A new study from the University of Ottawa suggests that repeated exposure to cold water can positively modify cellular stress response, potentially leading to health benefits and delayed aging. Researchers found that while initial cold water immersion (14°C) induced cellular stress, the body adapted over time, improving autophagy, a crucial cellular repair mechanism.
The study involved ten healthy young men undergoing daily one-hour cold water immersions.
Initially, cold exposure caused increased apoptosis (cell death) and impaired autophagy.
With repeated exposure, the body shifted from cell elimination to repair, enhancing autophagy function.
Physiologist Glen Kenny suggests cold exposure could help prevent diseases and delay cellular aging by fine-tuning the body's microscopic machinery.
The findings indicate that gradual cold exposure could strengthen cells and potentially slow down the aging process. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the optimal parameters for cold exposure to maximize its benefits.