Cold Plunges for Better Health [Visual]

Many people claim that immersing yourself in cold water has all sorts of benefits for your mind and body. But does the trend live up to the hype? Here are a few of the ways cold plunges might help your health.

Immunity:
You may be able to use the cold to boost your immune system. One study reported that, after a month, those who ended their morning shower with a burst of cold water were nearly 30% less likely to call in sick to work.

Mental health:
The shock of a cold plunge may activate responses in your brain that help you better deal with stress, improve your mood, and boost your ability to focus. One study also found that cold showers may help reduce symptoms of depression.

SAFETY FIRST

If you attempt a cold plunge, it’s important to understand that water temperatures affect your body differently than air temperatures. Heat is leached out from your body 25 times quicker when you’re in water compared to air. Don’t overdo your ice bath!

Additionally, cold plunges aren’t a good idea for everyone. Because they strain your heart and have the potential to cause heart damage, cold water immersions shouldn’t be attempted by people with a history of heart conditions or by those taking blood pressure medications.

It’s also important to know that, while cool showers or baths may provide some benefits, there’s no evidence they can cure chronic conditions. Experts warn that you shouldn’t use cold plunges in place of traditional medical treatments.

Ultimately, cold plunges may boost your health in certain ways, although they aren’t likely to lead to major health changes on their own. Incorporate them into a healthy lifestyle for best results once you have consulted your physician.

How To Try a Cold Plunge

Bring the water temperature down below 60°F to see any health effects. 30 seconds is often enough to experience benefits, and you’ll get all the benefits you can after a couple of minutes.
It’s best to go slow, gradually decreasing the temperature each day. This strategy is safer than, say, participating in a polar plunge where your body suddenly gets extremely cold without any preparation.
As soon as you’re done with your ice bath, warm yourself back up. Put on warm clothes and grab a cup of coffee.