Swimming in Hrabovská dolina Lake
Cold exposure helps regulate body temperature and improves metabolism. Cold stimulates heat production, enhances recovery, reduces inflammation, and promotes the formation of new mitochondria. It can also aid in the prevention and treatment of various conditions such as obesity, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and hormonal imbalances. After exposure to cold, the body responds by constricting blood vessels and increasing muscle contractions, thereby maintaining the temperature of internal organs.
Cold exposure improves thermoregulation and resistance to cold. A trained body generates more heat and better regulates heat loss. People who regularly practice cold exposure are less sensitive to temperature changes, which is evident after 2-3 years of consistent exposure. Cold exposure also strengthens the immune system, increases levels of cytokines and white blood cells, thereby accelerating the immune response. Although it does not guarantee that we will not get sick, it improves the body's ability to respond to infections. Overheated rooms and avoiding cold weaken immunity.
Adaptation improves the elasticity of blood vessels, which can reduce the biological age of the body by 5 to 15 years. It also has a positive effect on hematological parameters and oxidative stress. Thanks to adaptation, the protein RBM3 is produced, which may help in the regeneration of brain cells and slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. However, these effects are still under investigation.
Cold exposure stimulates brown fat, which burns fat and glucose, improves immunity, and reduces inflammation. When done regularly, it helps in the treatment of conditions such as high blood pressure or rheumatism. It should be started gradually, keeping one's own limits in mind. For beginners, it is best to take a cold shower for 1-3 minutes. It is important to get used to the cold regularly and not expose the body to sudden cold without prior preparation.
