Taking cold baths, also known as ice baths can have potential benefits for both physical and mental health. However, it’s important to note that while some research suggests positive outcomes, there’s also mixed evidence. That’s why it’s wise to be cautious and well-informed before trying it.
Ice baths are believed to offer several potential benefits including:
- It reduces inflammation
Ice baths work by constricting blood vessels, which can help reduce inflammation and swelling in muscles. Some studies even show that cold therapy from ice baths might be more effective at reducing post-exercise inflammation compared to alternatives like compression socks.
- It aids in recovery
After getting out of an ice bath, your blood vessels reopen which causes circulation. This cause in blood flow may help remove the metabolic waste that accumulates during exercise. While ice baths can help reduce exercise-induced inflammation, they might also hinder certain training adaptations necessary for muscle building and performance improvement.
- It lowers body temperature
Ice baths help your body cool down when overheated. Cold water immersion for just 10 minutes lowers your core body temperature after a workout. Your body cooling down after working up a sweat helps in avoiding heat exhaustion and worse, heat stroke.
- It relieves sore muscles
Cold water immersion can help alleviate muscle soreness and inflammation, which is why athletes often use ice baths as part of their recovery routine. Ice baths may also help in relieving pain from chronic conditions such as gout, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- It increases immunity
Cold water immersion with practices like deep breathing and meditation could potentially support a healthy immune system, but the effectiveness of ice baths alone in this regard remains uncertain. As more research is conducted, we might gain a better understanding of the potential benefits of ice baths on immune system function.
Hi! My name is Kimmy B, I am the co-host of the We’reHard podcast. I have a passion for fitness, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. I’ve always loved working out and staying active but recently found my groove in the fitness industry.