The benefits of deliberate cold water immersion or cold plunging have been talked about for many years. These benefits have become more talked about as cold plunging has become more main stream in recent years. From celebrities to podcasters, cold plunging has become one of the most talked health topics. Below are the top benefits of cold plunging
1. Reduce Inflammation- One of the most common benefits people associate with cold plunging is a reduction in inflammation. The cold temperature narrows your blood vessels, which decreases blood flow to your muscles. This decrease is blood flow may reduce inflammation and swelling.
2. Speed Up Recovery- Another popular benefit of cold plunging is its ability to speed up physical recovery. Even before cold plunging became mainstream, athletes have been utilizing this method to speed up their recovery process after hard physical activity. After you get out of the cold plunge your blood vessels dilate or reopen. This forces nutrient rich blood to your muscles which can aid in speed up the recovery process.
3. Improve Immunity- Many studies have shown that continued use of cold plunging can improve one's immunity. A Dutch study concluded that a group of people that engaged in deep breathing, cold exposure, and meditation were more resistant to bacterial infection. Another study from 1996 indicated that repeated cold immersion elevated the blood concentration of catecholamines, which had a positive impact on immune response.
4. Increase Energy Levels- One of the most exciting benefits of cold plunging is its ability to increase energy levels. Many studies have shown promising results due to the bodies ability to release norepinephrine. This beneficial hormone helps regulate your bodies energy production. People who routinely cold plunge have been shown to have much higher levels of this hormone.
5. Increase Resilience To Stress- Deliberate cold exposure activates our bodies sympathetic nervous system, which activates your bodies fight or flight response. By training our body to withstand this temporary stress induced by cold plunging, we can improve our overall resilience to stress. The bodies adaptation to the stress of cold plunging can potentially translate to other stressors.
6. Decrease In Anxiety + Depression- One of the most promising benefits of cold plunging it its potential to reduce anxiety and depression. The release of endorphins induced by cold plunging can have a positive effect on mood. Elevated levels of norepinephrine have also been seen as a benefit of cold plunging. Low levels of norepinephrine have been tied with depression.