SWITCH SHOWER TEMPERATURES TO FIGHT WINTER COLDS

A 90-second blast of cold water in the mornings can boost the immune system and help the body fight off nasty bugs. In a study, 3,000 people aged 18 to 65 were asked to intersperse their hot shower with bursts of cold water every day for a month, and sicknessrelated work absences were reduced by 30 per cent.

Researchers at the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam say that so-called contrast water therapy boosts blood flow.

This helps to increase the number of white blood cells, which protect the body against foreign invaders.

Boosting blood flow may also make the skin more elastic and youthful-looking.