IT APPEARS INFLUENCERS, like Ashton Hall, may be doing something right, after all, with a new study confirming ice baths can help you manage stress,
Indeed, if you’ve been hesitant to dip a toe, or the rest of your body, into a tub of frigid water in pursuit of an array of purported benefits, it may be time to end the resistance.
The study, from the University of Ottawa, involved ten healthy young males who underwent cold-water immersion at 14°C for one hour across seven consecutive days. Blood samples were collected to analyse the participants’ cellular responses before and after the acclimation period.
“Our findings indicate that repeated cold exposure significantly improves autophagic function, a critical cellular protective mechanism,” says professor Glen Kenny, director of the school’s Human and Environmental Physiology Research lab. “This enhancement allows cells to better manage stress and could have important implications for health and longevity.”
You may have heard of autophagy, a process where cells degrade and recycle their own components, including damaged organelles, proteins, and other materials. Research show the process can be switched on from prolonged fasting.
The research revealed that while autophagy was initially dysfunctional after high-intensity cold stress, consistent exposure over a week led to increased autophagic activity and decreased cellular damage signals.
“By the end of the acclimation, we noted a marked improvement in the participants’ cellular cold tolerance,” explains Kelli King, the study’s first author. “This suggests that cold acclimation may help the body effectively cope with extreme environmental conditions.”
The implications of this study extend beyond athletic performance. Cold water immersion has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, and this research provides some scientific backing for its efficacy.
The findings suggest that proper autophagic activity could not only extend cellular longevity but also prevent the onset of various diseases.
“Cold exposure might help prevent diseases and potentially even slow down aging at a cellular level. It’s like a tune-up for your body’s microscopic machinery.”
The takeout from this study is that rather than sporadic dips in cold water, the real benefits may come from sustained cold plunges – yes, it may be time to add them to your daily routine – you just don’t have to post about it for it to be effective.
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