Cold plunge vs cold shower
Sources:
Based on the knowledge from the Huberman Lab Podcast, both cold plunges and cold showers are forms of deliberate cold exposure that can activate different physiological systems.
Cold showers:
- Activate the autonomic nervous system
- Can be used as a cost-effective method to raise adrenaline levels and practice calmness under stress1.
Cold immersion (such as a cold plunge):
- Effectively cools the body, especially when the cold water immersion is up to the neck
- Considered one of the most powerful and efficient forms of cold exposure
- Often contrasted with being outside in cold weather which similarly activates the sympathetic nervous system and brown fat 2.
Comparison:
- Cold water immersion engages the body more intensely than a cold shower, making it likely superior in activating brown fat, increasing metabolism, and regulating body temperature
- Cold showers, while beneficial, may not be as effective as immersion in ice or cold water for recovery purposes 3.
For detailed information, please refer to the clips from the podcast:
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