Science & Research

We often hear about how stress is bad for the body. But is it always so? No, not really. There is an important dividing line to pull between good and poor stress.

The so -called bad stress occurs as a result of insufficient sleep, emotional stress, anxiety and much more. Good stress, on the other hand, can include several different activities where the main is exercise. For example, other types of good stress can be fixed as well as shorter periods of heat (for example sauna) and cold.

What is it that qualifies cold as a good type of stress? We find that answer by studying the body's physiological response to cold exposure.

We have gathered and clarified the best benefits of cold exposure and why cold bath can be your new favorite experience. Hang on!

One of the most proven effects of cold exposure is the release of the hormone norepinephrine via the sympathetic nervous system. An increase in this hormone is associated with increased focus, mood and improved attention. A lack of norepinephrine in humans is strongly correlated with depression. Studies that have been done on cold exposure have been observed upwards of threefold increases in norepinephrine in the brain.

Cold baths have been shown to be effective for several parameters in recovery and athletic performance. One study showed that cold baths after strength training led to increased explosiveness and reduced pain.

Köldexposning also activates a gene called PGC-1α, this gene creates more mitochondria in the muscle. Increased mitochondria corresponds to increased aerobic capacity. A 15-minute session of cold exposure after high-intensity running increased the amount of PGC-1α in the muscle. Another study showed that elite runners who used cold baths after a run had a 20 percent increase in speed and strength for up to 2 days. 

Improvements have also been noted in recovery. One study showed that cold baths after exercise improved muscle recovery by reducing the inflammatory process. Elite cyclists who used cold baths for 30 minutes, 4 times per week for about one month experienced a 4.4% increase in average running power, 3% improvement in bicycle performance and a 2.7% increased strength during the period. Amazing after all!