The benefits (or lack thereof) of taking ice baths. Do they help with metabolic function or immune support? Or are they a waste of time?
Ice baths may benefit the body as follows;
Immunity support
Science backs up the idea that ice baths can boost immunity. For example, a study looking at participants who combined meditation, cold water immersion, and deep breathing experienced less bacterial infections than those that did not. While the study does not clearly indicate how effective the cold immersion contributed to this, it is small sign it does.
Can reduce body temperature
We obviously know that cold baths can lower our body temperature when overheated. Even a study confirms that immersing in cold water for 10 minutes lowers the core body temperature, which may be helpful in preventing heat exhaustion or heat stroke after high intensity exercise.
Reduces swelling and inflammation
The cold temperature in an ice bath can make blood vessels narrower. As a result, it limits blood circulation to the muscles, which lessens swelling and inflammation. It is a better method of reducing inflammation, even post-exercise as likened to compression socks.
