Cold Plunge: 5 Benefits You Didn't Know About!

[@leilaluginbill916]

I’m 78 and have been cold plunging for the last three years. My friend and I go into Puget Sound where the winter temps are close to 40-45° F. We walk in and stay for about 5 minutes. Sometimes it takes me a couple hours to warm up. It does make my wonky knee feel better and I’ve noticed that I get too warm easily and crave cold sheets in my bed…something I used to hate. Another side effect is that it’s a great conversation starter…always fun to amaze people👍🤗

[@NedlaNedim]

Cold plunges have been a total game-changer for my recovery and mental clarity. I started incorporating them alongside my steak and eggs diet, and the boost in energy and focus has been incredible. I also added a few key supplements from Secret Supplements that turn you into a Superhuman, like magnesium, to help with muscle relaxation after cold exposure-it’s the perfect combo.

[@maxmontauk7281]

I am. a medical practitioner and I have been taking cold showers every day for years now plus weekly ice baths - I have no doubt it has had a significant benefit to my health - in particular my immunity, but also recovery from any injuries when I exercise - highly recommend it!

[@SuperMrAndersen]

Should be careful, there cases people die in ice water

[@ToTallTim..]

Personally, I feel I’ve benefited greatly from cold water therapy. It’s exhilarating, great for exercise recovery and helps in sleeping better.

[@lizdee8118]

I've been cold-plunging for about 18 months now. I've found it beneficial to keep my lower leg swelling at bay. I started with cold showers, purchased a stock tank, and used frozen water bottles to chill the water. I found it not quite cold enough, so I started making 50 to 60 lbs. of ice daily, which became very tedious (store bought ice is expensive!). I purchased a water chiller, which keeps my tub at a low temp 24/7. I plunge daily, rarely missing a day, which is probably excessive. After seeing my summer power bill, I've gone from plunging for 10 minutes at 3C to 6 minutes at 5C! 68 years old, and in very good health!

[@alancane1482]

I take a cold shower every morning and that makes it easier for me to handle the northern Alberta winter

[@lawrenceharada430]

Thank you for the info. A local LA California newscaster did a cold plunge at the urging of other co- workers. He had diabetes & heart disease due to a questionable diet. I tweeted to them the potential danger & shock to the body & heart.😢 Unfortunately, several months later, he passed away due to a myocardial infarction. I hope people with health conditions check with their Drs first before trying this. 😢

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Oh wow that’s horrible

[@RhondaMcIntosh-pp2oj]

I had a Swedish spa experience in Nova Scotia this summer. Since then I go to my local pool and alternate sauna, steam and hot tub with the cold shower provided. It's awesome.

[@michelewilliams4485]

I’m 68 and I bought a big animal stock tank and use it in the yard , I have been loving it and feel great. I never thought of putting socks on and may try that. Thanks guys

[@TorgerVedeler]

Many years ago I was in northern Norway visiting family. They had a cabin on the border with the USSR and there we sat in a hot dry sauna and then ran outside naked and jumped into the cold river of the border. I don’t know if it helped my health, but somewhere in Russia today there is probably an old KGB file with pictures of me naked. So is going from a hot sauna into a cold river good for you?

[@chrisj8764]

I did one better - in sauna and then ran barefoot over the frozen lake to a hole cut in the 10 inch ice and jumped in. The shock was so great I didn't even feel the cold - and didn't stay in the water long!

[@ClareHarrison-qi3bw]

Ha, ha. At least maybe no Facebook or KZbin then. Probably safer with the KGB.

[@Chestnut442]

A stern warning from my doctor: in my early 30s I walked from our sauna to the dock on our lake in April (southern Canada), climbed down the ladder and held myself underwater on a lower rung. Small pieces of ice were tinkling all over the surface. My heart rate slowed to only a few BPM, but I wasn't able to hold my breath any longer and came up, everything fine, felt like a million bucks. At my annual physical a few months later my doctor laid into me, "..because the Vagus nerve did that as a protective measure, but had you stayed under much longer you could have blacked out and drowned." Stupidly I was there underwater on my own as well; my wife still in the sauna. Never again. Vagus nerve - an exceptionally important nerve in our body - multiple roles.

[@joerenner8334]

So don't do silly stuff. Sitting in a $50 cold Tub is easy peesy.

[@judyheard6266]

A cold plunge is delightful. A cold shower is harder I believe, but I will give it a try. Cold water on the head feels good.

[@louspeed1]

I use cold plunges after a hard day of cycling and it helps to prevent soreness.

