the cold shower: folk remedy or faux remedy?

In my opinion, I have been sick too much in the last year.  I'm healthy.  I exercise.  I eat ok.  I take my vitamins.  I wash my hands (but not too much).  So what else can I do to keep from getting sick?

November's issue of Real Simple, my undisputed favorite magazine EVER shared 6 Natural Cold-Prevention Strategies

 

The list consists of the standard preventative measures - get enough sleep, exercise and a couple of strange ones: eat oysters (for the zinc content) and take hot AND COLD showers!  Since I don't eat seafood, the cold showers really caught my attention.

 Here's what Real Simple has to say about them:

Temperature fluctuations jump-start your immune system, says Donielle Wilson, a naturopathic doctor in New York City. At the end of a shower, stand under the hottest stream you can take for 30 seconds, then turn the temperature to cold for 10 seconds. Repeat three times, finishing with cold.

I have tried this for three showers, so far.  It is definitely a form of torture, but it wakes me up better than caffeine.  It is also quite the endurance challenge as well.  I have never counted to 10 so fast!  Today's counting was a little slower and I think I'm actually getting the hang of it.  Although I can't imagine ever looking forward to it.

EarthClinic Folk Remedies boasts the following benefits:

• Brings blood to the capillaries, therefore increasing circulation throughout the body.
• Cleans the circulatory system.
• Reduces blood pressure on internal organs.
• Provides flushing for the organs and provides a new supply of blood.
• Strengthens the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.
• Contracts the muscles to eliminate toxins and poisonous wastes.
• Strengthens the mucous membranes, which help resist hay fever, allergies, colds, coughs.

Folk Remedy or Faux Remedy??

Either way, I'm going to keep at it.  If anyone else gives it a shot, let me know!  I'll keep you updated of any sicknesses.