While all of those things are important, one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your health is by using cold therapy. Cold therapy has been shown to boost longevity, improve brain function, and reduce inflammation.
WHAT IS COLD THERAPY IN LONGEVITY AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Cold therapy, also known as Cryotherapy, is an increasingly popular practice. It involves exposing the body to extremely low temperatures through cold air such as cryotherapy (-85 degrees) or ice baths below 15 degrees. Cold therapy stimulates cellular regeneration and offers many longevity benefits by exposing the body to a little bit of stress for an overcompensated response. For example, it’s been used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with various muscle and joint conditions. It provides energy and boosts endorphin levels, increasing alertness and decreasing stress levels. Cold therapy is increasingly being studied for its potential to promote healthier aging and longer life.
The nervous system is stimulated when exposed to temperatures below 15 degrees. Because of this, experts believe it can help reduce inflammation, constricts blood vessels, increases alertness by increasing norepinephrine, and reduces stress hormones. So it’s easy to see why cold therapy has become so popular recently. Ultimately, cold treatment is worth considering if you are interested in longevity benefits.
THE BENEFITS OF COLD THERAPY FOR LONGEVITY
This therapy has become popular in recent years for its therapeutic benefits. But while the practice has been used to treat various medical conditions and injuries, studies now suggest cold therapy may also have anti-aging effects.
Here are a few of the ways cold therapy can be used to promote longevity:
IMPROVED COGNITIVE FUNCTION
As we age, our cognitive functioning can start to decline. To help combat this issue, cold therapy has become an increasingly popular option. Cold exposure increases the production of anti-inflammatory proteins. It acts as a building block for neuron growth in the brain. This means cold therapy may slow age-related cognitive decline and improve mental alertness. Cold showers stimulate the release of endorphins. It boosts the positive feelings that can play a role in enhancing mental clarity.
INCREASED ENERGY LEVELS
Cold temperatures may be the answer if you’re dragging through the day and don’t have enough energy to get things done. It might sound counterintuitive at first, but cold exposure can help to increase your metabolism, making you more energised and alert when you need it most. One of the best ways to access cold temperatures is through morning cold showers. During a cold shower, your body is kicked into survival mode, triggering a variety of metabolic processes to maintain core temperature.
IMPROVED HEART HEALTH
Cold water therapy, commonly referred to as cold immersion, has long been touted as beneficial for health and wellness. Studies have shown that cold water immersion can be an effective way to increase one’s metabolism and boost immunity. But that’s not all cold therapy can do. For example, regular cold showers or cold-water immersion can also improve your heart health. Studies have found that cold water stimulates blood circulation, improves blood flow, and reduces cortisol levels.
STRENGTHENED IMMUNE SYSTEM
Keeping yourself cold may seem extreme, but extreme cold can positively affect your health. Despite what you might expect, it can help to strengthen your immune system. When exposed to extreme cold, the body increases its production of white blood cells. These are essential for fighting infection and disease. Regular exposure to extreme cold can then help further enhance the body’s defence response. It provides an extra layer of protection against sickness.
ENHANCED RECOVERY FROM EXERCISE
Exercise is key for promoting physical and mental health, but it can sometimes strain our bodies. Anything from a long run to an intense weight-lifting session can cause severe soreness afterwards. Fortunately, there is a way to help athletes recover faster so they can continue enjoying their workouts: cold therapy. Through the application of cold air or water has been proven to provide health benefits like alleviating muscle pain.
TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY WITH COLD THERAPY
Cold therapy is becoming increasingly popular as a way of enhancing longevity. In addition, many people are turning to cold showers and ice baths as a means of improving their physical and mental well-being.
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of cold therapy:
1. START SLOWLY AND GRADUALLY INCREASE THE INTENSITY
If you jump into a very cold shower or bath immediately, it could be too much for your body to handle at once. Begin with lukewarm water and lower the temperature by a few degrees each day until you’re comfortable with it.
2. DON’T OVERDO IT
Cold therapy shouldn’t be an extreme sport, so don’t think longer is better. Instead, shoot for 5-10 minutes of exposure to cold water and gradually increase the amount as you feel comfortable with it. We recommend 1 minute per degree the water is as a general rule.
3. BE CONSISTENT
Consistency is key to success with cold therapy. Make sure you’re getting the same exposure each day. You can also vary the temperature or the length of time if you want to make it more interesting.
4. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
It’s important to make sure you listen to your body and heed any warning signs it might be giving you. For example, end the session immediately if you start feeling dizzy or sick. Cold therapy is meant to be calming and refreshing, so if something isn’t right, your body will let you know. Everyone has different limits regarding cold exposure, so take your time while in the cold environment and pay attention.
CONCLUSION
The health benefits of cold therapy are numerous. This makes it an ideal option for those looking to increase longevity and improve overall well-being. However, it’s important to note that cold exposure can be dangerous if done incorrectly or without proper supervision. It’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating cold therapy into your lifestyle.