[@SuperRoxanne7]

I cold a shower everyday, for just a couple minutes and I feel great!!

[@cris_miko]

As any woman who has experienced the "joy" of hot flashes knows, stepping outside during a Minnesota arctic blast wearing your nightclothes can be very refreshing 😂

[@MrsCalliebird]

Start slow. Take a regular shower and at the end turn it to cold for a few seconds. Increase the cold time gradually over the course of weeks. By the time you get up to 3 minutes you'll be ready for a cold dip, and will be craving your cold shower at that point and not dreading it! Do it you will like it!

[@chrisj8764]

Ha ha - that is what I do - and certainly never crave cold showers nor my cold dips! But I think they do me good, so I do them.

[@joerenner8334]

A cold dip is easier than any cold shower imo. I do both.

[@calburnIII]

Last summer, returning in my camper van from a vacation trip, I thought my water heater was on the fritz. It turned out I was on the fritz-I forgot to turn on the propane. But I needed a shower, so I took a cold shower. I discovered my error after I’d gotten dressed. It was uncomfortable enough that when I was home, I spent a couple hours installing an indicator light to remind me whether the propane was turned on. My previous experiences with cold showers, some 25 years ago, was whenever Wife 3 said “no”. That was equally unpleasant, for several reasons. Overall, I don’t like cold showers, and you’ll never get me into an ice-filled tub willingly. This is one of those pieces of medical advice that I will happily ignore.

[@JohnP470]

I think I'll give a cold shoulder to the cold shower idea.

[@dorag1150]

Thank you ! A group of 🇨🇦friends have been doing it for a while and it is invigorating!

[@louisd95714]

I have never done it, and don't ever plan on doing it. At 65 years old here, and so far I am feeling very healthy without needing to freeze my butt off.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Makes sense

[@MarkGriswold000]

So then, how would you know?

[@louisd95714]

@ Because I feel no reason for cold plungeing. The doctors made a very nice video about it, but it’s just not for me. Am concerned about potential related heart issues.

[@louisd95714]

@ My main concern is what you pointed out about potential cardiac arrest. That’s my biggest fear, especially because my LAD was fitted with a stent about a year ago. No heart attack, but my cardiologist suggested it because there is moderate blockage.

[@Paul-ss4re]

Why are you watching and commenting then? Pointless.

[@TheJwjenks]

That is my biggest fear….the shock of the cold water will stop my heart and kill me.

[@joerenner8334]

Lol! No it won't. Just test yourself first with 10 degrees or so. Celsius.

[@TheJwjenks]

@@joerenner8334 Great info! Thanks! I will try that!

[@DavidHester-im2of]

I think I will start out slow. Like not turning on my heater before I take a hot shower. 😂

[@robertb3361]

Great information, l turn the shower from warm to cold now to end my showers and alway imagine jumping into a cold lake in early summer, so invigorating. Would weekly cold plunge be helpful as part of rehabilitating my ruptured Achilles? Seems to me, in moderation, it would be beneficial to support and further reduce the swelling.

[@maryjacobs7046]

I usually turn my warm, comfy shower to cold for a rinse. At first blast it's painful, but that doesn't last. I stay in cold water until it feels good. Extra benefit: no shivering when I step out.

[@pierrecadieux6037]

My best cold plunge experience is when I go on the North Eastern seaboard and first run up a sweat on the beach with a light jog and then dive in for a first swim in the cold salty water. I only like to go in cold water when I am hot first from a jog or from a sauna. However, I do like to wash my eyes and face with cold water in the morning before my coffee!

[@sofarsogut]

I'll only get a (very) short dip on New Year's Day at Wreck Beach ! And I'll post a picture of that🥶. Some friends stay in the water (Salish sea. Georgia Strait) for a long time, they can ... Thanks for your advices "sort cold shower "

[@janetkieslich843]

Hi Docs. What are your thoughts on BFRT or blood flow restrictive therapy?

[@doihavetohaveachannel8289]

I feel so good after getting out of the cold lake on New Year’s Day in British Columbia.

[@janellison5011]

When I go through bouts of insomnia, I sometimes start with a warm water shower, then finish with cold. I can't tolerate more than about 30 seconds of cold, but it does help a bit.

[@jerene2]

In Japan they have cold water plunge bath after a hot water soak.

[@chrisj8764]

I end of my shower with 2 minutes of cold, and swim through the winter (sea temperature doesn't go below about 10 C where I live). Don't know how much it helps as I have a cancer of the immune system, but one thing it does help a lot is in coping with chemo etc. Despite all that, feel great!

