Today, social media is all about relevance to keep up with trends. Most of them just come and pass by, but some involve large numbers of people and stay for long periods of time.
In addition to fads, there is one such trend that several celebrities and influencers on social media platforms are not only into, but also claim to be beneficial for physical and mental health. This is the ice bath trend, and several influencers and celebrities have been spotted soaking in tubs filled with ice-cold water.
The ice bath process involves immersion in cold water at a minimum temperature of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius for 10 to 15 minutes. Also called cryotherapy.
Meanwhile, many are probably wondering who started this painful trend. It gained popularity in 2019 when celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Chris Pratt and Oprah were seen taking on the ice bath challenge, and now it’s gaining a lot of attention in India. But the Indian trend has a twist on it, and that’s the health benefits of the ice bath challenge.
Recently, Chakde! India’s famous Vidya Malavad, who is known for her commitment to fitness, chose to take an ice bath challenge on Instagram. Highlighting the health benefits of her ice bath, the actress wrote in her own post: It rejuvenates all the cells, nerves, organs and even blood, making you feel very refreshed. And once you settle into the cold environment, it feels completely meditative and exhilarating! ”
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about the health benefits of ice baths, so let’s take a look at some expert advice on the benefits and pitfalls of ice baths.
Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, emphasizes that cold water baths do have health benefits. Helps activate the immune system by increasing antibodies. It may also help you lose weight as it increases your metabolism and burns more calories from fat, India Today reported.
Additionally, Dr. Willona Annunciation, a consultant psychiatrist in Mumbai, said about a study published in January 2023 that found that ice baths promote positive effects and help reduce negative emotions. I’m hinting.
However, Dr. Bryon Gardner, an orthopedic surgeon at the Center for Advanced Orthopaedics, emphasizes that the risk of developing illnesses such as hypothermia may also be higher if treatment is carried out over a longer period of time. Dr. Gardner said people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes should be careful when taking ice baths, as it can throw their body temperature out of balance, Health Line reported.