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Taking the Plunge
Ice baths seem to be all the rage now, but do they really help?
M.A. Henley, Chicago, Illinois
Proponents of ice baths tout benefits like increased energy, reduced inflammation, weight loss, and even improved mood. But experts say clinical proof of its effectiveness is lacking or inconclusive and more research is needed.
Ice baths, or cold-water immersion (CWI), involve immersing your body in very cold water — typically between 50" and 59°F — for up to 15 minutes.
When you submerge your body in an ice bath, the cold temperature causes your blood vessels to constrict, which decreases blood flow to extremities and reduces inflammation and pain. When you get out, blood vessels dilate, or open back up, which helps flush away metabolic waste.
