Our immune system is influenced by multiple factors and is highly complex. In isolation, the benefits of cold water immersion are hard to measure. But several studies now link cold exposure to immune boosting benefits such as increased production of ‘killer T cells’ and lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell key to immune function.

The feel good hormone is released during and after cold water therapy drive wakefulness, alertness, learning and attention, enhanced memory formation and retrieval. They also supports top-down regulation of pain. So, when we tell you that regular cold exposure increases feel good hormones levels by 200-300%, you know it’s a very good thing. It also increases dopamine by 250% - a natural ‘feel-good’ hit, thrown in for free.

The cold triggers our metabolism, our internal furnace, by releasing free form fatty acids (FFAs) and glucose. It also protects against insulin resistance that can lead to diabetes and atherosclerosis by inhibiting glucose production. The collaborative effects of vasodilation and vasoconstriction work together to switch our metabolism to fat burning mode. 

When immersed in cold water, the immense strength of the electrical impulses that travel from the nerve endings in the skin to the brain are now thought to have an anti-depressant effect. When coupled with increases in mood-boosting dopamine and the "feel good" hormone (the hormone targeted by pharmaceutical giants to manage depression and ADHD) the benefits need to be felt to be believed.

We each have 70,000 miles of veins, arteries and capillaries moving blood around our bodies. For most, this great vascular tree is de-conditioned through lack of exposure to the big temperature changes it was designed to deal with. When we move between hot and cold, it gives those tiny muscles governing blood-flow a serious workout.

Inflammatory diseases are the biggest killer in the modern world. The risks only increase as we age. Cold exposure suppresses the acceleration of disease inflammation and the related pain signals. For those looking to build muscle mass and strength, the cold comes with a warning. Low temperatures will interrupt your natural muscle repair cycle, meaning it’s best to wait several hours after a workout before heading into the ice.

Cold therapy increases mitochondrial biogenesis in muscle and fat tissues. This means it encourages the production of mitochondria-making energy (ATP) at a cellular level, using oxygen as fuel more efficiently. Useful for those interested in improving cardiovascular fitness or increasing muscle endurance and performance.

Facing your fears takes grit. Yes, you were scared. But you went ahead and did it anyway. It feels good, doesn’t it? Taking a dip in the ice, especially when you don’t feel like it, brings an immense sense of power and self-confidence. You’re comfortable being uncomfortable. So, what else could you achieve today?