When you think of the cold winter months, ice baths probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind.
However, winter is a great time for ice bathing and might even make it easier to survive the cold, along with a handful of other benefits that we'll talk about below.
So what exactly are the benefits of ice bathing in winter?
#1 Ice baths strengthen the immune system in winter
In winter, when the immune system is at its weakest and the germ load seems to be at its highest, a cold ice bath can be particularly good for boosting immunity.
According to an NLM study, cold water has an "immunostimulating" effect, meaning it stimulates the body's immune response.
This was confirmed by another NLM study in which regular contact with cold water strengthened the participants' immune systems while reducing inflammation.
This "immune stimulating" effect occurs because cold water can activate the lymphatic system, which is important because it removes waste and toxins from the body. In turn, it increases the number of white blood cells and improves the immune response.
#2 Ice baths are a treat for the skin in winter
Did you know that the skin is the largest organ in the human body? That's why it's so important to take care of your skin, especially during the cold winter months, which cause many skin problems such as dryness and flaking, and can even worsen the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.
Ice baths can help improve circulation to the skin all over your body, giving you fresh, glowing, and healthier-looking skin in just minutes. At first, the cold water inhibits circulation, but after the body warms back up, circulation improves, which can lead to healthier skin and better circulation in the long run. The coldness of the ice bath also reduces inflammation, swelling, irritation, itching, and redness, making your skin not only look better, but feel better too. And not only that, ice baths can tighten skin and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles.
#3 Ice baths can help with seasonal depression.
Ice baths have two benefits - they're good for your body and your mind! Ice baths do wonders for your mood and help you feel invigorated and refreshed. Cold water has also been shown to help with mental health, including seasonal depression, which often occurs with the shift into the winter season.
How do ice baths help with seasonal depression?
Well, the shock of cold water on your body boosts the production of norepinephrine, which is important because low levels of this hormone and neurotransmitter are linked to depression and poor mental health.
A study by Science Direct showed an improvement in depression symptoms after several weeks of hydrotherapy. The norepinephrine boost from ice baths not only helps relieve depression, but also increases energy in the short and long term, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves concentration and mental strength.
#4 Ice baths strengthen resistance to cold
Every time you take the plunge into the ice barrel and brave the cold, you train your body and mind to become more resilient.
By dealing with stress, you will be able to cope with other stress factors in your life more easily.
By regularly immersing yourself in the cold, your body learns to quickly adapt to the freezing water temperature and transfers this resilience and adaptability to other cold stressors such as cold winter weather.
Soon, the cold of an ice bath and winter temperatures will feel like a walk in the park rather than a stroll in a snowstorm.
Not ready for an ice barrel yet? No problem! Check out our other blog posts.
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Medical Disclaimer:
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor before starting ice bathing and for advice on your mental health.