Can ice baths make you sick?

Ice baths are known for their restorative properties, including physical and mental rejuvenation, but many also wonder whether plunging your body into cold temperatures can actually make you sick. After all, is this level of cold exposure actually good for you?

Well, as studies have shown, there are certainly benefits to cold water therapy exposure, but it’s worth asking whether or not ice baths can make you ill, and whether or not it’s safe to have such cold exposure if you’re already feeling a bit ill.

Fortunately, these questions are rather simple to answer, and we’ve gone into greater detail on both areas in our guide. Read on to learn more about whether cold temperatures cause more issues than they solve, as well as the benefits of ice baths and any precautions you should take when using one!

Can ice baths make you sick?

We’ve all heard the story that going outside with damp hair can make you more susceptible to catching a cold, but how true actually is this? Well, put simply, the idea that the cold can make you sick is a myth. Illnesses, such as the common cold, are caused by viruses, not by being exposed to cold temperatures.

In fact, there have been various studies that have shown how exposure to cold water plays a huge role in boosting your immune system! This is due to a process called cold thermogenesis, which helps our bodies adapt to cold temperatures by stimulating an immune response.

However, it’s important to mention the potential risks associated with cold water too of course. Prolonged exposure to the cold comes with the risks of hypothermia and frostbite. Equally, there are certain medical conditions which make you a less-than-ideal candidate for cold water therapy. So, it’s always best to contact a healthcare professional if you’re ever in doubt.

Can I take an ice bath if I’m already sick?

Depending on your illness, taking an ice bath when sick could help ease some of your symptoms. For instance, they’re particularly helpful for minor illnesses, helping to combat muscle soreness and inflammation. And, if you’re feeling a little under the weather, ice baths have the added benefit of giving you a boost, and helping you feel better mentally!

So, if you’re feeling up to it, there’s no reason you can’t reap the benefits of your ice bath when slightly under the weather. You’ll simply need to make sure you implement an effective post-ice bath routine to minimise any discomfort, such as learning how to warm up properly after an ice bath.

However, if you have a fever, ice baths can actually be counterproductive. This is because while your body will feel cooler temporarily, it will naturally activate a re-warming effect afterwards, potentially causing your core temperature to rise even higher. So, in this case, it’s recommended you wait until you’re fully on the mend to hop back in your tub.

What are the known benefits of ice baths?

Next, let’s take a moment to dive into some of the known benefits of taking an ice bath. From physical and mental rejuvenation to the easing of pain, there are a variety of positives which go hand in hand with cold water therapy:

1. Physical wellbeing

Firstly, ice baths are loved by athletes and wellness enthusiasts alike for their ability to relieve sore muscles and reduce the impact of inflammation. They do so by restricting blood vessels and slowing down metabolic activity, which in turn prevents swelling and damage.

Next, what about ice baths for back pain? Well, they can certainly be helpful for this too. The cold temperature provides temporary pain relief, as well as prompting your muscles to relax!

2. Circulation health

There are various benefits when it comes to improving your circulation too. This is because cold water triggers a process called vasoconstriction, which directs the flow of blood towards vital organs.

What’s more is that exiting the water prompts vasodilation, supplying the body with freshly oxygenated blood to help with all the muscle rejuvenation processes we’ve just talked about.

3. Mental wellbeing

As mentioned, ice baths have also been found to have potential benefits when it comes to mental well-being. The cold water can help boost your mood as well as spark all-important alertness!

Equally, ice baths have been shown to help with getting a good night’s sleep by promoting relaxation and mental clarity for a more restful night’s sleep, something which is key when it comes to our mental health.

4. Weight loss

Finally, research has also shown that ice baths have benefits when it comes to cold water therapy and weight loss. For instance, when exposed to cooler temperatures, your body burns calories while attempting to maintain a core temperature, which can certainly help you get that little bit extra out of your fat-burning workouts.

Are there any precautions I should take when ice bathing?

While ice baths come with various benefits, it’s important to prioritise your safety and physical well-being before plunging in. So, here are a couple of precautions to bear in mind:

First, check if you have any underlying health conditions. If you have any pre-existing conditions (such as a heart condition, diabetes, or high or low blood pressure), you should always check with a healthcare professional first whether ice baths are appropriate for you.

Alongside this, avoid overexposure when using an ice bath. You should avoid staying in it for too long (typically no more than ten minutes per session), and you should also aim to acclimatise your body to the cold, starting with brief sessions and then gradually increasing them over time.

Get your hands on an ice bath with Chill Tubs

Well, there we have it: our insights on ice baths and illness, as well as the precautions you should consider before taking an ice bath when sick. Of course, if you’re eager to reap the benefits of an ice bath but you’re yet to purchase one, why not check out the Chill Tub range?

All you need to do is get in touch, and our experts will be more than happy to help. And don’t forget to head over to the Chill Tubs blog for plenty more insightful articles like this one, such as the best time in the day to take an ice bath and more in-depth insights into the benefits of ice baths for your body.