Immersions in icy water attract more and more followers, praising benefits such as the regulation of blood sugar, reduction in inflammation and a positive effect on mood. But scientific evidence remains limited.
- The frozen baths attract more and more followers, praising benefits such as the regulation of blood sugar, stimulation of the immune system, reduction of inflammation and a positive effect on mood. But scientific evidence remains limited.
- Immersion in cold water causes a response to thermal shock, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, which can be risky for some people.
- To limit dangers, progressive acclimatization is recommended. Taking regular cold showers or gradually exposing yourself at low temperatures can help the body better tolerate thermal shock.
Each winter, thousands of people brave the bite of the cold by diving into lakes or frozen rivers. Whether for a personal challenge, a charity event or simply for the thrill of experience, the popularity of frozen baths continues to grow. Some even reproduce the principle at home by systematically taking cold showers. But beyond the simple thermal shock, do these immersions in water at low temperature really have health benefits? A team of researchers from Case Western Reserve University in the United States has looked into the issue in a article Posted on the Faculty’s website.
A body shock and potential benefits
When a person plunges into freezing water, his body reacts immediately by what is called the “response to thermal shock”. This reaction results in a sudden increase in heart rate, respiratory frequency and blood pressure. The circulatory system reacts by contracting the blood vessels from the ends to redirect the blood towards the vital organs. Simultaneously, the body activates a heat production mechanism by causing chills, a process that generates heat by muscle contraction.
The followers of cold baths advance several supposed benefits:
– Blood sugar regulation and weight loss : Exposure to cold activates muscles by thrill, which improves the absorption of glucose and could help regulate blood sugar. It also increases metabolism, allowing a brief increase in calorie expenditure.
– Immune system stimulation : Some studies suggest that regular exposure to cold water could increase the number of white blood cells, but the evidence remains insufficient.
– Reduction in inflammation : Cold water has been used for a long time to relieve acute pain and inflammation, but its impact on chronic inflammation (arthritis, autoimmune diseases) remains uncertain.
– Effects on mental well-being : Some practitioners report an improvement in their mood after immersion in cold water, probably due to the release of hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine. In addition, the social dimension of these baths can play a positive role in morale.
What are the risks?
Despite these potential benefits, icy baths have dangers, especially for people with heart problems, hypertension or circulatory disorders. Thermal shock can cause cardiac arrest, arrhythmias or hyperventilation, increasing the risk of drowning. In addition, prolonged exposure to cold can cause hypothermia.
To minimize risks, progressive acclimatization is recommended. Taking regular cold showers or gradually exposing yourself at low temperatures can help the body better tolerate thermal shock. On the mental level, it is essential to be aware of the expected physiological reactions so as not to panic during immersion.
