Regular cold shower exposure modulates humoral and cell-mediated immunity in healthy individuals

Abstract

Background

Cold hydrotherapy is an ancient practice that has recently gained scientific interest for its potential health benefits. This study explored the effects of regular cold shower exposure on immune cell function.

Methods

Sixty healthy Egyptian adults were randomized to take cold or hot showers daily for 90 days. Levels of immunoglobulins, cytokines, and interferon-gamma were measured in blood samples at baseline, 30, 60, and 90 days.

Results

The cold shower group exhibited significant increases in immunoglobulin levels. Conversely, the hot shower group showed a significant decrease in IgM levels at 60 and 90 days compared to baseline, alongside nonsignificant decrease of IgG and IgA. the cold shower group demonstrated elevated levels of IL-2 and IL-4 at 90 days, indicating enhanced T-cell proliferation and humoral immunity, respectively. In contrast, the hot shower group did not exhibit significant changes in cytokine levels. There were no significant differences in IFN-γ and TNF-α levels between the groups.

Conclusions

Regular cold shower exposure appears to enhance humoral and cell-mediated immunity through the upregulation of antibodies, interleukin-2, and interleukin-4. Brief cold stressors may induce physiological adaptations that prime the immune response. This accessible, sustainable lifestyle modification could potentially serve as an alternative therapy to boost immunity. Further research on larger populations is warranted to better understand the physiological effects of cold temperatures on immunity.