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9 Dopamine Detox Benefits with Cold Shower: How to Take it

Terrifying benefits of cold shower

Reading Time: 7 minutes
Terrifying benefits of cold shower
Photo by Laura Marques on Unsplash

Introduction

The science behind Dopamine Detox (explained)

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in reward, motivation, and learning. It’s also responsible for feelings of pleasure and addiction. When we do something we enjoy, our brains release dopamine, which makes us feel good and encourages us to repeat the behaviour.

Over time, our brains can become desensitized to dopamine, which can lead to addiction, depression, and other problems. A dopamine detox is a way to reset your dopamine receptors and improve your sensitivity to the neurotransmitter.

Dopamine reset

One way to do a dopamine detox is to take cold showers. Cold showers expose your body to a sudden drop in temperature, which triggers a release of dopamine. This can help to improve your mood, boost your energy levels, and reduce stress. In recent years, there have been countless scientific research conducted that has proven the powerful benefits of cold showers to the body.

Table of Contents (Expand)

    9 Dopamine Detox Benefits of Cold Showers

    Here are 10 dopamine detox benefits of cold showers, backed by scientific research:

    1. Improved mood: Cold showers have been shown to increase levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation. One study found that due to the high density of cold receptors in the skin, a cold shower is expected to send an overwhelming amount of electrical impulses from peripheral nerve endings to the brain, which results in an anti-depressive effect. (Nikolai,2008)
    2. Increased energy levels: Cold showers can help to increase your energy levels by stimulating the production of adrenaline. One study found that cold showers improved athletic performance and reduced fatigue. (Shevchuk, 2013)
    3. Reduced stress: Cold showers can help to reduce stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “rest and digest” response. One study found that cold showers were effective in reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol while conducting an experiment on optimum heat cycling stress. (Ajjimaporn, 2019)
    4. Boosted immune system: Cold showers can help to boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells. One medical-reviewed article also suggests that cold showers reduced 29% of the number of sick days people took from work. (Deborah,2021)
    5. Reduced muscle soreness: Cold showers can help to reduce muscle soreness after exercise by reducing inflammation and increasing circulation. One study found that cold showers reduced muscle soreness and improved recovery time in athletes.(Camila,2015)
    6. Increased alertness and focus: Cold showers can help to increase alertness and focus by stimulating the production of adrenaline and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters that play a role in attention and focus. One study found that cold showers improved cognitive function and increased performance on tasks requiring attention and focus.
    7. Improved sexual function: Cold showers can help to improve sexual function by increasing levels of testosterone and dopamine, two hormones that play a role in sexual function. One study found that cold showers increased testosterone levels and improved erectile function in men.
    8. Increased resilience to stress: Cold showers can help to increase resilience to stress by exposing the body to a mild stressor. When the body is exposed to a mild stressor, it adapts and becomes more resilient to future stressors. One study found that cold showers improved resilience to stress and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in people with chronic stress. It helps to balance between health and work. (Geert,2016)
    9. Reduced inflammation: Cold showers can help to reduce inflammation by increasing the production of anti-inflammatory hormones and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory hormones. One study found that cold showers reduced inflammation and improved symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and asthma. (Mooventhan,2016)

    Dopamine detox: How to Take a Cold Shower

    If you’re new to cold showers, start slowly. Start by taking a warm shower and then gradually turn down the temperature until it’s as cold as you can tolerate. Stay in the cold shower for at least 30 seconds, but no more than 3 minutes.

    If you’re not sure if you’re ready for a full cold shower, you can start by splashing your face with cold water or taking a cold shower for just a few seconds. You can also try taking a cold shower in the morning, which can help to wake you up and improve your energy levels.

    Here are some practical steps for taking a cold shower comfortably

    • Start with a warm shower and gradually turn down the temperature.
    • Stay in the cold shower for at least 30 seconds, but no more than 3 minutes.
    • If you’re new to cold showers, start by splashing your face with cold water or taking a cold shower for just a few seconds.
    • Try taking a cold shower in the morning.
    • Breathe deeply and focus on your breath while in the cold shower.
    • If you start to feel too cold, get out of the shower and warm up.

    Ice bath: how it improves sexual function

    Cold therapy involves immersing your body in cold water (usually between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit) for a short period of time. Ice baths have been shown to have a number of health benefits, including improving sexual function.

    One study found that ice baths increased testosterone levels and improved erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction. Another study found that ice water exposure increased levels of dopamine in the brain, which can lead to increased sexual desire and arousal.

    Ice baths may also improve sexual function by reducing inflammation and improving circulation. Inflammation can damage blood vessels and nerves, which can lead to erectile dysfunction. Ice baths can help to reduce inflammation and improve circulation, which can lead to improved erectile function.

    To know more about ice bath and sexual function, check out this article.

    How to take an Ice Bath

    Home Bath Tub

    To take an ice bath for sexual health, simply fill a bathtub with cold water and ice. The water should be between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Immerse your body in the ice bath for 10 to 20 minutes.

    If you are new to ice baths, start by staying in for a shorter period of time and gradually increase the amount of time you spend in the ice bath. You can also try taking an ice bath in the morning, which can help to wake you up and improve your energy levels.

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    How Long Should You Stay in a Cold Shower?

    The ideal amount of time to stay in a cold shower is 30 seconds to 3 minutes. If you’re new to cold showers, start by staying in for a shorter period of time and gradually increase the amount of time you spend in the cold shower.

    Other Ways to Reset Dopamine Levels (without cold shower)

    photo by david marcu

    In addition to cold showers, there are a number of other things you can do to reset your dopamine levels, including:

    • Meditation: Meditation is an ancient practice with timeless benefits.It has been shown to increase levels of dopamine and reduce inflammation. One study found that meditation increased levels of dopamine in the brain and improved symptoms of depression and anxiety.
    • Exercise: Exercise has been shown to increase levels of dopamine and improve mood. One study found that exercise increased levels of dopamine in the brain and improved cognitive function.
    • Spending time in nature: Spending time in nature has been shown to increase levels of dopamine and reduce stress. One study found that spending time in nature increased levels of dopamine in the brain and improved mood and well-being.
    • Socializing with loved ones: Socializing with loved ones has been shown to increase levels of dopamine and improve mood. One study found that socializing with loved ones increased levels of dopamine in the brain and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.
    • Eating a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet has been shown to increase levels of dopamine and improve mood. One study found that eating a healthy diet increased levels of dopamine in the brain and improved cognitive function.
    • Getting enough sleep: Getting enough sleep has been shown to increase levels of dopamine and improve mood. One study found that getting enough sleep increased levels of dopamine in the brain and improved cognitive function.

    Conclusion

    Cold showers are a simple and effective way to detox your dopamine receptors and improve your overall well-being. They are easy to do at home and require less or no special equipment.

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