Eisbaden: health kick or trend? | Rising up

Egg bathing has not only been a topic since yesterday that split the minds. The idea of ​​volunteering in ice -cold water causes some enthusiasm and other mere shudder. But what exactly is behind the trend, and what does the scientific basis look like? Is ice bathing really healthy or does it rather risks?

The practice of ice bathing

When it comes to ice bathing, you dive into very cold water – often only for a few minutes, usually below 5 degrees Celsius. It is traditionally practiced in Scandinavian and Eastern European countries, often in combination with a sauna. Here it has a long cultural and Health tradition. In recent years, however, the ice bathing has gained a broad international supporter.

The potential advantages according to Science

• Strengthening the immune system Studies show that cold water exposure to produce certain immune cells, such as: B. Lymphocytes can promote. This could strengthen the immune system in the long term. Eisbades are therefore discussed as a method for preventing colds or other infections.
• Reduction of inflammation The cold shock can activate anti -inflammatory processes in the body. This is comparable to the effect that athletes achieve by cold applications after intensive training units in order to prevent sore muscles and injuries.
• Psychological advantages Cold water stimulates the release of endorphins and activates the sympathetic nervous system. The result? A feeling of euphoria, which in many people can also improve the mood or even relieve depression. At the same time, the confrontation with the cold shock strengthens the mental resistance.
• Improvement of blood circulation The extreme temperature change stimulates the blood circulation. The blood vessels narrow in the cold water and then expand again. This can improve the elasticity of the vessels in the long term.
• Metabolic effects Some studies indicate that cold exposure activates brown adipose tissue. This special fat tissue burns energy to warm the body and could therefore contribute to weight regulation.

The risks of ice bathing

Despite the promising advantages, Eisbades are not harmless, especially if it is carried out without adequate preparation or surveillance.

• Cold shock The sudden contact with cold water can trigger a cold shock. This leads to a quick increase in heart rate and respiratory frequency and can lead to shortness of breath or even cardiac arrest in untrained people.
• Undercooling If you stay in the cold water for too long, there may be hypothermia. This is particularly dangerous if the body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius because vital organs could be affected.
• Circulatory pollution People with cardiovascular diseases should be careful. The change of extreme cold to normal temperature can put a lot of strain on the heart.
• Psychological risks In some people, mental stress could occur from the sudden cold stimulus, especially if they suffer from anxiety disorders or panic attacks.

The right approach

If you want to try ice bathing, you should prepare well. It is advisable to slowly start with cold training, for example with cold showers. Here are some tips:

• Slowly increase: Start with short cold units and gradually increase them.
• Not alone: Bade at the beginning always accompanied, especially in the great outdoors.
• Warmth afterwards: Take a warm dress immediately after swimming and move to warm up the body.
• Listen to your body: As soon as you tremble or feelings of numbness, you should leave the water immediately.
• Consulting doctors: In the event of health concerns or known previous illnesses, consultation with a doctor is advisable.

Conclusion

Eisbades offer potential Health advantagesfrom strengthening the immune system to positive psychological effects. At the same time, however, it also carries risks that should not be underestimated. Science provides indications that cold applications can be beneficial in the right setting, but further studies are required to fully understand the long -term effects. If you want to integrate the ice bathing as part of your lifestyle, you should carefully and do respect for the possible dangers – because this is the only way that the jump into the cold water can be really healthy.