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SPECIALIZING IN: LOWER BACK PAIN • SCIATICA • NECK PAIN AND HEADACHES HIP PROBLEMS • SHOULDER PAIN, BURSITIS, AND TENDINITIS SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPY • GOLF PERFORMANCE KNEE PAIN • PLANTAR FASCIITIS • DIZZINESS AND VERTIGO AQUATIC PHYSICAL THERAPY • AND OTHER CONDITIONS
To the Patients Who Make Us Better, This Week Is for You Give Your Muscles the Break They Deserve What Our Patients Are Saying Anti-Inflammatory Foods Your Body Will Thank You For Hot Honey-Infused Feta Chicken Can You Freeze Your Way to a Longer Life? 1 2 3 4 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Cryotherapy, Cold Plunges, and the Quest to Outsmart Aging
Every winter, many people living in the northern states head south to escape the cold weather. Florida is well-known for being a snowbird haven, but many also travel to Arizona, California, or even Mexico to enjoy a warmer winter. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to escape a harsh northern winter, but what if the cold was actually beneficial for you? Recent research published in ScienceDirect explored the connection between cold exposure and longevity, and the results may come as a surprise. Researchers reviewed various studies to determine whether exposure to cold temperatures has a positive or negative impact on aging. They explored research related to cryotherapy and cold plunges, as well as examples from the animal kingdom to further their analysis. While their findings weren’t entirely conclusive, the short-term
impact of cold exposure may benefit most people and help them age more gracefully. Through their work, researchers have found that cold exposure can reduce chronic inflammation, thereby easing the effects of symptoms related to arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. It can strengthen antioxidant defenses, helping offset the stress caused by aging, environmental factors, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices. Cold exposure can enhance our metabolism, aiding in maintaining a healthy weight and blood sugar levels. Even your heart health can improve thanks to the impact of cold exposure on circulation. However, not all of the information from the study is promising. Some studies have shown that communities in colder climates tend to have higher death rates during winter.
Furthermore, individuals with preexisting conditions may experience the adverse effects of the cold, as it can be very stressful for their bodies. While this study provides us with a better understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of cold exposure, further research is needed to draw conclusive findings. For now, it appears that cold exposure can be beneficial for healthy adults in the short term; however, its long-term effects on the body are unknown.
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