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  • keyboard_arrow_rightAre ice baths and cold showers worth the hype? Here’s what a doctor says

Are ice baths and cold showers worth the hype? Here’s what a doctor says

Mapaballo Borotho

Are ice baths and cold showers worth the hype? Here's what a doctor says
Image from iStock

From athletes to influencers, everyone seems to be jumping on the trend of taking cold showers and ice baths.

Exposure to cold showers is being hailed as a miracle cure for everything from muscle soreness to symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Cold water therapy has taken social media by storm. But is it just a trend, or is there real science behind it?

Speaking to Kaya 959, medical practitioner Dr. Angelique Coetzee said the buzz around cold exposure isn’t just hype — there’s solid science to back it up.

“Studies have shown that cold exposure activates your sympathetic nervous system, which increases adrenaline production, which boosts your mood and gives you a mental reset.

“In other words, that icy shock to your system may flood your body with feel-good hormones like adrenaline, leaving you more alert and energised.

“There are some studies that suggest cold showers may help reduce depressive symptoms by stimulating the brain’s ‘blue spot,’ an area linked to mood regulation.

“But while cold exposure may offer a mood boost, it’s not a substitute for professional mental health treatment,” added Coetzee.

She says ice baths aren’t just about mental clarity — they may also improve circulation, increase metabolism, and help burn brown fat. 

Coetzee says some people’s immune systems feel stronger with regular cold-water exposure.

However, she cautions: “This is not a magic bullet. Cold therapy should be part of a bigger wellness picture that includes proper nutrition, exercise, and quality sleep.”

While cold showers and ice baths might be trending, they’re not for everyone.

“People with heart conditions or uncontrolled hypertension should avoid sudden cold exposure, and if you’re new to cold therapy, don’t start in winter — you could end up with a nasty case of flu.”

READ NEXT: The rise of fake alcohol in South Africa

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