[@richardbrewis436]

A fascinating video presentation, Talking With Docs😀. Astonishing to learn how the body keeps healthy! Thanks.

[@Goonie02]

Im gonna adapt to cold showers. I did this last winter and i remember i felt great an my body acne was at its minimal

[@jenkinseric2]

great info. is there a way for you to remove the sound effects of things displayed on the screen?

[@chrispadgett620]

I love watching you two! I live in FL, though, and the coldest my shower gets is only gasp-worthy in Jan or Feb. My local YMCA has a dry sauna, so I'll have to stick with those benefits.

[@DrSteveQatar]

Outward bound course made us run 1 mile to Ullswater lake jump in the cold water, run back then hot shower - everyday. Since then it’s been cold enough outside until we moved to average 40C hear where jumping into a 26C sea is a cold plunge!

[@gregbrooks7233]

As a kid at boy scout summer camp, I often participated in Polar Bear Club. Each morning, before breakfast, you took a cold plunge in the lake. It was rough going in but you felt great later after putting on clothes and having some breakfast.

[@zak-a-roo264]

Yep, northern cold water surfers never get sick!!

[@zak-a-roo264]

Or Southern cold ,if that's your hemisphere, lol!

[@megpatricia3161]

I used to wade in a cold river (up to my butt) after a long run, even in winter. It felt great and reduced delayed onset muscle soreness. Unfortunately, I suffered a hemorrhagic stroke ( not from cold immersion), but now I get muscle spasticity from cold water/ temps. But I do miss those refreshing cold dunks!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Oh wow sorry to hear that. Some research would say the cold is superior for recovery

[@chrisj8764]

I have heard of ultra runners taking ice baths for this reason - apparently it helps with the micro tears your muscles get when ultrarunning

[@wsue1038]

I have to say I do have experience with a cold shoulder. Does that count?

[@eileensakal987]

Many years ago…we got out of the sauna, chipped away some ice in the pool and jumped in…….it didn’t feel cold at all. We had a nice swim and then went back in the sauna. I don’t remember any other feelings I had, like wellness. ( we might have been drunk tho….)

[@johnm2879]

I've felt great getting in lakes in September and October for 5 to 10 minutes. The temperatures would have been low 60s to mid-50s. I tried to get in 48F water once and forget it! But the cold water around 60F worked extremely well for me. However, there are cautions for older people and what it does to your breathing.

[@chrisj8764]

I am old (70 next year) and the coldest I have swum in is about 50F - was cold but bearable for 15-20 mins swim. What you need to do is go in slowly. For anyone jumping into very cold water, you get a startle reflex (cold water shock) and may swallow water and panic - some have drowned because of that.

[@radleyg9486]

Been told following heart attack and cardiac arrests shouldn’t….is that correct?

[@jerryannclifford6538]

My son has been jumping in their pool much of last winter (moderate temps and snow in Sthn Ontario). He dives in. I read that to immerse the head was not advised: sudden constriction of blood vessels not wise. Wondering. He said it's invigorating especially with the stresses of day to day life.

[@chrisj8764]

Well he seems to be managing it, but cold water shock (involuntary swallowing of water) is a thing.

[@jerryannclifford6538]

So far he manages exhaling as he plunged. A pretty well informed coach/athlete too.

[@miamired1]

Good heaves, could never do this. It takes this Floridian 10 minutes to inch into our warm beach waters.

[@anthonygrodecki7968]

Well we do this and another benefit we save money on heating.

[@j7ndominica051]

I can't even take a room temperature shower. I tried to do this in summer to save water. How I would do it is put the water on the feel then go up the legs gradually. I would not call it a low level stress. Freezing water would be like having an electric shock. Walking in cold air is nothing in comparison. Now my landlord finally insulated most of the pipes and water is 15°C or so in winter. Nope. Seems that man is designed for energy scarcity. Today we can obtain kilos of food cheaply. We know that dinitrophenol works for making lots of heat. The danger is that you can't take the precise amount. If we had an Organ that could modulate the heat production in response to temperature, that would be a cool upgrade. Instead we get frost-bite. A fast walk in cold weather or running gives enough heat to pour it into all corners of the body from just the legs working.

[@stefantakacs]

Have finished my showers with cold. Last minute or two every day. I feel like I don't get sick as often, maybe that's just in my head. With three young kids in school they bring the yuck home often.

