Improved mood and cognition
One of the most unexpected benefits of cold plunging is its positive effect on your mood and cognitive function. Studies have shown that exposure to cold temperatures can increase levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that plays an important role in regulating mood and cognition. In one study, participants who underwent whole-body cryotherapy (a type of therapy involving exposure to extremely cold temperatures) showed significant improvements in mood and cognitive function compared to those who did not.
Hormesis
Hormesis is a term used to describe the beneficial effects of exposure to low levels of stressors. While it may seem counterintuitive, research has shown that exposure to mild stressors (such as cold temperatures) can benefit the body. In one study, participants who underwent whole-body cryotherapy showed increased levels of antioxidant enzymes, which protect cells against damage caused by free radicals. In another study, rats that were exposed to cold temperatures had increased levels of brown fat, which is a type of fat that burns calories instead of storing them. The beneficial effects of hormesis are thought to be due to the fact that exposure to mild stressors triggers an “adaptive response” in the body, whereby the body becomes better equipped to deal with future stressors.
Metabolism
Exposure to cold temperatures has been shown to boost metabolism by increasing levels of brown fat in the body. Brown fat is a type of fat that burns calories instead of storing them and thus has been shown to be effective in reducing weight. In one study, participants who underwent whole-body cryotherapy had increased levels of brown fat after just 3 minutes of exposure to -110 degrees Celsius (-166 degrees Fahrenheit). The increase in brown fat levels was accompanied by an increase in metabolic rate, which lasted for up to 2 hours after exposure to the cold temperatures.
Improved Immune System Function
The immune system is responsible for protecting the body against infection and disease. Exposure to cold temperatures has been shown to improve immune system function by increasing levels of white blood cells and antibodies. In one study, participants who underwent whole-body cryotherapy had increased levels of white blood cells and antibodies after just 3 minutes of exposure to -110 degrees Celsius (-166 degrees Fahrenheit). The increase in white blood cells and antibodies was accompanied by an improved ability to fight off infection and disease.
Mental Resilience
Mental resilience is the ability to cope with stress and adversity. Studies have shown that exposure to cold temperatures can increase mental resilience by inducing a state known as “hormetic adaptation.” This is where the body becomes better equipped to deal with future stressors thanks to exposure to mild stressors such as cold temperatures. In one study, participants who underwent whole-body cryotherapy showed increased mental resilience after just 3 minutes of exposure to -110 degrees Celsius (-166 degrees Fahrenheit). The increase in mental resilience was accompanied by an improvement in mood and cognitive function.
Athletic Recovery
Athletes often use ice baths or whole-body cryotherapy to recover from strenuous exercise. The reason for this is that exposure to cold temperatures has been shown to reduce inflammation and speed up muscle recovery. In one study, participants who underwent whole-body cryotherapy had reduced inflammation and accelerated muscle recovery after just 3 minutes of exposure to -110 degrees Celsius (-166 degrees Fahrenheit). The reduction in inflammation and acceleration of muscle recovery was accompanied by an improvement in mood and cognitive function.
There are many benefits that can be gained from exposure to cold temperatures, ranging from enhanced mood and cognition, increased mental resilience, improved immune system function, accelerated muscle recovery, and more! If you’re looking for a way to improve your health and well-being, then consider adding cold plunging to your self-care routine.
