Stay Warm: 5 Science-Backed Alternatives to Cold Plunges

Cold plunges, as unpleasant as they may look, can potentially offer many health benefits thanks to the body’s response to cold temperatures. Derived from ancient Scandinavian traditions, the shock of cold exposure can trigger a range of reactions within the body, including vasoconstriction — or the narrowing of blood vessels — and the release of neurotransmitters and hormones, ultimately promoting better circulation and supporting immune function as well as mental clarity.  Cold plunges have also played a role in minimizing damage from exercise or overexertion.  

But, you don’t have to dip your toe into frozen waters just yet, as there are many alternative supplements that provide the same benefits as cold plunges — without the bone-chilling effect.

The following are five science-backed alternatives to cold plunges:

Bacopa
Bacopa is an herb commonly used in traditional medicine that has been shown to boost mood and focus thanks to its interaction with brain chemicals and pathways. When ingesting Bacopa, research has shown that it can increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, which play a role in mood regulation1. It can also increase a chemical called acetylcholine, which enhances attention, verbal learning and memory acquisition2. Additionally, Bacopa might also protect the brain from stress by acting as an antioxidant, preventing damage to brain cells that can occur due to oxidative stress.

myHMB
HMB is a metabolite of the amino acid leucine and has been shown to be effective in blunting muscle damage and promoting muscle recovery. When you engage in intense exercise, it can cause microscopic tears in the muscle fibers that can ultimately lead to soreness. HMB works to mitigate this muscle damage in a few key ways. First, HMM helps stabilize the cell membranes of muscle cells, making them more resistant to the stresses of exercise. This helps prevent the initial damage from occurring. Additionally, HMB has been found to decrease the activity of enzymes that break down muscle protein, reducing the overall muscle damage. Finally, HMB supports the body's natural repair processes, stimulating the production of new muscle protein and facilitating the recovery of damaged muscle fibers. By addressing multiple pathways, HMB provides a comprehensive approach to protecting muscles and enhancing post-workout recovery.

Immuse
The postbiotic, Immuse, can help support the immune system and provide it with the extra support it needs to function at its best. By taking Immuse regularly, users can help supply the body with the tools it needs to fight off viruses and bacteria more effectively.

DHH-B
DHH-B is a natural hormone produced by the body. When it comes to improving resilience and managing stress, DHH-B plays a crucial role to work as a natural shield against the effects of stress4. When stress levels rise, DHH-B helps the body adapt and cope better. It can also support the immune system, boost mood and enhance overall well-being. By maintaining a balanced level of DHH-B, the body becomes more resilient to daily challenges, allowing us to handle stress more effectively and bounce back from difficult situations with improved ease.

CalorieBurn GP
CalorieBurn GP contains specific ingredients designed to increase the speed at which your body burns calories, or your metabolism. By accelerating your metabolism in a controlled and beneficial manner, CalorieBurn GP helps your body to more efficiently convert food into energy. This can result in burning more calories throughout the day, even during periods of rest or light activity. Overall, CalorieBurn GP supports a more active metabolism, which can assist in weight management and overall energy levels.

Looking to take the plunge into better overall health but not wanting the chill? Try out one of these natural alternatives to a cold plunge today.

SOURCES:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746283/
2. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-761/bacopa
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4564646/
4. https://lamclinic.com/blog/dhh-b-benefits-on-your-neuroaffect-circuit/