[@Deanna-k4i]

Some years ago while visiting in mountains of Colorado they had no indoor plumbing just outside pump for water to cold for everyone they left I got fireplace going and went outside took cold shower 😳 that water was so cold it was November But however after you get inside and warm up you really do feel good and when my hot water heater died on holiday weekend town cold water is lot warmer but cold 🥶 I still try to take cold showers but really wish I cold afford a sauna 😀 😂❤

[@mbh4097]

My family lives in Florida. No need to ruin it with anything cold.

[@elainebradley8213]

I prefer the sauna!

[@doihavetohaveachannel8289]

Can you do one on benefits , if there are any, of hot tub bathing.

[@mlnags2829]

Pool AZ 50 years 60degrees winter seems okay for a quick dip!?🤣😂

[@melissabrown6254]

I have an adversion to the cold. I break out in welts and rashes on my face if in the cold if not protected. I would be nervous trying cold imersion just knowing my reaction to the cold. ALthough in my building I occasionally get a cold shower if someone else is using water. 🥶

[@billhayward1585]

there are strange things done in the midnight sun, By men who moil for gold.The artic trails have their secret tales That would make your blood run cold. The northern lights have seen queer sights, But the queerest they ever did see was the night on the marge of lake lebarge I cremated Sam McGee. Screw the cold, I want to die in a nice HOT TUB . Good topic though.

[@sharongreen5655]

I just read for the first time The Cremation of Sam McGee thanks to your post and my (9 years senior) husband’s incredulity that I didn’t recognize your comment. Wow. Thank you. That is a treasure.

[@billhayward1585]

@@sharongreen5655 Hi Sharon, thank you for your reply. You are the only one who got it(and your husband)

[@YUmMies24]

I need more brown fat😂I’m always cold in the winter 🥶 and I need to increase antioxidants,,35-50 degrees water sounds not bad,,, ok,, you talked me into it😊but only for a couple of minutes,,cold shower would be easier for sure

[@GATORADDAM]

I'm in Florida. My water comes out at 73 degrees. Burrrrr. Lol.

[@kelmike060404]

As someone who has horrible Raynauds this sounds horrible 😢

[@Lazzar1958]

Nope, no way, no how, never! Closest I get is standing on the shore watching the Polar Bear Swim New Year's Day! 🥶

[@benzle93]

I have experience with cold beer!

[@fahadshaikh726]

First ♥️

[@gem3132]

I swam in Fort Bragg, northern California in winter about 20 years ago. I lasted like 2'. Horrible!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Nice

[@kevingarand1426]

Sauna to ice bath vids?? this took a cold turn..? ;)

[@thesweeples3266]

I WAS IN THE POOL!

[@joerenner8334]

Cold shower is 100 times harder than the ice bath. Ice bath is easy.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Some would disagree

[@estelamino6356]

Mucho frío voy a enfermar 😁

[@ozzielinkin]

No way 🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶

[@matth7448]

I'll skip this tip! Im moving to florida! Its the beach for me

[@TalkingWithDocs]

You’re not alone

[@Arrendle]

That doesn't sound fun. Yet another video from you two that suggests something I don't want to do is probably healthy! 😆🤣🤣 Welp, I am still watching,

[@alisonburgess345]

Aren't you supposed to plunge into a cold pool after a sauna?

[@RichRich1955]

Shrinkage

[@Value1lady]

No thank you! Lol!! I would get pneumonia! 😢

[@miketrebert7788]

Is there brown fat in chicken wings?

[@goldlover5915]

Major shrinkage

[@saimaleon7115]

Nope! Never ever going to happen!

[@JohnJohn-ts6ux]

I don't mind watching your video but please don't tell us to ring the bell we're not children we know what to do we all grow ups here okay or scubscribe, so please don't remind us we're not stupid😂

[@bryanheath8138]

OK maybe you have a point along with science. IT IS not fun

[@toryberch]

Hey Doc's 👋👋 No way Jos'e would I do the plunge 🤣🤣

[@teryl4708]

It’s just spelled *Jose, no apostrophe needed.

[@toryberch]

@teryl4708 lol I tried to leave it spelled that way but it didn't look like my can of refried beans says 😂🤣🤣

[@lynnemchugh9745]

Nope😊.

[@joseenoel8093]

Yuck!😊

[@nypdbob]

Thank you

[@chairmanmike5858]

My kids often jump out and roll in snow during a hot tub. I have never tried it ... but may now that I hear this. Burrrr