ELI5 Ice Baths & Warm Showers - what are the benefits?

How effective are ice baths and what are the benefits? How did they become so popular? Is it wrong to take a hot shower after a big meal? Is there danger from taking a shower in a thunderstorm? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: jimmyb3121, qjkxkcd, copnonymous, sixpennydruid, nova_saibrock, xylarthetimeless and greenstrong To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Send us an e-mail: [email protected]