The coolest thing on social media these days may be celebrities and regular folks plunging into frigid water or taking ice baths.
The touted benefits include improved mood, more energy, weight loss and reduced inflammation, but the science supporting some of those claims is lukewarm.
“The endorphin rush … is an incredible way to wake up and just kind of shock the body and get the engine going,” O’Conor said on a recent morning when the air temperature was a frosty 23 degrees . Endorphins are “feel good” hormones released in response to pain, stress, exercise and other activities.
“My mental health is a lot stronger, a lot brighter. I found some Zen down here coming down and jumping into the lake and shocking that body,” O’Conor said. But Cronenwett says studying cold water immersion with a gold-standard randomized controlled trial is challenging because devising a placebo for cold plunges could be difficult.Cronenwett says cold water immersion stimulates the part of the nervous system that controls the resting or relaxation state. That may enhance feelings of well-being.
Czech researchers found that cold water plunging can increase blood concentrations of dopamine - another so-called happy hormone made in the brain - by 250%. High amounts have been linked with paranoia and aggression, noted physiologist James Mercer, a professor emeritus at the Arctic University of Norway who co-authored a recent scientific review of cold water immersion studies.Cold water immersion raises blood pressure and increases stress on the heart.
Among the biggest unanswered questions: How cold does water have to be to achieve any health benefits? And will a quick dunk have the same effect as a long swim?
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Celebs tout ice baths, but science on benefits is lukewarmThe coolest thing on social media these days may be celebrities and regular folks plunging into frigid water or taking ice baths. The touted benefits include improved mood, more energy, weight loss and reduced inflammation, but the science supporting some of those claims is lukewarm.
Read more »
At 55, Pamela Anderson Uses This Under-Eye Mask for Bright, Glowing SkinThe cult-favorite mask is beloved by other celebs too—including Halle Berry!
Read more »
Celebs Keep Pioneering New Ways to Be Naked in PublicThanks to mesh, glitter, and carefully placed feathers, the Naked Dress™ is experiencing a red-carpet renaissance.
Read more »
11 Celebs Who Battled Sex AddictionFrom Tiger Woods to Jada Pinkett Smith, these celebrities have battled with sex addiction.
Read more »
J.J. Watt draws biggest crowds as celebs kick off WM Phoenix Open with pro-amThe Phoenix Open officially gets underway with Thursday's opening round. Wednesday, though, offered a more laid-back atmosphere for the pro-am.
Read more »