Here’s how taking a plunge in ice-cold water improves your health

It might seem odd, but taking a plunge in cold water has amazing effects on your body.

Tania Tarafdar | Published: February 22, 2017 5:00 pm

It is not uncommon to find many devotees taking a plunge in the holy Ganges in the ghats of Hrishikesh or Varanasi. The devotees believe that it is going to wash away their sins. While we do not want to comment on the religious beliefs, we would want to highlight the many benefits of taking a plunge into ice-cold water.

Improves lung function: Your lung function improves tremendously when you take a plunge in cold water suggests a study published in the North American Journal of Medical Sciences[1]. That feeling of breathlessness you get when you take a plunge into cold water is what improves your lung function. When you hold your breath each time you take a plunge and slowly release your breath, you improve your lung function. Practising yoga can improve your lung function too.

Beats depression: According to a study published in the journal Medical Hypotheses, taking a plunge in cold water can help you beat depression [2]. Cold water baths have shown to increase the release of depression-beating chemicals like noradrenaline and beta-endorphins making you feel fresh.

Boosts immunity: A plunge in cold water causes your lymph vessels to contract, which forces your lymphatic system to pump lymph fluids throughout your body. The flushing of fluid triggers the white blood cells to attack any foreign bodies in the body. According to a study published in the journal PLoS ONE, cold water baths have shown to stimulate the lymphatic and immune system, which helps in boosting the production of infection fighting cells thereby increasing your immunity[3]. Also, try these natural remedies to boost your immune system.

References:
[1] Mooventhan, A., & Nivethitha, L. (2014). Scientific Evidence-Based Effects of Hydrotherapy on Various Systems of the Body. North American Journal of Medical Sciences, 6(5), 199–209. http://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.132935
[2] Shevchuk NA. Adapted cold shower as a potential treatment for depression. Med Hypotheses. 2008;70(5):995-1001. PubMed PMID: 17993252.
[3] Buijze, G. A., Sierevelt, I. N., van der Heijden, B. C. J. M., Dijkgraaf, M. G., & Frings-Dresen, M. H. W. (2016). The Effect of Cold Showering on Health and Work: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PLoS ONE, 11(9), e0161749. http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0161749

Published: February 22, 2017 5:00 pm

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