Here are five benefits of cold exposure:
1. It helps you grow new mitochondria: Mitochondria are the energy powerhouses of your cells. Cold exposure such as cryotherapy or taking a cold shower has been shown in studies to significantly increase mitochondrial biogenesis or the growth of new mitochondria.
2. It makes you happier: When you expose yourself to cold temperatures, this causes a rush of feel-good endorphins.
3. It improves your sleep: Cryotherapy stimulates your body to release norepinephrine, which regulates your sleep/wake cycle.
4. It stops inflammation in its tracks: Chronic inflammation can weaken you. Cryotherapy has been shown to significantly decrease inflammatory cytokine production in the body.
5. It strengthens your immune system: Along with causing an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines, acute and brief cold exposure may increase natural killer cell activity, which is an important component of the immune system.
