[nudephil (OP)]

Alexander sent in this question:

Cold baths have been a hot topic in recent years; are they really good for health? What are the advantages and risks?

[Xeon]

Alexander sent in this question:

Cold baths have been a hot topic in recent years; are they really good for health? What are the advantages and risks?

Shock can occur from a cold bath in some circumstances . A hot bath can cause rapid dehydration .
An interesting topic and we could explain baths in many ways . On a good note hot baths clears grease and unblocks your paws . Sorry I can't be bothered to explain further more right now  just because .

[strongernow]

I would suggest that the mixture of both is helping the immunsystem. Like you do when you at first go into the very hot sauna and afterwards shower very very cold, dive in a icebucket or lay down in snow. It gets your cardiovasucalr system acitvated.

Does anyone know why getting your heart system activated is helathy?

[syhprum]

From Sir Robert Baden-Powels excellent work "Scouting for Boys " I understand that cold baths are an excellent preventative of self abuse.
When the effects of the Testosterone antagonist wear off I intend to do some research

[Scientist30]

I´ve heard that cold water activates the sympathetic nervous system. So cold baths therefore have a positive effect on your mood.

[syhprum]

If I ever fall into the hands of the interrogators they will not need racks or bone crushing machines threats of cold baths will be sufficient to make me betray my co-conspirators

[Colin2B]

If I ever fall into the hands of the interrogators they will not need racks or bone crushing machines threats of cold baths will be sufficient to make me betray my conspirators

Doesn’t even need a threat! You’ve just admitted to being a conspirator 

[Bored chemist]

I´ve heard that cold water activates the sympathetic nervous system. So cold baths therefore have a positive effect on your mood.

Being shot in the leg will activate the sympathetic nervous system...

[DrJekyllMrHyde48]

There are positive and negative effects of course!

Positive:
It reduces your stress levels but only for a small amount. The cold temperature leads to a process called hardening. Your nervous system gets used to handling moderate levels of stress. Therefore, you are better in keeping a cool head in stressful situations. Also, you boost your immune system. That is because cold showers or baths increase the amount of white blood cells which are known to protect your body against diseases and other foreign bodies.

Negative:
Cold water when taking a bath could make your muscles tight or more stiff if they are already tensed. It causes the muscles to contract, which might make your pain worse, especially in the lower back or around the neck. Instead, you should take a warm bath in order to relax the tension. 

[set fair]

I would suggest that the mixture of both is helping the immunsystem. Like you do when you at first go into the very hot sauna and afterwards shower very very cold, dive in a icebucket or lay down in snow. I

There is evidence that this does increase the production of antibodies.

[maria123]

Hey everybody,

I just saw your posts about cold baths. I am sure that cold baths are good for your health if you just not do that all the time. I think it is like everything you should not do to much.... The cold baths will activate your whole body and is good for muscles and bones. Also magnesium can be a good for your body. Maybe in combination with cold baths to boost your whole body in all ways.

[thelistener]

Hello,
Cold baths are good for blood circulation It is good for healthier skin and hair and strengthens the immune system. Cold baths also stimulate fat burning and increase calorie consumption.

However, caution should be exercised for people with pre-existing conditions. Especially cardiovascular patients. For a weakened immune system, it can also be an additional strain on the body.

If you want to start with cold baths, you should first take a warm bath and then a cold one. After the cold baths, you should warm up again immediately and get your circulation going.

[scarlettzou]

Scientific studies have found that taking a cold shower increases the amount of white blood cells in your body. These blood cells protect your body against diseases. Researchers believe that this process is related to an increased metabolic rate, which stimulates the immune response.

[diverjohn]

The BBC has a very good interview with professor Mike Tipton on this topic. Here's a link to a published article on the science of cold water immersion and swimming.
https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1113/EP086283

[gerardseal]

The contrast shower also helps to stimulate the blood through the blood vessels better.

My parents are walruses 
But I can only do it after the sauna when I'm boiling.