COLD SHOWERING BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Taking care of your immune system is essential, and one way to do so is through cold training. In this article, we will explore the benefits of cold showering and the Wim Hof Method for influencing and training the immune system. Whether for overall well-being or performance improvement, understanding the effects of cold can be beneficial.
This blog was written by De Romei Therapy and Training
Have you ever taken a cold shower? Not? I can only recommend it. Strengthening the immune system is a must in these times of corona. Guidance on this is also offered in the Liemers region! Universities (e.g. Radboud Nijmegen) are amazed at the results of cold training and also use it in cases of illness.
IMMUNE SYSTEM CAN BE INFLUENCED
Did you know that your immune system can be influenced as well as trained? Our immune system consists of an innate and an acquired part. The innate part can be influenced and the acquired part can be trained.
Sufficient and quality sleep, healthy and varied food, adequate exercise and reducing prolonged stress, you know it, are all pillars by which you can optimize the innate immune system. We all have the knowledge, but can we influence the immune system without instantly becoming a health freak?
"At Romei Therapy and Training, I have been sharing knowledge about immune system training using the Wim Hof Method since 2015."
We have only known since 2014, through research by Matthijs Kox of RadboudUMC, that part of our immune system can also be trained. We owe this to Wim Hof, or "The ICEMAN. Wim Hof has developed a method, you guessed it: 'The Wim Hof Method', in which you can increase your resistance to inflammation, bacteria and viruses through breathing, focus and cold training. This is one of the benefits of ice baths that athletes are after.
Research by the Amsterdam Medical Center shows that just 30 seconds of cold showering reduces sick leave by 29% and also increases productivity in the workplace. Do you dare ask this of your employees?
Cold showering
This method has a positive influence on both your physical and mental well-being. For example, people experience more energy, inner peace and a decrease in stress. Physiologically, your oxygen intake and blood circulation increase, your heart rate decreases and the PH level normalizes. But the most beneficial change is improving your immune system through the production of new immune cells! Want to learn more about the difference between a cold shower and an ice bath?
RESEARCH INTO THE EFFECTS OF COLD
At Romei Therapy and Training, I have been sharing knowledge about immune system training using the Wim Hof Method since 2015. Among other things, I give courses and workshops for patients with immune system related disorders, companies and sports teams. With the goal of reducing disease symptoms, but also increasing overall well-being and performance. Another positive consequence is that health costs will decrease both for the patient, but also for your company. Be in charge of your immune system, take good care of yourself!
In the near future, I will share more knowledge about the effects of the Wim Hof Method through this platform and keep you updated on the latest developments.
An ice-cold greeting,
Jelmer Derksen
De Romei Therapy and Training
Are you not quite sure how to get into an ice bath for the first time? Read our tips for the first time in our blog. You may also try a breathing exercise by Wim Hof.
