US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
Cold-water immersion may offer health benefits -- and also presents risks
Researchers say cold-water immersion triggers a strong bodily stress response and may improve mental health but carries cardiovascular and respiratory risks.
- Earlier this year, researchers reported growing evidence that cold-water immersion offers health benefits, though Mike Tipton and Dr. Mark Harper say scientific confirmation remains limited.
- The cold‑shock response includes rapid skin cooling and hormone release, producing stress that shapes these effects in humans described as 'tropical animals', Mike Tipton explained.
- Tipton recommends a conservative water temperature of about 15–20C and limiting immersion to no more than two minutes, using lifeguarded areas or experienced swimmers for safety.
- While risks exist, regular cold-water swimmers report mental-health benefits via social contact and exercise, though deaths from cold-water immersion and stress on cardiovascular and respiratory systems have been reported.
- Several years ago researchers warned of dangers despite long histories of claimed benefits, noting historical claims about cold‑water benefits come with persistent risks; Dr. Mark Harper said some effects may involve a placebo effect and a brief shock response lasting a minute or two.
Insights by Ground AI
34 Articles
34 Articles
readingeagle+13 Reposted by 13 other sources
Cold-water immersion may offer health benefits — and also presents risks
By STEPHEN WADE, Associated Press Dr. Mark Harper recalls his first cold-water swim in the south of England 20 years ago. It was August, but the initial jolt from the plunge took his breath away. The shock to his system lasted a minute or two until he was “recombobulated and able to think about something other than the cold,” Harper says. A surprise sensation soon replaced his discomfort. “I remember getting out of the water the first time and f…
·United States
Read Full Article
Associated Press News+18 Reposted by 18 other sources
Cold-water immersion may offer health benefits -- and also presents risks
Claims about the benefits of cold-water immersion date back centuries. Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, wrote toward the end of his life about using a cold foot bath daily for 60 years.
·United States
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources34
Leaning Left10Leaning Right0Center19Last UpdatedBias Distribution66% Center
Bias Distribution
- 66% of the sources are Center
66% Center
L 34%
C 66%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
