5 Surprising Health Benefits of Cold Plunges for a Healthier Life

12 December 2024

Is there a better way to embrace the cooler months than with a cold plunge? It might seem counterintuitive, considering the chilly weather we’ve had recently, but taking regular cold plunges could have many potential health benefits for both mind and body.

Whether you brace the cold shower at home or want to try one of our Sauna and Cold Plunge Experiences, we’re here to tell you all about why embracing the cold could put you on the path to a healthier life.

Cold Plunge Experiences can improve your Heart Health

Now, a word of warning: If you have pre-existing heart conditions, it is recommended that you consult with a doctor before trying a cold plunge. However, many studies have found a link between these and better heart health.

One study by the University of Oregon in 2023 found a significant reduction in their participants’ heart rate, blood pressure and what’s often a common stress marker - cortisol. This study also found that participants had a better mood three hours after immersion, suggesting that cold plunges could have a range of psychological benefits.

Overall, semi regular immersion in cold water can boost blood flow, reduce heart rate, improve overall cardiovascular health and enhance blood circulation. Once you get over the initial shock of the cold plunge, your body will soon adapt as you soak up the benefits.

Boost your Metabolism with a Cold Plunge

Looking to shed some extra pounds and finding that nothing is working? Although diet and exercise play a significant role, sometimes you might hit the point where nothing seems to be shedding the weight. This is where cold plunges come in.

When your body is exposed to cold, it works a lot harder to maintain its core temperature which in turn, increases energy expenditure and calories burnt. It won’t help you shift the weight and send your metabolic burn through the roof on its own, but it can definitely have an impact.

Cold plunges can also activate what’s called ‘brown fat’ or adipose tissue which helps the body to burn calories and control blood sugar and insulin levels. Whilst cold plunges can boost this type of ‘good’ fat, it can also force your body to burn ‘white fat’, a type of bad fat, to generate body heat.

How Cold Plunges can Reduce Anxiety and Depression

Aside from an array of physical benefits, cold plunges have been known to improve your mental health. This is because the act of forcing the body into cold water can release neurotransmitters and ‘good’ hormones like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins - which are linked to regulating emotions and reducing stress. Cold water can also help build resistance to stress by reducing cortisol levels.

Our Cold Water Plunge Experiences are set amongst the serene Northamptonshire countryside, which can be a welcome distraction from seeing the same four walls, as you take in the beautiful nature all around you and put your body through its paces in a rejuvenating plunge. Once you overcome the initial shock and discomfort of the cold water, your boost to your good hormones will mean you feel more relaxed and at ease, as you feel the benefits to your mental resilience.

Cold Water Plunges can Strengthen your Immune System

During the winter months, we could all do with a boost to our immune system as colds and flu continue to fly around. Cold water therapy has been known to cause changes in white blood cells (that fight off infection), suggesting the immune system may be better able to deal with an infection afterwards.

In general, cold water exposure can act as a mild physiological stressor that activates protective mechanisms in the body which help to fight infection. If you’re finding you keep feeling under the weather recently, a cold plunge may well force your immune system into gear.

Increasing Muscle Recovery with Cold Water Plunges

Have you been putting your body through its paces recently? Too much of the gym can sometimes be a bad thing if you’re not allowing your muscles to recover. Numerous studies have shown a link between cold water therapy and muscle recovery as it can reduce swelling and inflammation.

Cold Water Plunges may well help to speed up muscle recovery as it helps to flush out waste products like lactic acid which can lengthen the soreness of your muscles. Cold water can reduce swelling and lessen the perception of pain in the body, meaning it can speed up your recovery so you’re on the mend to go to the gym again.

Looking for more experiences to help your body and mind? We’d recommend having a look at our Spa Days across the UK which can help you relax and unwind or our Massage Experiences which are great for muscle recovery.