A new study has confirmed health benefits, including stress management, from regular dunking in cold water.
A team from the University of Ottawa found that cold water acclimation boosted the body’s autophagic system which promotes cellular health.
It also helped the apoptotic system that programs “cell death” and removes damaged cells.
The researchers said the study highlighted the potential for cold exposure to enhance cellular resilience against stress.
“Our findings indicate that repeated cold exposure significantly improves autophagic function, a critical cellular protective mechanism,” researcher Professor Glen Kenny said.
“This enhancement allows cells to better manage stress and could have important implications for health and longevity.”
The research involved 10 young men who underwent cold-water immersion at 14°C for one hour across seven consecutive days.
Blood samples were collected to analyse the participants’ cellular responses before and after the acclimation period.
The research revealed that, while autophagy was initially dysfunctional after high-intensity cold stress, consistent exposure over a week led to increased autophagic activity and decreased cellular damage signals.
“By the end of the acclimation, we noted a marked improvement in the participants’ cellular cold tolerance,” study first author Kelli King said.
“This suggests that cold acclimation may help the body effectively cope with extreme environmental conditions.
“We were amazed to see how quickly the body adapted. Cold exposure might help prevent diseases and potentially even slow down aging at a cellular level. It’s like a tune-up for your body’s microscopic machinery.”
The study, titled “The Effect of 7-Day Cold Water Acclimation on Autophagic and Apoptotic Responses in Young Malesnorth_eastexternal link”, was published in Advanced Biology.
