Doctor Facundo Pereyra explains why he prefers to take a cold shower every morning: "It helps reduce cortisol and improves my mood."

Physician Facundo Pereyra said that starting the day with a cold shower helps improve his physical and mental well-being. He explained that this practice, which is part of his daily routine, helps reduce cortisol —the stress hormone— increases energy, and has a lasting positive impact on the body.

Dr. Pereyra emphasized that cold water activates the sympathetic nervous system and increases the release of endorphins, known as "happiness hormones."

"The energy it provides and the dopamine it releases translate into enthusiasm, a greater desire to do things, and that positive feeling can last for hours," he noted.

He said this chemical effect on the brain explains why many people experience motivation, enthusiasm, and mental clarity after a cold shower.

The specialist emphasized that this habit helps lower cortisol levels. "It helps reduce cortisol and improves my mood," he stated. In this way, cold showers can become a useful tool for managing the stress and anxiety of daily life.

Another benefit pointed out by Pereyra is the strengthening of the body's defenses.

"Those who adopt cold showers get sick much less often," he said.

The doctor explained that exposure to cold water stimulates the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for protecting the body from infections, which translates into greater resistance to colds and common illnesses.

The doctor also highlighted the effects on metabolism.

“Cold water produces an increase in brown fat, which is what causes you to have a higher metabolism and gain less weight,” he explained.

Brown fat, unlike white fat, burns energy to produce heat. This activation generates additional energy expenditure that helps maintain a healthy weight and improve blood sugar regulation.

Cold showers also contribute to aesthetic care. According to Pereyra, by tightening pores and strengthening hair follicles, they help preserve the skin's natural moisture and maintain stronger, shinier hair.

On a physical level, this habit promotes recovery after exercise. Pereyra explained that cold water has an anti-inflammatory effect that reduces muscle stiffness and pain, speeding recovery.

For this reason, it is a common practice among professional athletes, although it can be adopted into daily routines after training.

“A cold shower wakes you up instantly and makes you feel more alert, ideal for starting the day with energy,” the doctor noted.

The specialist clarified that it is not necessary to start directly with completely cold showers.

He suggested moving forward gradually, starting with a few seconds of cold water at the end of your regular shower and increasing the time as your body adjusts.

Finally, he recommended consulting with a healthcare professional beforehand, especially if you have preexisting medical conditions.

*This content was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on publicly available information released to media outlets. It was also reviewed by the journalist and an editor.