Earlier this year, we reported on a study into the health benefits of cold water plunges and cold showers to see whether they had a scientific basis. One of the findings the researchers thought was "counterintuitive" was the short-term rise in inflammation associated with cold-water immersion.

Now, new research led by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) in Canada has found that sticking with cold water plunges for seven consecutive days allows cells to acclimatize and produces actual changes in cells' protective functioning.

"Our findings indicate that repeated cold exposure significantly improves autophagic function, a critical cellular protective mechanism," said Glen Kenny, Full Professor at uOttawa's School of Human Kinetics, Director of the University's Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit (HEPRU), and the study's corresponding author. "This enhancement allows cells to better manage stress and could have important implications for health and longevity."