Hi all,
I have been toying with cold water swimming for some time. ... (Now I'm no longer on the brink of chilblains at all times it seems like it could be a reasonable endeavour!)
Does anyone do cold water swimming (or similar) and feel any benefit?
I've done some very brief reading about brown fat and thyroid function and cold water swimming increasing brown fat levels.
It might be an interesting thread in the fabric! π₯Άπ€πΌ
This might be worth reading: Health effects of voluntary exposure to cold water β a continuing subject of debate tandfonline.com/doi/full/10...
'When looking at the effect of regular cold-water exposure on parathyroid- and thyroid hormones, a study by KovaniΔovΓ‘ et al. suggests that regulation of PTH and thyroid hormones during cold exposure in humans varies by cold acclimatisation level and/or cold stimulus intensity. After 15 min of swimming in ice water, an increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as free T3, has been reported [Citation41,Citation75]. '
I stumbled on a website that purported cold water swimming to be a 'cure' for hashi's, which I think is codswallop, but it's where I read about brown fat & thyroid.
I suspect it's going to be a 'try it and see' thing but interesting there is research on it.
I've not tried it myself, but suspect that it could cause issues for anyone who's not optimally medicated with thyroid hormones. So yes, if you're hormone levels are good and stable, give it a try, but make sure you have someone with you.
Cripes π₯Ά you must be feeling well! π€ I fell into the river (from a kayak) last September and the shock nearly killed me π instantly drained my battery.... have you done the cold shower treatment to prepare? There do seem to be 'fresh' water lakes, (where they test the water) that are opening up to plungers as the rivers are horrendous π© last thing you want is to pick up something unpleasant
"After 15 min of swimming in ice water, an increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as free T3, has been reported"
Surely this is a reaction to shock??
I wonder if watching a scary movie has the same effect? π±
or even better a hot bath stressing your body π
Better than I was but still not quite there... Hence I'm still looking for answers!
There was a time where just being outside too long meant I was chilled to the bone and needed to shower to warm up. That seems to have passed now.
I think accidental exposure to cold water like yours and purposeful and intentional exposure are quite different.
Yes, am currently finishing my showers in the morning by turning the water to cold... (Or as cold as I can tolerate!) There are a few places round me to swim - one of them is a lake so hopefully there will be minimal π©π¦ nasties in there!
Worth a go..... I'm very definitely more moorhen than fish! I enjoy the on water bit far more
We have a few local keen ones that have had to give up the river as it's too π€’
Have you not got the snow this morning? You could be a snow bathing angel π
I've found there is an oxygen tank thingy near here that I'm waiting to hear back about pricing etc
I am afraid I am with you TiggerMe on this one. Both the sea and rivers are full of pollution. I find myself longing for my home townβs old (now demolished) outdoor swimming pool. Of course it would be full of chlorine. I remember fondly the water was at its warmest when it was raining. Bliss.
youtube.com/watch?v=9oDPDQQ...
The Tale of The Bluetits Chill Swimmers
Thanks for sharing that! There's a group 10 minutes from me I had no clue existed! 
I have been cold water swimming for 2 years and love it. Many people do it for mental health including me. In the water you can't help but be in the moment. It's exhilarating and lifts my mood. And the people you meet are lovely. It's also good for reducing inflammation. Key is to go in slowly, keep your head warm with a hat & know your own limits making sure you get out before you get tired. Dress as quickly as possible in lots of loose layers and take a bath mat to stand on whilst getting changes. I'd say go for it but wait another month as the water is coldest in March.
There are a few groups near me so I'm hopeful to find a mentor or buddy to help at the beginning π
We've just had snow so I think I'll wait until April now. π₯Ά I'll keep going with my cold showers for a bit and try to build a bit of tolerance...
' I'll keep going with my cold showers for a bit'
Or maybe ice baths? wimhofmethod.com/regular-ic...
My son does the ice baths every morning. And he swears by them for mental clarity and increased immunity. Caveat: He has no thyroid issues (as far as we know). I tried this a couple of times, but don't seem to be able to get warm again for quite some time. I'm more of a sauna kind of girl. From what I understand the benefits are similar.
I've toyed with this idea too but I think I'm also drawn to the social side of it! I've got a plunge pool on my birthday list though.
It's so good to hear a positive report from someone else with a thyroid issue. I have friends that do it but I don't think their opinions are relevant to me. π
I am optimistic!
I'm a cold water swimmer too, love it, feel great afterwards but don't go as often as I would like. I'm always cold lately so have been going to an outdoor pool which has a hot tub and shower and changing room so I get warm again quicker afterwards. Please read up about it as others have said before you go and don't go alone.
Absolutely not. Even if I wanted to it's not possible to at the places round here; they're strict in their rules!
No experience but of course Wim Hof is living proof that there's something in it. I was looking at his website for ideas on how to improve autonomic nervous system function. I'd only attempt it in an organised club with frequent water testing lol.
I've just downloaded his book! π
I'm looking into nervous system dysregulation as a possible cause for my remaining symptoms. π€
Don't you get the feeling Wim is on the Hyper end of the scale π
He's certainly enthusiastic lol. Not sure I'm going to share it, cold showers smack of punishment or school PE lessons π€£. But I'm nothing if not open minded.
I would start in May when water temp get to 17/18. It's always easier to go up the curve than down. Nowca have tested lakes / docks where you can swim with life guards etc. You can also rent wetsuits at some of the venues. I prefer to swim rather than dip but venues tend to welcome anyone whatever they want to do.
Personally, I live swimming in the open air but hate swimming past Sept. I remember one 3 degree water temp November that I decided it wasn't for me.
If you do try, have a tow float, brightly coloured hat and never swim alone. Read up about hypothermia - e.g you can suddenly start feeling lovely and warm and actually you're in trouble. One day you might be able tp do 5 mins then next 10 and then the next 5, it depends on you, the air temp, the water temp, the wind, all sorts of random factors.
I know some people love doing this, and it probably benefits them. But I'd add a word of caution. My Dad's heart attack was brought on by jumping into an unheated outdoor swimming pool on a hot day. That was definite.
I don't know how you prepare for cold water swimming, but I'd research that first.
I'm sorry to hear about your dad.
I think Cold Water Shock is quite different to slow, deliberate cold water swimming but thanks for flagging it.
My sister is hypo and swims in her local lido weekly. She says the pressure of the water and the weightlessness are good and the endorphin boost from the cold water's incredible. It also reduces her pain and inflammation and calms her nervous system. Before starting this she was putting her face into a bowl of cold water every day. A gradual build up is best.
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