323 - Cold plunges improve your health by literally changing your cells

[Curt]

323 - Cold plunges improve your health by literally changing your cells
Sanjana Gajbhiye Earth.com 29 March 2025 https://www.earth.com/news/cold-plunges-may-keep-you-feeling-alive-and-healthy-longer/

A team of researchers at the University of Ottawa has taken a closer look. Their work didn’t just explore how our bodies handle cold on the outside. It examined what happens on a much deeper level: inside your cells.
The Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit conducted a tightly controlled experiment with ten healthy young men.​

Over seven days, each participant immersed himself in 14°C (57.2°F) water for one hour per day. Blood samples were drawn before and after the cold-water sessions on days 1, 4, and 7.

The aim wasn’t to measure surface-level outcomes like muscle soreness. Instead, the team analyzed peripheral blood mononuclear cells to examine cellular stress, recovery, and resilience.

They focused on autophagy (the body’s way of cleaning out damaged components) and apoptosis (programmed cell death).

“Our findings indicate that repeated cold exposure significantly improves autophagic function, a critical cellular protective mechanism,” said Professor Kenny.

“This enhancement allows cells to better manage stress and could have important implications for health and longevity.”
On the first day, the researchers found clear signs of stress. Cells showed an increase in proteins like p62, which typically accumulate when autophagy is disrupted. ......

This meant that initially, the cold exposure was overwhelming the cells. The natural repair systems weren’t strong enough to counteract the damage. But that would begin to change by day four.

Day seven marked a significant change. LC3-II rose substantially, showing robust autophagic activity. p62 dropped below baseline.

By day seven, ....... The body was becoming more efficient at conserving heat without relying on rapid muscle contractions [shivering].

This study presents a strong case for integrating safe, structured cold exposure into wellness routines.

Seven days of one-hour immersion changed how cells handled stress, repaired themselves, and avoided damage. It’s one of the first studies to show these changes at a molecular level in humans.

[rahab]

This was simulated for us at Eden valley

Hot sauna and then into a very cold shower!

[Richard Myers]

I believe this study goes much deeper. The body is brought to a point of an emergency because  of damage being done. Hot and cold is a positive. Yes, it is a positive when cancer is running wild and by creating an emergency situation, the cell death occurs which includes cancer cells that had been protected by not being detected. I may be wrong, but I would not encourage healthy individuals to use this as a treatment. It appears to be a new treatment for cancer where there is no apoptosis of the cancer cells.

[Curt]

Fearfully and wonderfully made.

I think what the research is bringing out is primarily that our body can adapt to situations. The body went into protective mode but over time began to work with the temperature change. People in more extreme cold climates use water daily at very low temperature and it is their norm. Not recommending that we do the same but it shows creation at its best.

This research also shows me something. No matter how effective a treatment is if we continue it too long our bodies over time adapt and it is less effective. So we need to stop and take a rest before continuing. Use the 7 day cycle. 6 days and rest one, as a cycle.

Finally, treatments should be applied as needed, by learned/experienced/qualified persons and with caution. I went to a community health program at one church a few months ago and the 'Cold Plunge" was being featured, people were being challenged to try it. The tub of water was maintained at 3 deg C or 37.4 F.  Objective to stay in at least 3 minutes. Why promote the extreme for a fun thing to do? Why use it if there is nothing wrong with the individual? We need to understand the mechanics and physics behind the hot and cold treatments and use them appropriately.