Exposing our bodies to cold temperatures has been discovered to have incredible healing powers. From reducing inflammation to stimulating blood circulation, cold exposure is a proven natural remedy many people are adopting for a healthier lifestyle.
In this article, we explore ten ways cold exposure can help heal the human body.
1. Improves Immune Function
Cold treatments can activate your immune system resulting in increased production of white blood cells, which help to fight off infections.
Taking cold showers can also help improve the production of cytokines, a protein responsible for enhancing the immune response to fighting disease.
2. Boosts Fat Loss
Cold exposure can help you shed some pounds by stimulating your metabolism. Studies suggest that exposure to cold temperatures can increase the number of calories your body uses up to heat up the core temperature, burning fat in the process.
3. Boosts Energy Levels
Contrary to what many believe, cold exposure can boost energy levels as cells tend to use more energy to produce heat when exposed to cold temperatures.
Cold exposure can also help improve sleep quality, enabling the body to repair and regenerate tired muscles overnight, resulting in increased energy levels.
4. Reduces Inflammation
Cold exposure can be an effective natural remedy for reducing inflammation. It works by aiding in the constriction of blood vessels and reducing blood flow to areas where inflammation is present.
5. Increases Blood Circulation
Cold treatments help improve blood circulation by causing the blood vessels to constrict and then dilate, causing a pumping action. This action increases the blood flow to all parts of your body, improving your cardiovascular health.
6. Reduces Muscle Soreness
After a workout, muscle soreness can be a major hindrance to quick recovery. Cold exposure can help reduce the soreness resulting from lactic acid buildup in your muscles. This can help speed up recovery and improve muscle strength.
7. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Exposure to cold temperatures has been shown to help reduce levels of cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress, and anxiety. Cold exposure promotes the production of ‘feel good’ hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins.
8. Improves Immunity to Stress
Cold exposure can help improve your body’s immunity to stress over time. The hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis is responsible for the body’s response to stress.
Regular exposure to cold temperatures can improve the function of the HPA axis, leading to better stress management.
9. Increases Focus and Alertness
Cold showers can help improve mental clarity, alertness, and focus. The sudden exposure to cold sends electrical impulses to the brain, resulting in improved cognitive function and sharpness.
10. Improves Skin Conditions
Cold showers can help reduce skin dryness and improve the condition of skin by increasing blood flow and tightening pores. Reduced blood flow to the skin is often the reason for itchiness and skin dryness.
Cold exposure can help reverse this by improving the circulation of blood to the skin, resulting in a healthier glow.