is not completely protected by enamel but is exposed (due to caries, thinning of the enamel as a result of improper teeth brushing, exposure of the tooth root), the pulp will respond to changes in temperature with pain.
The dentist must determine the cause of the hypersensitivity and choose the appropriate treatment. Contrasts like hot coffee with cold water should be avoided for those who wear tooth braces as the dental glue which is used to attach them expands and changes shape. Because of such changes, braces can simply fall off.
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