Freeze Your Way to Better Health: The Impact of Cold Therapy Benefits

The human body is a fascinating organism that strives to maintain homeostasis, despite its surrounding environment. Throughout history, people have discovered ways to take advantage of this quality to improve their natural healing abilities. One such method is through cold therapy, which involves exposing the body to cold temperatures, either via ice packs, cold-water baths, or whole-body cryotherapy sessions. What are the reasons many people are opting for this chilly treatment, and what are the benefits of cold therapy?

Before we delve into the benefits of cold therapy, it is essential to understand the science behind it. When our bodies are exposed to cold temperatures, we begin to shiver, generating heat that keeps the core temperature at 37°C or 98°F, which is the normal temperature for human cells. To maintain this temperature, the body sends blood to the organs, leaving the extremities to cool down. The constriction of blood vessels in the limbs also pushes blood back to the heart, increasing its oxygen content. Additionally, contact with cold water leads to an increase in our breathing and heart rate, promoting blood circulation.

1. Cold Therapy Helps Reduce Inflammation and Joint Pain

Inflammation is a natural immune response, but when it is rampant, it can lead to chronic pain and several diseases, including cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Cold therapy is an effective method of reducing inflammation, mainly in the joints.

In a 2015 study of 20 people with rheumatoid arthritis, exposing patients to whole-body cryotherapy sessions for 2-3 minutes at a time reduced inflammation by 50%. In another study conducted in 2016, athletes who took ice baths after high-intensity exercise experienced less soreness and pain than those who did not.

2. Cold Therapy Boosts Weight Loss and Metabolism

The human body has two types of fat: white and brown fat. Brown fat burns calories and produces heat, while white fat needs to be eliminated. Cold temperatures stimulate brown fat production, leading to the burning of calories and aiding weight loss.

In a 2009 study of 12 healthy men who wore cooling vests and slept in a 19°C room, an increase in brown fat production was observed over four months. Another study conducted in 2014 found that exposing mice to 18°C to 21°C for two weeks increased the quantity of brown fat in their bodies.

3. Cold Therapy Helps Combat Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety

While cryotherapy is not a cure for depression and anxiety, it can help to alleviate symptoms. Exposure of the body to cold temperatures stimulates the production of a hormone called the norepinephrine hormone. This hormone is said to improve mood, boost energy levels, and take an antidepressant role.

In a 2008 study, researchers exposed 24 subjects to 8°C water for 1-2 minutes three times a week, and there was a significant reduction in depression symptoms.

4. Cold Therapy Stimulates Brain Functions

Cold therapy is a potent tool for improving brain function. It helps to boost blood flow and oxygen levels to the brain, leading to enhanced cognitive abilities. Moreover, it has been reported to help prevent the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

In a 2016 study of rats, exposure to 10°C for four hours, two times a day, for 28 days significantly decreased beta-amyloid accumulation, a major factor in Alzheimer’s. Additionally, in a 2017 study of six healthy men exposed to cold water for 20 seconds at a time, there was an increase in norepinephrine levels, leading to improved focus and cognitive flexibility.

5. Cold Therapy Helps Improve Sleep

Research has shown that a drop in body temperature can considerably enhance sleep quality. The ideal temperature for sleeping should be between 60°F – 67°F or 15°C-19°C, which is within the range of cold therapy.

A 2018 study conducted on insomniacs found that reducing the temperature on the pillow surface significantly increased sleep quality. Another study focused on cold feet’s effect on falling asleep, concluding that wearing socks that lower the feet’s temperature reduced the time it took to fall asleep by up to 7 minutes.

6. Cold Therapy Can Help You Live Longer

Scientists believe that the repeated process of exposing the body to cold temperatures can activate a DNA repair mechanism that leads to cellular repair and increased lifespan. Several studies have shown that cold therapy can lengthen lifespan.

In a 2014 study, selective breeding of flies in cold temperatures resulted in a lifespan increase of up to 20%. Furthermore, scientists discovered that exposing mice to low temperatures led to increased longevity and slower aging rates when subjected to chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Cold therapy offers numerous benefits to the human body, boosting weight loss, sleep, brain function, and the immune system, among others. With cold therapy, you can enjoy these benefits without the side effects that come with traditional treatments. It is a safe and natural way to improve your well-being, making you more focused, energized, and productive. Make a decision to try cold therapy today and experience the various benefits that come with it.