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Swimming, i.e.
immersing yourself in cold water, is becoming more and more popular among people looking for extreme experiences and health benefits.In this article, we will take a closer look at this phenomenon and find out whether winter swimming can actually bring health benefits.What is winter swimming?What are the potential benefits of this type of activity?Can the low temperature tolerance gene affect our ability to swim?Read on to find out the answers to these questions.
What is winter swimming?
Swimming involves bathing in cold water whose temperature is below 5 degrees Celsius.It can be a short immersion in a lake or sea, or a longer swim in a specially prepared swimming pool.However, the key element of winter swimming is the fact that the water temperature is much lower than body temperature, which requires the body to quickly adapt and react to the cold.
Benefits of winter swimming
Swimming, despite its extreme nature, brings many potential health benefits.Here are some of them:
Strengthening the immune system:Swimming can stimulate the production of white blood cells, which in turn strengthens our immune system.Regular swimming can help prevent infections.
Improved blood circulation:When we are in cold water, our blood vessels contract and then dilate, which can improve blood circulation.This may be beneficial for people with low blood pressure problems.
Stress reduction:Exposure to cold water can help reduce stress and improve well-being.Endorphins released during winter swimming can act as a natural antidepressant.
Strengthening your will:Swimming requires strong will and the ability to overcome your fears.Regularly practicing this sport can strengthen our psyche.
Low temperature tolerance gene
Not all people are able to tolerate winter swimming in the same way.It may depend on genes.Scientists have discovered that there is a gene called TRPM8 that may influence our tolerance to low temperatures.People with certain variants of this gene may be more resistant to cold and may derive greater health benefits from winter swimming.
Your suggestions
If you are considering starting winter swimming, here are some suggestions that may help you:
Consultation with a doctor:Before you start winter swimming, it is worth consulting a doctor, especially if you have any health problems.
Gradually getting used to cold water:Don’t jump into the deep end right away.Gradually accustom your body to lower temperatures, starting with short baths.
Pay attention to your body’s signals:Always listen to your body.If you feel unwell or notice any unusual symptoms, leave the water immediately.
Recommended articles
If you are interested in the topic of winter swimming, we also recommend reading the following articles:
Winter swimming and mental health: How does cold water affect our psyche?
Swimming as a way to fight pain and inflammation: What do the research say?
The TRPM8 gene and its role in cold tolerance: Recent scientific discoveries.
To sum up, winter swimming can bring many health benefits, but it requires caution and proper preparation.If you are interested in this sport, consult your doctor and start by gradually accustoming your body to cold water.Remember that not everyone can tolerate winter swimming in the same way, so listen to your body and adapt to your own capabilities.