Many people are aware of the benefits of cold plunging, but most don’t understand what it can do. Many of these benefits are primarily based on scientific evidence. Cold plunging can improve your mood and reduce pain, but what about other health benefits? Read on to discover more. Cold plunging can boost your immune system and decrease inflammation. In addition, it helps to build a stronger immune system. So, what are the benefits of cold plunging?
Improves mood
Researchers have found that taking a 20-minute plunge into cold water can significantly improve mood. They also found that participants’ connectedness with nature improved significantly. Researchers have noted that cold-water immersion is well tolerated and may even be better for the brain than prescription medications. This study focused on the psychological effects of cold-water immersion in a young, healthy group. The researchers were able to control for the impact of swimming, which may have affected the participants’ moods, but the cold itself did positively impact participants’ happiness.
Researchers have noted that the physical effects of cold plunging on mood may come from the brain training and willpower it provides. People who take cold plunges regularly develop a positive attitude that translates into their other areas of life. The researchers recommend that more research confirm these positive effects of cold plunging on mood.
Relieves pain
People who suffer from chronic pain and autoimmune conditions may find that cold plunging is an effective treatment. It has been found to reduce inflammation and pain by relaxing the body. Coldwater treatments also improve sleep quality, which is important for healing. Nevertheless, the FDA has not evaluated cold plunging, so you should consult with your doctor before using it to treat your pain or autoimmune condition. In addition, cold plunges may cause a fever, which should be avoided.
Besides the relief from pain, cold plunges improve skin health. The paralyzing effect of cold water helps treat a variety of skin conditions. Coldwater also improves blood circulation and lowers heart rate. This reduces stress, which is a common cause of pain. Cold plunging also improves lung health and performance. Cold plunges’ mental and physical benefits include improved cognitive ability and increased self-esteem. In addition, researchers have discovered that cold plunges increase levels of norepinephrine and beta-endorphin in the brain.
Boosts immune system
Cold plunging increases glutathione levels, the body’s most powerful antioxidant. Glutathione helps keep other antioxidants at peak levels. It triggers the release of chemicals called cytokines that boost the body’s ability to fight harmful bacteria and viruses. Additionally, cold water stimulates the body’s autonomic nervous system, strengthening with each exposure. It also helps regulate blood pressure and balances sleep-wake cycles.
While taking a cold plunge may sound counterintuitive, it can strengthen your immune system. Sweat contains amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, sweating releases histamines and cortisol, which fight inflammation and infection. Inflammation, or excessive amounts of these chemicals in the body, can damage cells. Cold plunges reduce the waste products that are a sign of infection and boost the immune system.
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