Are ice baths the secret to better health? Experts reveal the cold, hard truth
Live Events
2. Give Your Metabolism a Little Nudge
3. Lift Your Mood and Maybe Even Sleep Better
4. Build Up Resilience — Inside and Out
Who Shouldn't Be Cold Plunging?
Health experts say to avoid cold plunges if you have:
Heart disease, arrhythmias or uncontrolled high blood pressure
Chronic lung disease or other respiratory disorders
Neurological conditions
Diabetes
Poor circulation or peripheral neuropathy
Venus stasis (slow blood flow in the veins)
Cold agglutinin disease (a type of anemia)
Open wounds
Use of beta-blockers
Pregnancy
Advanced age
FAQs
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
Cold plunging is buzzing on every social media right now, from TikTok to Instagram, millions are talking about it and many are jumping into freezing tubs themselves, as per a report. Even though cold-water therapy has been around for ages, it has started trending now because of celebrity endorsements, the promise of quick wellness benefits and a growing public fascination with biohacking, as per a Yahoo Health report.If you've ever felt sore for days after a workout, a cold plunge could be your new best friend. Icy water helps reduce inflammation and swelling, and when you hop out, your body sends fresh blood rushing to your muscles, which may speed up healing and cut down that post-exercise ache, as per the report.However, research on cold plunging's exact mechanisms shows mixed results, like a 2022 review found that cold plungers had significantly lower levels of creatine kinase, a marker of muscle damage and soreness, 24 hours post-exercise, as reported by Yahoo Finance.ALSO READ: Beat the heat! 5 lawn hacks to save your yard from a summer meltdown Cold water can wake up your 'brown fat', a type of fat that actually burns calories to warm your body, as per the report. Some research even suggests your body might turn some of its white fat into brown fat after regular exposure to the cold, which could help your metabolism run more efficiently over time, according to the report.People who cold plunge often describe a sudden mood boost and there's science behind that. Cold water kicks off a surge of feel-good brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which can make you feel more awake, focused, and even happier, as per the Yahoo Health report.Once your body gets over the shock, it slides into a relaxed, recovery mode and some say it helps them sleep more soundly at night, according to the report.ALSO READ: King Charles' funeral plans leaked — Palace in chaos over massive censorship operation Getting into freezing water isn't exactly easy, but that's the point. That jolt of cold is a form of good stress, kind of like exercise for your nervous system, as per Yahoo Health. One small study even found that people who did cold plunges daily for a week saw signs their cells were handling stress better, according to the report.While we don't fully know yet how that plays out long-term, it could be a small way to train your brain and body to recover from tough moments faster, as per Yahoo Health.As cool as this trend is, it's not for everyone. Ice baths can seriously spike your heart rate and blood pressure, which is dangerous if you have certain health conditions, according to Yahoo Health.It might give your metabolism a small nudge. Cold water activates 'brown fat,' which burns calories to keep you warm, but it's not a weight-loss miracle.For many people it did. Cold plunges can help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation after a workout.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
18 minutes ago
- Time of India
Why Indian farmers are chasing Matcha? Sarthak Ahuja's take on its Rs 20,000 per kg price tag goes viral
Matcha isn't just trending in your favourite cafe menu; it's also turning into green gold for Indian farmers. Recently, this was pointed out by content creator and chartered accountant for a decade, Sarthak Ahuja, who took to his Instagram and shared an insight on the same. The video has garnered over twelve thousand likes so far. In the clip, Ahuja highlighted that the popular Japanese-origin super tea is gaining ground across Indian farmlands. With the bulk of buyers, like cafes, paying between Rs 3500 and Rs 20000 per kilo, and D2C brands selling 50g packs for up to Rs 1500, matcha is quickly becoming one of the most lucrative crops on the block. But what's driving this sudden surge? And is it even sustainable? Let's understand. Why does matcha sell for Rs 20,000 per kilo in India? Matcha is an expensive tea—usually ₹20,000 per kilogram—because of the intensive labour in cultivation and processing. "While regular green tea is exposed to the sun for its entire lifetime, matcha is shaded from the sun for weeks prior to harvesting, which leads to higher chlorophyll content and a higher amino acid level of L-theanine," says Dr. Shrey Srivastava, Founder of Doctors on Duty (DOD). According to Dr. Srivastava, "Leaves are hand-harvested, steamed, dried, and finally ground into a fine powder by manual stone mills—a long, labour-intensive process. The careful manufacture produces a high-quality product containing plenty of antioxidants, flavour, and nutrients." World demand for matcha has gained momentum due to its health advantages, such as heightened metabolism, detoxification, enhanced alertness, and long-lasting energy without the crash of caffeine. It is now broadly incorporated not only in tea but also in lattes, smoothies, and sweets. Demand for Matcha cultivation has spiked in India Indian farmers have begun planting matcha owing to increased global demand and its high price in the market. 'Previously cultivated in Japan, matcha is a green tea leaf powder, which is prepared from specially cultivated green tea leaves that are high in antioxidants and health factors. Where favourable climatic conditions exist, such as in Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiris, Indian farmers are considering matcha as a value crop," Dr. Bhumesh Tygai, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine, Sharda Hospital. Farming advice, better methods of cultivation, and export avenues have also contributed to this phenomenon. "Moreover, the growing consciousness of health and organic food demand domestically and abroad is prompting Indian farmers to diversify and try their hand at new crops such as matcha," he added. Why have Indian farmers also started cultivating matcha? What's the trigger? Indian farmers, particularly from states such as Assam, Nilgiris, and a portion of Himachal Pradesh, have felt the monetary value of the crop. Favourable climatic conditions and growing international demand have pushed farmers to opt for the cultivation of matcha as a high-value crop against conventional tea. "Incentives from the government, application of organic farming, and growing concern about world tea markets have also prompted Indian farmers to experiment with diversification and tap matcha's value segment," says Dr. Srivastava.
