What happens to your body when you take a cold shower every day? Some will say you will be cold, but there are other benefits that can improve your health.

If you've been on social media lately, you may have noticed a new trend – the ice cold shower. Many celebrities have touted the benefits of cold water temperatures – and this is also being noted in health circles.

Alex Trevatt, a doctor who works as a clinical manager at Avon Aesthetics and runs medical education company Medistudents, says he is a “big fan of cold showers” and has started recommending them to patients to improve their health.

Your circulation may improve

According to Trevatt, regular cold showers can improve circulation. "Immersion in cold water has been proven to narrow blood vessels and then widen them, which leads to improved circulation," he tells Best Life.

Experts from the Cleveland Clinic say this happens because "cold water puts your circulatory system into overdrive." As the ice water shocks the skin, the body reacts by pumping blood to vital organs and constricting blood vessels near the surface of the skin.

"This process stimulates blood flow, which is—overall—a good thing for your overall health," they write.

However, it is important to note that the clinic stated that there may be better (and more comfortable) ways to increase circulation, including a 10-minute walk.

You can reduce inflammation

If you suffer from inflammation or swelling, Trevatt says regular cold showers can help.

“Exposure to cold water has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, improve overall health and alleviate certain conditions such as arthritis,” he says.

Some athletes immerse their body in cold water (sometimes even in ice water) after strenuous training for this very reason.

"There have been several studies showing that there can be some reduction in pain after people immerse themselves in cold water for about 10 minutes, compared to those who have not done any cold therapy," he says. Tracy L. Zaslow, specialist in orthopedics.

When you are in cold water, your blood vessels narrow so that there is less blood flow to the area, then there is less swelling and inflammation, which leads to less pain.

It can strengthen the immune system

Cold showers can also boost your immune system, some experts say.

A 2016 study published in the medical journal PLoS One examined the effects of cold showers.

"Exposure to cold water has been shown to increase the production of white blood cells, which helps strengthen the immune system and fight disease," explains Trevatt.

You can lift your mood and increase your attention

Among the most consistent benefits of taking a cold shower is the mental boost you can experience. Experts say you can expect increased attention and improved mood.

“Exposure to cold water has been shown to release endorphins, which are natural pain relievers and mood enhancers,” says Trevatt.

However, some experts say that cold showers and cold plunges can put a serious strain on your body, meaning it's best to hold off on trying them until you've discussed the risks with your doctor. If you do decide to try it, go slowly.

"If you are trying it for the first time, take your time and acclimatize, slowly reduce the temperature over days or weeks," says Dr. Lee Hill, a physiologist and associate at the McGill University Health Center Research Institute in Montreal.

Warning: Heart patients should avoid cold water

Source: N1