Orlando, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Ice baths are the hot new trend in cold therapy with a chill following. Both C-suite executives and Gen Z’ers are installing them right in their own homes. TikTok has helped this frosty fad go viral, promising everything from boosted energy to sharper focus. One study published in neuroscience letters found a single cold plunge could increase dopamine levels by 250 percent and noradrenaline by a whopping 500 percent. But these benefits come with risks.
It’s called an ice bath and it’s not for the weak, faint of heart or people who don’t like the cold.
But that shock to the system might come with some surprising benefits. Like regulating blood sugar, increased metabolism and easing your sore muscles. Patrick Mahoney’s been doing them for four years, five minutes a dip.
“Dreaded the first time, but the more you do it, the more you get used to it,” said Patrick Mahoney.
But ice baths can have serious side effects if done wrong.
“You need to kind of watch that two plus minutes,” said Althea Stearns, Athlete Recovery Room Owner.
Too much can do more harm than good.
“If I put my hands underwater too long. It takes a long time to have any feeling back in my hand,” said Mahoney.
A study found that five minutes in 68-degree water improved alertness, decreased nervousness, and reduced stress. Experts say 50 to 60 degrees is ideal.
“It’s cold, but not too cold. You’re still going to get all the benefits. I think that is probably like the safest range,” explained Stearns.
Anything colder can trigger cold shock. It can lead to rapid breathing, blood pressure spikes, and impaired cognitive function.
“When your blood vessels constrict, that raises your blood pressure. And so that’s why, like heart and blood pressure concerns, you could pass out,” said Stearns.
So, ask your doctor before you start.
Protein synthesis is vital for muscle growth, but cold-water immersion can hinder it. To get around this, wait four to six hours after a workout, or if you want to do it right away, limit your ice bath to three to five minutes. The cost of a tub can range anywhere from a hundred bucks to 15 thousand dollars or even higher. The price largely depends on the type of tub, the included chiller, and the quality of materials and design.
Contributors to this news report include: Cliff Tumetel, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor.
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Sources:
https://breakthrough-pt.com/blog/top-6-benefits-of-cold-plunges/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-to-know-about-cold-plunges
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cold-plunge
https://www.health.com/ice-baths-8404207
https://www.weather.gov/safety/coldwater
https://recoverylab.com.au/why-you-shouldnt-cold-plunge-after-a-weight-session/
