Biohack Spotlight: The Rising Trend of Cold Water Therapy
First, have you heard the word biohack tossed around and wonder what it means exactly?!
In a nutshell, biohacking is experimenting with biological systems to enhance physical and mental performance, or optimize body functions. It can range from lifestyle and dietary modifications to advanced techniques like gene-editing and self-monitoring with gadgets. It varies per person, and the key is experimenting to find what works best in your own unique body.
COLD PLUNGING, have you tried it?!
What is it?
The ancient ritual of immersing oneself in cold water has transitioned from a niche practice, popular among athletes and biohackers. and has become a mainstream wellness trend. The allure of cold water therapy is captivating a broader audience in 2024, thanks to its potential array of health benefits, including enhanced stress resilience, improved muscle recovery, and a boost in mood.
Cold water therapy, also known as cryotherapy, involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for a short period of time. This practice can trigger a natural response from your body, releasing endorphins and activating the sympathetic nervous system. The result? Potentially a notable increase in stress resilience, faster muscle recovery, and a general uplift in mood.
Here are some key benefits that continue to be researched:
1. Improved Circulation and Reduction in Muscle Soreness: Cold water immersion after exercise has been found to potenially help reduce muscle soreness and aid quicker recovery of muscle strength and function. This is particularly beneficial after intense physical activities.
2. Enhanced Immune System and Reduced Infections: Regular participants in cold water swims have also been seen to have more resilient immune systems. For instance, a study found that regular cold water swimmers contracted fewer upper respiratory infections compared to a control group. This is possibly due to boosted antioxidant protection in their bodies (read more here)
3. Mental Health Benefits: Cold plunges can potentially improve mood and have antidepressant effects. This might be because cold exposure activates the body’s “fight or flight” response, leading to an elevation in levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. A case study reported significant mood improvement in a woman with severe depression following regular cold water swimming (read more here)
4. Improved Body Composition and Thyroid Function: Some evidence suggests that cold exposure can improve body composition by activating brown fat, which aids in burning calories. It might also balance thyroid hormones, contributing to better metabolic health
5. Better Sleep and Increased Energy: Regular cold exposure has also been linked to potential better sleep quality and improved energy levels. It may also reduce anxiety and stress, contributing to a more relaxed state of mind
With any new practice you are adopting, it's crucial to approach this practice gradually and consult a healthcare professional before starting, especially if there are underlying health issues.
So, what about a cold shower? Is it the same?
While a cold shower can be invigorating and still may have benefits,cold plunge purist would argue that it’s not as beneficial as full-body immersion. These specialized tubs allow water temperatures to drop below 55 degrees and the full-body submersion plays a crucial role in maximizing the therapeutic effects of cold water therapy.
Whether you're seeking to boost your mood, speed up muscle recovery, or enhance your body's resilience to stress, cold water therapy may help! We’d love to know if you have personal experience with cryotherapy. Please share in the comment section!
