Potential perks of cold plunges

Another monthly edition of You Asked, We Answered.

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In a Nutshell You already know what time it is! Oh, you don't? It's our monthly newsletter devoted to answering one lucky reader's health question. 🎉 Today's topic is all about cold plunges. (Shout out to Derek D. for asking this one.) Personally, I'm also intrigued by the benefits of cold water therapy, since it seems like everyone around me is hopping on this trend. Before we ~dive in~ here are some new stories worth reading: • How acid reflux can affect your teeth • 10 natural ways to boost your libido • Researchers found a new type of taste! PS: Have a question you'd like us to investigate for a future newsletter? Email us at wellnesswire@healthline.com and we might answer it next month! Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota October 25, 2023 • 3 min read

what's got us buzzing Can chilling in cold water help your health? ❄️ Potential health perks. Why on earth would anyone want to plunge their bodies into cold water? Well, the purported benefits are pretty enticing. Studies suggest chilling in 50–59°F (10–15℃) H2O can reduce muscle soreness, lower your body temperature when you're overheated, relieve symptoms of depression, stimulate your immune system, and even speed up your metabolism. Anecdotally, cold water therapy is said to spike energy levels, deepen sleep, and reduce inflammation, though more research is needed to back up these claims. ⚠️ How to stay safe. For starters, it may be a good idea to consult a doctor before dipping your toes in cold plunges as they've been known to cause serious cardiac stress and blood pressure changes. For this reason, cold water therapy isn't recommended for anyone with pre-existing heart conditions. Once you're all cleared, here are some tips for safe plunging: Always bring a buddy to keep an eye on you. Prioritize eating and heating up after your plunge with warm drinks and layered clothes. Avoid taking a hot shower (before or after) so you don't pass out going from one extreme to another. Keep it brief, as there's no therapeutic reason to stay immersed for more than just a few minutes. 🛀 Accessible ways to jump in. If you've got the money to join a cold plunge club or go somewhere with a professional tub, go for it! Otherwise, you can totally lean on DIY (read: free) options. Consider taking a warm-to-cold shower or contrast bath, jumping right into a cold shower, hanging in an ice bath in your bathtub, or taking a short swim or dip in a chilly body of water. Reminder: Safety is key, so research all of the necessary precautions to take before you dive on in. 🌱 Like this story? There's a lot more where that came from! Sign up for our Natural newsletter with one click here.

Great finds Chill out!       G Ganen Ice Bath Did you know that you don't need to spend thousands of bucks on your very own cold plunge tub? Because I didn't. Turns out, you can get one for under $100! If you're looking for one for your home or yard, this option is the budget-friendly winner on Healthline's list of best cold plunge tubs of 2023. It's under $60, portable, inflatable, and comes in sizes large, extra large, and deluxe extra large so two people can chill at once. Buy now Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health.

health stories you need What we're reading next 🦷 Here's what happens if you don't brush your teeth. Hint: It's a lot more than having smelly breath. 📈 What are the stages of HIV? Learn what happens to the body as the virus progresses from stage 1 to stage 3. 🚭 9 tips to kick vaping once and for all. Read or pass it on to the vape lovers in your life. 🍺 Drinking alcohol and brain shrinkage. Yes, there's a link, and it has to do with how often you drink.

Thanks for reading! Have you ever done a cold plunge? Did you notice any health benefits after? Tell us about your experience by emailing wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming edition.)

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