- EXPLORE FURTHER: The reality behind cold water therapy associated with multiple fatalities
A health coach has raised concerns about the trendy ice-bath phenomenon where individuals submerge themselves in extremely cold water, following his experience of developing a severe condition that could lead to organ failure.
The performance coach known as JoeInBalance on Instagram informed his followers that although this practice can enhance one’s mood, he considers it ‘the riskiest health trend currently around.’
In a video That has garnered more than 4.4 million views so far, Joe claimed that consistently performing the plunges for a year led to him forming kidney stones.
These are caused by waste materials in the bloodstream crystallizing over time, resulting in hard, stone-like masses developing in the kidneys.
When a kidney stone forms, the body attempts to expel it via urine; this process can be intensely painful, depending on the stone's size.
If left unchecked, the stones may cause potential severe urinary tract infections and obstructions, thereby increasing the likelihood of kidney failure.
Joe, an enthusiastic fitness lover, was diagnosed with kidney stones when he was only 18 years old. He referred to this experience as 'the most excruciating pain' he had ever endured.
At first, Joe—who has also studied nutrition—believed that the stones had nothing to do with his ice bath regimen.
He mentioned, "Initially, I enjoyed the thrill of adrenalin and the surge of dopamine."
However, when he experienced two more kidney stones in rapid succession, his mind finally made the connection.
He said he began piecing everything together, noting that he thinks extremely low temperatures place additional strain on the immune system, leading to an accumulation of metabolic wastes in the bloodstream.
He mentioned that cold exposure can lead to increased urination and dehydration, thus promoting the formation of kidney stones.
Failing to consume adequate amounts of water is a widely recognized factor in the formation of kidney stones.
Diet, lifestyle, and genes also contribute to the chances of an individual forming kidney stones.
However, Joe stated: "Ice bathing undoubtedly worsened my kidney stones."
He mentioned that he hasn’t seen any new stones form ever since he discontinued the ice baths about three years back.
Scientists in Japan have discovered evidence To back up Joe's theory, we present the instance of a 27-year-old man who experienced kidney failure due to cold water submersion.
He is currently encouraging individuals to adopt an alternate method for overall well-being, replacing extreme cold baths with warm sauna sessions instead.
Enthusiasts of saunas claim that the steamy chambers offer numerous health advantages such as reducing stress and alleviating muscular discomfort.
Cold water immersion has also become increasingly popular recently, with assertions that it enhances blood flow and benefits cardiovascular well-being.
Diving into chilly water activates the body’s cold shock reaction, causing an abrupt decrease in temperature which triggers a spike in adrenaline, noradrenaline, and various hormones that enhance sensations of heightened awareness.
It is thought that this procedure might be responsible for the claimed health advantages; however, specialists have cautioned that not all individuals may enjoy identical benefits.
Experts warn that ice baths come with an increased risk of hyperventilation and hypothermia.
This occurs due to the sudden intake of a deep breath when the body is abruptly exposed to cold water, as it immediately requires more oxygen.
This is then followed by hyperventilation—which involves breathing at a rate that is ten times quicker than usual.
Abrupt immersion in cold water significantly raises the chances of experiencing cardiac arrest as the body urgently tries to minimize heat loss to maintain the usual operation of essential organs.
At the same time, heart rate increases, putting the organ under immense strain, creating a potentially fatal spike in blood pressure.
According to data from last year, approximately 11 individuals are believed to have perished due to cold water immersion.
Nonetheless, scientists from Canada have discovered that immersing oneself in cold water may assist in preventing illnesses and decelerating the process of biological aging.
The study followed 10 fit males who immersed themselves for an hour daily throughout one week.
Over time, analyzing blood markers indicated a decrease in inflammation and cell deterioration.
Dr Kelli King, who led the research, stated: "Exposure to cold could aid in preventing illnesses and possibly decelerate cellular-level aging. Think of it as giving your body’s tiny mechanisms a tune-up."
He proposed that the increase in cell function could be attributed to the stress response triggered by the exposure to cold water.
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