The Science Behind Cold Plunges, Explained in Four Minutes

Cold plunges are exalted for their health benefits, like increasing metabolism and reducing the risk for chronic conditions. But does scientific research actually back these claims up?

WSJ’s Daniela Hernandez explains what’s known (and what’s not) about the science of cold exposure.

0:00 So what’s the evidence that going into the cold has health benefits?
0:40 How cold exposure works on human metabolism
2:23 How cold exposure works on physical and mental stress
2:55 Unknowns around cold exposure

I’m Daniela Hernandez, a health and science reporter for WSJ, and on this channel I’ll be covering a variety of subjects from neuroscience to the science of food and public health. If you’re interested in science and health and how cutting edge research impacts our lives, don’t forget to subscribe.

#ColdPlunge #Health #DanielaHernandez

[DanielaHernandezWSJ]

For what benefits would you put yourself through cold temperatures?

[sjwimmel]

I wasn't educated in the US but I still grinned at "Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells".

[thesodathief]

This is life changing, give it a try! I used to be severely anxious and with mild depression before I started...

[anandavisakha]

Really love your content, its very concise and comes from an objective stand point. I was curious about this topic but most of the videos i came across were all very biased. Good job 👍

[maxbluto]

Funny the science always seems uncertain and slow when the solution isn’t pharma

[kurilladesign]

MY 3rd year doing this . hooked after healing my L4& L5 herniated disks in the ocean april 2020 16 days!!!
I had a feeling it would work. I am an athelete
plenty of ice packs for all injurys .
I am hooked cold showers daily and ocean plunges as much as possible.

[theexperimentalartist]

Been doing this 3.5 years and it doesn't seem to be cold enough anymore. 😂

[dyegsitsw]

Thank you for this video! Link studies?

[CorySpitznagel]

Gotta get those shoulders down in the water too

[paulydigital]

After I experimented with cold water exposure I can tell you there are noticeable benefit's. After the xposure the warming back up period is super relaxing. I really enjoyed the thawing out factor. The body was very relaxed as if I just got full body massage or a 12 minute hot tub exposure.

[michelleahrens]

I just do cooler water after my nice warm shower . I have always done this on my hair to shut down oil glands. Now I do it over my whole I was doing ice cold, then heard I could turn it up so I did for some reason I stopped , let's just say, I just got over Bronchitis over two months sick .I am back to using the cold water method . life 😊

[Marieparawho]

All I got from the video- “Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell.” lol.

[phoenixrising]

Putting your arms all the way in… closing your eyes and surrendering… it’s pure bliss… cold is my God….

[ronaldoleon]

Well damn I’m cold every day at work lmao

[esprit]

You're supposed to immerse your hands as they are one of the three temperature-sensing areas of the body.

[zukacs]

in my part of the world this has been common for centuries. even without research benefits to stress/mind are obvious, especially after 210f+ sauna

[Ccescui]

I swim at the gym in the winter and they never keep a comfortable temp. cuz "its AZ" its always cold and I know its good for skin and anxiety BUT if its really cold then I grt ear and jaw pain to the point that it lasts almost all day. If I go to snowy places I feel like I injured again my neck and 1 shoulder, its lasts for days. I've tried the cold showers when I suffered anxiety but thats it, I just can't pass that point of being comfortable or not getting the pain for days😢

[jwkm]

I just got one and have tried it 5 times so far but each time I’m in there my head feels like it’s about to explode then have a headache the remainder of the day. I’m hydrated, supplement with vitamin D daily and have also tried to quickly submerge my head at the beginning which I know Huberman has suggested to prevent this feeling from happening. None of the above works though! Really hoping someone has advice to prevent this from happening otherwise I need to go back to cold showers.

[neoxyte]

You have the same exact name as my sister. Was confused for a second.

[josephschuster]

Someday, I’ll try it, but for now I will use a cold shower rinse. It’s what’s available for now. And, it’s free…zing!🥶