Ice Bathing for Better Health?
In recent years, ice bathing has gained popularity, with floating saunas appearing frequently. There has been a significant increase in mentions of "ice bathing" in the news, and a debate has emerged regarding the potential health benefits of ice bathing.
Recently, faktisk.no published a news article on the topic, in which various experts in Norway were interviewed. Overall, the current consensus is that while ice bathing may have subjective well-being effects, its long-term health benefits remain unproven. It cannot yet be recommended as a general health measure, and regular exercise may provide more reliable health advantages.
Limited research
Faktisk.no also reached out to Paul Anders Sletten Olsen, ProCardio PhD-fellow and physician at the Department of Cardiology at Rikshospitalet. Paul was asked to examine the existing research on ice bathing.
I would not recommend ice bathing as a general measure for better health
Olsen explained that the research on ice bathing is limited and characterized by much speculation and very small studies with poor design. He noted a lack of research addressing clinically relevant endpoints. For instance, while many studies focus on the levels of various hormones and biomarkers, the actual health significance or relevance of these findings remains unknown. Questions about whether ice bathers experience fewer heart attacks, less diabetes, or reduced cancer rates have not been explored.
While ice bathing might be enjoyable and promote personal well-being for individuals, its broader health impacts are uncertain
The full story can be read in norwegian at faktisk.no