Liv Hopsital Cardiology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Mehmet Vefik Yazıcıoğlu gave information about the benefits and risks of ice bath. Yazıcıoğlu stated that recently, people who claim to stay healthy and vigorous by entering the ice tub on social media and invite each other to a duel have started to be seen. Those who are overwhelmed by the extreme heat, those who like to try alternative ways in health, and maybe even those who try to forget the stress of economic difficulties with extraordinary work, are especially interested in this issue.” said.
What should be the normal temperature of the body?
Pointing out that the normal temperature of the body is between 36-37 degrees Celsius, Yazıcıoğlu said, “When the body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius and rises above 37,5 degrees Celsius, metabolic changes begin to occur. Along with the change in the temperature of the external environment, the skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue, together with the sweat glands, try to adapt to this temperature change. In the cold, the veins contract, and in the heat they react by relaxing. Heart rate and blood pressure change rapidly within seconds with this exposure. When the temperature of the external environment in contact with the skin is low (such as taking a shower, swimming in the sea, shock bath), the magnitude of the reaction emerges according to the temperature. he said.
“There are degrees of temperature drop”
Yazıcıoğlu stated that the ideal water temperature during bathing is between 37-41 degrees and said, “We need a little hot water for cleaning. The frequency of use of baths above 41 degrees is generally hot springs. There is a need to take some precautions in terms of health in bathrooms above 41 degrees." used the phrase.
“Blood pressure and diabetes patients begin to be adversely affected”
Stating that the temperature of the sea or pool water, which is entered to cool off by contact with cold water, is generally between 20 and 30 degrees, Yazıcıoğlu said:
“For example, while the sea temperature in Antalya is 28-30 degrees in summer, it can be around 20-22 degrees in the northern Aegean coasts. The body tolerates these temperatures and does not pose any risk. If it is below 18 degrees, especially those with thin subcutaneous fat tissue, cardiovascular patients, blood pressure and diabetes patients begin to be adversely affected. This risk becomes irresistible if it is below 12 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the duration of exposure to cold is also very important. A cold effect of a few seconds will not be as risky as a cold effect that extends to minutes.”
“Attention if you have vascular disease, blood pressure or rhythm disorder”
Yazıcıoğlu said, “We often hear that young and healthy individuals feel more vigorous by entering the shock pool for a short time, especially after the sauna. However, it should be kept in mind that even a young individual with a background vascular disease, blood pressure or rhythm disorder may encounter a dangerous outcome, albeit very rarely. Although there is no vascular disease, the presence of an insidious and fatal rhythm disorder on the ground can cause sudden death even in young and healthy-looking individuals with a simple trigger. he said.
“Consider the critical temperature value”
Stating that there are situations where cold is thought to be medically beneficial, Yazıcıoğlu said, “For example, applying cold to that area after trauma is one of the simplest and most effective treatments. Again, in those with venous insufficiency, it is beneficial to apply cold water to the legs after a shower. In a patient who is brought to the emergency room with a stopped heart, hypothermia treatment is applied in intensive care conditions to reduce cerebral edema. However, the existence of these treatments does not mean that cold shower therapy can be beneficial for everyone. For this, we can say that the critical temperature value is “18 degrees” for cardiovascular patients and “12 degrees” for healthy individuals. Maximum attention should be paid to the fact that being healthy but being exposed to lower degrees has a shorter time limit in terms of health measures. he said.
“Do not dare you”
Yazıcıoğlu said, “Don't be discouraged by the videos of swimming in the icy pool or the sea from northern countries. Since the subcutaneous adipose tissue is thicker in people with high alcohol consumption, these people are relatively less affected by cold.” said.