Wellness (Cold Water Immersion)

Introduction

Plunging yourself into frigid water or taking ice bath is claimed to
"...improve mood, provide more energy, induce weight loss and reduce inflammation..."
Lindsey Tanner, 2023

Benefits

Although the evidence is debatable, it is claimed that:

- endorphins (feel good hormones) are released, eg
"...cold water plunging can increase blood concentrations of dopamine - another so-called happy hormone made in the brain - by 250%..."
James Mercer as quoted by Lindsey Tanner, 2023
- it stimulates the part of the nervous system that controls the resting or relaxation state, ie enhances the feeling of well-being
- it stimulates the part of the nervous system that regulates fight-or-flight stress response (taking the plunge on a regular basis may dampen the stress response and make people feel better able to handle other stresses in their lives)
- it takes courage (you need to overcome your fear; once done, you feel that you can accomplish something meaningful, ie achieve a goal)
- it increases the body's response to insulin (a hormone that controls blood sugar levels; could reduce the risk of diabetes)
- it activates brown fat (tissue that helps keep the body warm and helps it control blood sugar and insulin levels)
- it helps the body burn calories (could be a way to lose weight)
- it may increase levels of certain white blood cells and other infection-fighting substances (get fewer colds)

NB Some benefits, like changes in blood pressure and mental clarity,  occur quickly; while others, like the formation of brown fat, take much longer.

Some negatives

- raises blood pressure
- increases stress on the heart

Some unresolved issues include

- how often do you need to plunge into iced water to get the benefits?
- how long do you need to stay in the iced water to get the benefits?
- how cold does the water need to be to get the benefits?