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Rakul Preet Singh shares her everyday morning skincare routine: ‘This is what I do before I step out'
Rakul Preet Singh's down to the earth charm and radiance makes her a favourite among fans and audiences. People love her fresh-faced beauty and glowing skin, and to satiate their curiosity, the Bollywood actor took to Instagram and shared her everyday morning skincare routine. 'This is what I do before I step out, or before I do my makeup, and this is my everyday routine,' she said at the start of the video. At first, Singh started with a vitamin C serum after washing her face. 'Don't forget your neck,' she reminded before going in with a salicylic acid- based gel that keeps her acne and breakouts in check. 'When you shoot in dust, you end up getting some pimples,' she reasoned. Next, she went in with a lightweight fluid sunscreen with SPF 50 and PA++++ that promises both UVA and UVB protection from the harsh sun rays. And finally, she went in with an under eye cream. reached out to skin experts to understand the effectivity of Rakul's skincare routine and found out whether everyone can benefit from it. Dr. Priya Puja, Dermatologist, and Head Medical Advisor (North) at Kaya Limited said that Rakul Preet Singh's morning skincare routine is comprehensive and practical for daily use. 'Starting the day with a vitamin C serum after cleansing is an excellent choice for antioxidant protection and skin brightening. However, it's crucial to understand that vitamin C can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight,' she said, explaining that is why applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day is absolutely essential when using vitamin C in the morning. 'If you can't commit to sunscreen every day (which you must), I recommend shifting vitamin C to your night routine instead,' she added. 'Applying an ointment may help those who are acne-prone, but such medicated creams should only be used if advised by your dermatologist. Overuse can lead to irritation, especially if your skin isn't acne-prone,' said Dr Puja. When it comes to layering, she said that eye cream should always go before sunscreen. 'Eye creams typically contain active ingredients that work best when applied directly to the skin. Once your treatments and eye cream are absorbed, finish with sunscreen, not just on your face, but on all areas of exposed skin, including your neck and ears,' she said. According to her, sunscreen should be reapplied every 2–3 hours when you're outdoors, and it's vital even on cloudy days or when you're indoors near windows. In conclusion, Dr Priya said that you should: With these points in mind, Rakul's routine offers a strong foundation for healthy, glowing skin, provided you follow these essential precautions.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Woman who lost 35 kg in 7 months shares her ‘10 strict rules' for weight loss: ‘Drink water 5-10 minutes before meals'
Weight loss journeys are rarely easy. Between endless diet advice and fitness trends, knowing where to start can feel confusing and overwhelming. Many people struggle for months or even years without seeing real progress, often losing motivation along the way. To aid weight loss, Neha shares her 10 rules, including drinking water before meals, maintaining a balanced diet, and using smaller plates. (Instagram/@leanwithneha) A woman named Neha, who lost an impressive 35 kg in 7 months, often shares insights related to her weight loss journey with her Instagram family. In her July 19 post, she revealed 10 strict rules that transformed her health and body. (Also read: Woman who lost 35 kg in 7 months lists 10 'healthy' foods you should stop eating for weight loss: 'Avoid brown bread' ) Let's take a look at the 10 strict rules that helped Neha lose weight: 1. Hydrate before meals Drink a glass of water 5-10 minutes before eating to help curb hunger and control portions. 2. Follow the 80/20 rule Eat clean 80 percent of the time and allow yourself 20 percent indulgence; balance, not restriction, is key. 3. Add fat-burning spices Incorporate metabolism-boosting spices like cayenne pepper, turmeric, and cinnamon into your meals. 4. Track progress beyond scale Use progress photos, body measurements, and how your clothes fit to track your transformation. 5. Prioritise protein and veggies Start your meals with protein and vegetables to feel fuller faster and naturally reduce carb intake. 6. Master portion control Serve meals on smaller plates to help your brain feel satisfied with less food. 7. Try intermittent fasting and detox drinks Follow an 8-hour eating window, hydrate with lemon water or green tea, and focus on staying hydrated to boost results. 8. Cut out sugar and refined carbs Minimise sugary foods and refined carbohydrates to help manage cravings and support fat loss. 9. Move your body regularly Incorporate activities you enjoy, like walking, jogging, or working out, to keep burning calories consistently. 10. Opt for low-calorie, high-protein meals Choose meals that are high in protein but low in calories to stay full and maintain a calorie deficit. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
