Feb 22 • General discussion
Cold Plunge Thoughts
I was reading a post Dr. Stacy Sims put out regarding cold plunging and the difference the impact of this modality has for men and women. The post states:
"There's been a lot of talk and interest in cold plunging lately - and if you've been following me for a while you'll know I've talked previously about how its impact is different for men and women, for starters, women do better in cool water (~16 C/56 F) not cold (0-2 C/32-36 F) with regard to positive adaptations.
Here are a few key nuggets of info to remember when it comes to cool water immersion and women:
- Women have a greater amount of cold receptors (a2c-adrenoreceptors).
- The menstrual cycle phase increases our cold sensitivity.
- There's a difference in neurotransmitter modulation in those taking the oral contraceptive pill; including a higher dopamine response to the cold compared to women who are naturally cycling.
- Women get better resting blood glucose responses than men in cold exposure (our shiver response happens earlier than men).
- Increased adiponectin (protein hormone from adipose cells). When we have an increase in this, we have a greater ability to burn visceral fat and change body composition. "
A few research links included are:
While I haven't yet had an opportunity to read all article links provided, I did find it interesting to read about the difference in body response to cold water immersion among men and women. Anecdotally, in college, I had an athletic trainer that required cold plunge. I obliged, but had to negotiate to keep socks on when entering the cold plunge because the stainless steel tub at 34 degrees literally hurt to the bone. I found that wearing socks was the only way I could tolerate my feet not hurting so badly when submerged. I did feel a bit better after, but it was a miserable experience. Fast forward 20+ years, and I have again tried cold plunging. It's was literally 10 gallons of ice with water in a bathtub because that was the "recommended" modality. Again, I found myself in immense pain - literally felt the cold to my bones - such a hard feeling to describe. Having read just a slight bit of information on this, I don't feel crazy for my body's poor response to extreme cold. I often struggle to even handle ice packs out of a freezer because it makes my hands hurt so badly.
All that to say - Has anyone else ever had experiences like this with cold plunging? Any insights on what phase(s) of the cycle increase cold sensitivity? Anyone have any thoughts or insights on the role adiponectin might play in overall body composition, with or without cold exposure; could adiponectin be a measurable variable for fat burning ability?
I haven't looked into any of these questions, but look forward to doing so and sharing anything I may find. Looking forward to insights from others as well.
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Cold Plunge Thoughts
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