The idea of willingly immersing oneself in freezing cold water doesn't sound particularly enticing. But as it turns out, the benefits of a simple cold shower are many. After all, top athletes regularly use ice baths and there are countless studies to back up its proponents' claims. 

Improved metabolism, a lift in your mental health, reduced stress levels, relief in aching joints, and so many more health benefits: see what the experts had to say below about why you should consider taking a cold shower regularly. 

What is cold therapy?

Cold therapy is the practice of immersing oneself in cold water. Its origins can be traced back to Ancient Greece and was used primarily for relaxation and socialization purposes. Now, trendy immersive cold baths such as the Plunge or the Pod Company Ice Pod are marketed as a part of a holistic process to improve our overall health. 

But cold water immersion can be incorporated in many different ways, without fancy contraptions or large price tags. Majdoline Jayoushe, MD, a specialist in internal medicine and associate professor at the Mount Sinai Faculty Practice Primary Care Associates, says cold therapy can be practiced by swimming in an unheated pool or simply by taking a cold shower.

The Benefits

Dr. Jayoushe lists the following as benefits of cold therapy:

• Reduce inflammation and swelling
• Reduce chronic pain in joints and muscle soreness
• Boost your immune system
• Promote overall improved health
• Improved metabolism and healthy weight loss
• Improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
• Help fight symptoms of depression