By
Medical Care Review | Friday,
June 14,
2024
Cold plunge strengthens the immune system, increases stress tolerance, and promotes heart health.
FREMONT, CA: A cold plunge or cold water immersion is a brief dip in cold water that may have health benefits. Cold plunges have long been utilized by athletes to aid in muscle recovery, but they have also grown in popularity among consumers seeking physical and mental health advantages. People can take a cold plunge at home in an ice-filled bathtub or an outdoor cold plunge tub. They can even go for a fast swim in a chilly lake or the ocean, but they must exercise caution.
Major advantages of cold plunge are stated below:
Immune system booster: While it is a prevalent idea that being outside in cold weather can cause individuals to develop a cold, this does not appear to be the case for persons who participate in cold plunges. There is even some evidence that regular cold-water plunges can boost one's immune system. This could be because of the stress hormones the body produces when people take a cold plunge to assist in preparing to fight illness. However, further research is required to make a definitive statement.
Muscle recovery: Ice baths can help relieve discomfort after a workout. The cold causes blood vessels to tighten, which may reduce muscular injury and inflammation. However, if individuals are dedicated athletes, they might want to avoid the ice bath after strength training. Researchers discovered that cold water decreases muscle growth. However, it's fine after an endurance workout.
Resilience: When individuals take on difficult tasks, such as submerging themselves in icy water, they train their minds and bodies to cope with it. This increases resilience, which may translate into other aspects of their lives.
Stress resistance: Could shocking one's body with cold water actually reduce cortisol levels, a stress hormone? This is what some research has found. Following a cold swim, study participants' cortisol levels decreased. In one study, they continued to fall after four weeks of regular cold plunges.
Heart health: Some studies have shown that cold-water immersion enhances overall heart health. However, submerging oneself in cold water immediately causes significant stress on the heart. The short-term risks outweigh the long-term benefits.
Mood booster: Many people say cold plunges make them feel better. Some studies back this idea, revealing people who dipped in cold water reported feeling better afterward. This may be because swimming triggers the release of endorphins, which reduce stress and boost happiness. Some researchers have even proposed cold plunges as part of a depression therapy regimen.
Blood sugar: Regular cold plunges may improve insulin sensitivity or one's body's capacity to reduce blood sugar. This can help in avoiding type 2 diabetes.
