Are You Making These Unhealthy Shower Mistakes?
By Sara Butler
Showering is something most people do a few times per week. It's a simple task that everyone seems to have their own habits surrounding -- but some of those habits may not be very healthy. Here are a few things you may be doing in the shower that aren't great for your health.
You Neglect Your Feet
Your poor neglected feet. Since they're all the way down there they often get overlooked when it comes to your shower regimen. Most people think that simply because they're standing in water, the feet don't need proper washing. Too bad that's not true!
You may not have stinky feet, but think about how sweaty your feet get in socks all day. If you walk around your home or outside without shoes on, then you never know what you're stepping in. It takes just a few seconds to lather up your feet and give them a good washing.
Not Replacing Your Loofah
How dirty can a loofah be? After all, you put soap on it every time you use it!
In actuality, your loofah isn't as clean as you assume it is. Your dead skin cells feed all kinds of bacteria in that loofah. Do yourself a favor and get a new washing implement at least every couple of months. And make sure to always hang it up to dry between uses.
Using the Soap Dish
While most people no longer use bar soap to wash, if you do, then you need to heed this warning. The built-in soap dish in your shower may seem convenient but leaving soap there can encourage the growth of bacteria. That means each time you use that soap, you're basically rubbing your body down with all kinds of bacteria. Not a pleasant thought.
You can switch to liquid body soap or finding a soap dish with holes in the bottom that allow water to drain away. That should help to keep your soap from becoming a petri dish.
You Avoid Cold Showers
Most people love to luxuriate in a steamy, hot shower but you may want to reconsider that approach. Cold water can be very beneficial to your hair and skin. You don't have to try to imitate a polar bear, but turning your shower on cold for just 30 seconds can make a difference in the function of your immune system, improve your stress response, and increase your metabolism.
Showers are relaxing, but a few bad habits can turn your shower from a moment of zen to health hazard!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lynnwood, Wash.
