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Many of my friends routinely practice the habit of cold plunging. Cold Plunging has an equal number of health claims and warnings. A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Physiology highlighted the benefits of cold water immersion for post-exercise recovery and inflammation reduction. A 2020 study in Cell Metabolism found that cold exposure stimulates brown adipose tissue, aiding metabolism and energy expenditure. Anecdotal evidence and small studies support mental health benefits, though large-scale studies are still needed. Cold plunging, also known as cold water immersion, is a practice that involves immersing the body in cold water, typically below 59°F (15°C), for a short duration. Physical Benefits: Cold water immersion can decrease inflammation and swelling by constricting blood vessels and reducing metabolic activity in tissues. Commonly used by athletes post-exercise for muscle recovery. The cold causes blood vessels to constrict, and after leaving the cold environment, they dilate, improving overall blood flow. Studies suggest that regular cold exposure may boost white blood cell counts and improve immune function. Cold exposure can activate brown fat, which burns calories to generate heat, potentially aiding in weight management.
Mental Health Benefits: Cold plunging can stimulate the release of endorphins and norepinephrine, helping reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Regular exposure to cold water may improve your ability to handle stress by conditioning your body's stress response. The shock of cold water increases adrenaline and wakefulness, offering a mental "reset."
Risks: Sudden immersion in cold water can increase heart rate and blood pressure, posing risks for those with heart conditions. The initial shock from cold water can cause hyperventilation or panic, which may be dangerous in unsupervised settings. For women with hypothyroidism or subclinical thyroid issues should be cautious, as cold plunges can stress the thyroid due to thermoregulatory demands. Women generally have a higher body fat percentage than men, which can offer some insulation but may also make extremities (hands and feet) more prone to cold-related discomfort or numbness. Women, particularly post-menopausal, are at higher risk for osteoporosis. Cold water may exacerbate joint stiffness temporarily, although long-term data suggests benefits for inflammation reduction.
What do I think of cold plunging? That goes back to the BIOINDIVIDUAL piece. As with anything, EVERY HUMAN is a little different. No ONE THING IS GOOD FOR EVERYONE! What helps one person with energy, can drain the energy of another, based on what stage of life you are in: These are some examples- Whether you are male or female Your age Your hormonal state Your toxic burden Your work and stress factors Want a Deeper Dive? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FlmpnsbciQ https://longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/2024/05/22/jumping-into-the-ice-bath-trend-mental-health-benefits-of-cold-water-immersion/ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/cold-plunge-after-workouts For guidance on other energy boosters including cold plunge, check out my link here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGaUbhvM1Y/wW0BWitpXvbSFJW6VT-Z1w/view?utm_content=DAGaUbhvM1Y&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hca3d5906e1 To set up a visit, here is my link: https://calendly.com/angiesrealfood Have a question? Need a quick swap? Feel free to text me at 619-807-1387 For more info on packages and classes with Angie’s Real Food look here: https://angiesrealfood.com/
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