What happens to your body when you're sick? This is the first question that needs answering. The cytokines in your body—which are signaling proteins that alleviate inflammation—tell your blood cells that something inside your system needs protecting, this is where your blood vessels dilate. Then, your white blood cells which fight off viruses populate the infected area. This is the reason your body feels pain when you're sick. Now, let's find out how cold plunging when sick benefits your body.
Cold Plunge to Boost the Immune System
You might think that cold water would make it harder for your body to fight off an infection. But actually, it's the opposite! When you take a cold plunge, your blood vessels constrict, which can help your immune cells work harder. And even though your blood vessels close up for a bit, they open back up once you warm up. So, a cold plunge can help your body fight off the infection faster.
A study titled, Immune System of Cold-Exposed and Cold-Adapted Humans that was published in the National Library of Medicine shows that the changes in the white blood cells can protect the body more efficiently during cold plunging.
A recent study titled, The Effect of Cold Showering on Health and Work: A Randomized Controlled Trial, done by scientists in the Netherlands found that taking a cold shower after a hot one can help you miss less work due to sickness. People who did this for 30, 60, or 90 seconds were 29% less likely to call in sick. However, it didn't seem to affect how long they felt sick.
Tips for Using Cold Therapy Safely When You’re Under the Weather
So, can you do cold water therapy when sick? While cold therapy can offer some potential benefits when you're feeling under the weather, it's essential to approach it with care and listen closely to your body. Of course, if you have severe symptoms or underlying health conditions, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional as your first step.
Starting slowly is key. If you’re new to cold therapy or feeling unwell, begin with shorter sessions and gradually increase your time as your body becomes more accustomed to the practice. It's also important to pay close attention to how you feel during and after your cold plunge because any discomfort or worsening symptoms are signs for you to discontinue. Cold therapy shouldn’t be about pushing yourself, especially when your body is already fighting off sickness.
Hydration is equally important when using cold therapy, especially if you're already feeling ill. Keeping your body well-hydrated ensures that you’re supporting your immune system while going through the cold plunge process. Cold therapy can also be used alongside other treatments, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a substitute for medical care. Incorporating cold therapy with other therapies can offer balanced support during your recovery.
A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that cold water immersion (CWI) can reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, which might aid recovery from illness.
Cold Water Therapy Could Help with Mild Symptoms
Are you feeling under the weather? Cold plunges can provide a refreshing and natural way to ease mild congestion and muscle soreness, making them a helpful addition to your self-care routine.
When it comes to congestion relief, cold water immersion stimulates blood flow to the nasal passages, which may help clear congestion by reducing inflammation. The cooling effect can also ease sinus pressure, offering some welcome relief. For anyone dealing with stuffy sinuses, a quick cold plunge could be just the boost you need.
If muscle soreness is your main concern, cold therapy also delivers. By constricting blood vessels, cold plunges can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the muscles. The coldness numbs the affected areas which provides temporary relief from pain and allows you to feel more comfortable post-exercise or after a long day running errands.
A study titled Effect of evening postexercise cold water immersion on subsequent sleep supports the idea that cold water immersion can reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, making it a promising remedy for both congestion and sore muscles when used wisely.
Listen to Your Body for Signs that It’s Not the Right Time
Cold plunges can be helpful for managing mild symptoms, but it’s important to pay attention to how your body responds and know when to take a break. If you start feeling more fatigued than usual, it’s a clear sign that your body might need rest instead of doing another cold plunge session. Worsening symptoms are another red flag, if things aren’t improving, it’s best to pause and reevaluate.
Chills or shivering during your cold plunge are signals that you may be pushing your body too hard, and it's important to warm up right away. Difficulty breathing is a more serious concern, if this happens, you should stop immediately and seek medical help. Cold therapy can be a great addition to your daily routine, but it’s not a replacement for proper medical care when you’re feeling unwell. Again, always prioritize your health and consult with a healthcare professional when needed.
Renu Therapy - Safe, Customizable Cold Water Therapy Solutions
Discover the life-changing power of cold water therapy with Renu Therapy’s handcrafted cold plunge tanks, made with care right here in the USA! Our customizable cold plunge systems are designed to deliver safe and effective therapy, whether you’re looking to speed up muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, or simply refresh your mind and body.
Backed by cold plunge benefits and science, Renu Therapy cold tanks are the perfect way to experience the many benefits of cold therapy which include boosted circulation, improved mental clarity, and enhanced overall wellness.
Each tank is built to last, offering you a premium, handcrafted solution tailored to your comfort and recovery goals. Bring your self-care routine to the next level with a cold plunge system made just for you, and feel the difference every time you step in.
