After running, the body feels uncomfortable and sweaty, and most people can't wait to take a shower. However, there are many potential problems after showering, so it's important to be aware of some precautions to take after running.
Don't shower immediately after running
After running, the body hasn't fully recovered, so it's not advisable to shower immediately, especially with hot water. When running, the blood vessels are dilated, and showering immediately causes the blood vessels to contract, preventing toxins from being expelled from the body. This is not good for the skin and can also lead to colds. In severe cases, the accumulation of blood in the muscles increases significantly, causing excessive absorption by the internal blood vessels, especially in organs such as the brain and heart, leading to insufficient blood supply. Symptoms can range from dizziness and weakness to fainting and shock.
Avoid hot showers
During running, blood flow to the muscles increases and heart rate accelerates. After running, although blood flow and heart rate decrease, it still takes some time to return to normal. Taking a hot shower immediately increases blood flow to the skin and muscles, leaving insufficient blood supply for other important organs such as the heart and brain. This can cause dizziness, weakness, and a feeling of overall fatigue.
Avoid alternating between hot and cold showers
Some people shower with hot water first and then rinse with cold water after running. This can cause blood vessels on the body surface to be stimulated by cold water, leading to increased blood pressure. This puts additional strain on the heart, making an already fatigued heart even more tired and exacerbating symptoms such as palpitations and chest tightness.
Avoid using cold water to wash your hair
After running, the head tends to sweat and blood vessels are prone to dilation. Washing your hair with cold water can cause abnormal function of blood vessels in the head, leading to dizziness, blurred vision, and even vomiting. In severe cases, it can even cause intracranial bleeding. Moreover, the blood vessels in the brain are delicate, and cold water stimulation can cause them to contract, resulting in poor blood flow and the death of brain cells due to insufficient nutrition. Over time, excessive death of brain cells weakens the resilience of blood vessels, leading to various problems such as headaches.
How long should you wait before showering after running?
It is recommended to wait 20 to 40 minutes after running before taking a shower. During this time, body temperature returns to normal, sweat is almost evaporated, and blood circulation returns to normal. Showering at this time is not only beneficial for overall health, but also helps to relax and relieve fatigue.
