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New studies reveal potential benefits of exposure to low temperatures and swimming in icy waters
By Megan Whitby 23 Dec 2022
One study found that low temperatures make it more difficult for cancer cells to grow Credit: Shutterstock/OlgaBerlet
Cold is the new hot in spa circles, but sceptics question whether the benefits of such practices are proven.

Two separate studies published in August and September, however, suggest there are still avenues to explore.

Boosting ‘good’ fat
In a review of multiple scientific papers, researchers from Norway say there’s evidence that an icy swim may increase ‘good’ body fat and reduce the risk of diabetes.

The review, published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health*, analysed 104 studies looking at the health benefits of cold water swimming, paying attention to sample size and other limitations.

Themes covered by studies that were eligible for review included inflammation, adipose tissue, blood circulation, immune system and oxidative stress. Some of these provided evidence that cardiovascular risk factors are improved in swimmers who have adapted to the cold. Yet others suggest the workload on the heart is still increased.

The authors did, however, highlight the positive links between cold water swimming and brown adipose tissue (BAT), a type of ‘good’ body fat that’s activated by cold.

BAT burns calories to maintain body temperature unlike ‘bad’ white fat which stores energy.

According to the review, cold exposure in water – or air – appears also to increase the production of adiponectin, a protein which plays a key role in protecting against insulin resistance, diabetes and other diseases.

In conclusion, the researchers said that more evidence was needed to identify risks associated with cold water immersion.

Spa Business’ most recent issue takes a deep dive into cold water immersion and asks scientists, cold water therapy specialists and retreat leaders about how spa and wellness operators can offer the experience in the safest way possible.

Check out the feature here.

Tumour suppression
Another separate study by Swedish scientists at the Karolinska Institute** has found that low temperatures make it more difficult for cancer cells to grow.

Published in the journal Nature, the paper compared tumour growth and survival rates in mice with various types of cancer, when exposed to cold versus warm living conditions.

Mice acclimatised to temperatures of 4˚C had significantly slower tumour growth and lived nearly twice as long compared with mice in rooms of 30˚C.

The theory is that turning down the thermostat activates heat-producing brown fat that consumes the sugars that tumours need to thrive.

Corresponding author professor Yihai Cao says: “We found that cold-activated brown adipose tissue [BAT] competes against tumours for glucose and can help inhibit tumour growth in mice.

“Our findings suggest that cold exposure could be a promising novel approach to cancer therapy, although this needs to be validated in larger clinical studies.”

*Source. Mercer, JB et al. Health effects of voluntary exposure to cold water – a continuing debate. International Journal of Circumpolar Health. September 2022

**Source: Cao, Y et al. Brown-fat-mediated tumour suppression by cold-altered global metabolism. Nature. August 2022


News
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26 Sep 2023
The Dorchester Collection’s Parisian outpost, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, has refreshed its Dior spa with new facilities and exclusive wellness programming. Complete with five single treatment rooms, a couple’s treatment room, a sauna and a hammam, ... More
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21 Sep 2023
Improved mental health is now a stronger motivation for Brits to exercise than staying in shape. More than half of respondents (54 per cent) to a survey of 2,271 people – commissioned by UK Active ... More
20 Sep 2023
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its first-ever report on the "devastating global impact" of high blood pressure, along with recommendations on the ways to win the race against the condition. The report, called ... More
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Iconic wellness and fitness destination Rancho La Puerta is under new leadership with the appointment of Eliezer Quiñones as new general manager. A hospitality industry veteran with more than two decades of experience, Quiñones will ... More
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Former world number one tennis player Maria Sharapova has entered into a multi-year partnership to become Aman’s first-ever global wellness ambassador. In her new role, the Russian former elite athlete will co-create a series of ... More
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NEWS
New studies reveal potential benefits of exposure to low temperatures and swimming in icy waters
POSTED 23 Dec 2022 . BY Megan Whitby
One study found that low temperatures make it more difficult for cancer cells to grow Credit: Shutterstock/OlgaBerlet
Cold is the new hot in spa circles, but sceptics question whether the benefits of such practices are proven.

Two separate studies published in August and September, however, suggest there are still avenues to explore.

Boosting ‘good’ fat
In a review of multiple scientific papers, researchers from Norway say there’s evidence that an icy swim may increase ‘good’ body fat and reduce the risk of diabetes.

The review, published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health*, analysed 104 studies looking at the health benefits of cold water swimming, paying attention to sample size and other limitations.

Themes covered by studies that were eligible for review included inflammation, adipose tissue, blood circulation, immune system and oxidative stress. Some of these provided evidence that cardiovascular risk factors are improved in swimmers who have adapted to the cold. Yet others suggest the workload on the heart is still increased.

The authors did, however, highlight the positive links between cold water swimming and brown adipose tissue (BAT), a type of ‘good’ body fat that’s activated by cold.

BAT burns calories to maintain body temperature unlike ‘bad’ white fat which stores energy.

According to the review, cold exposure in water – or air – appears also to increase the production of adiponectin, a protein which plays a key role in protecting against insulin resistance, diabetes and other diseases.

In conclusion, the researchers said that more evidence was needed to identify risks associated with cold water immersion.

Spa Business’ most recent issue takes a deep dive into cold water immersion and asks scientists, cold water therapy specialists and retreat leaders about how spa and wellness operators can offer the experience in the safest way possible.

Check out the feature here.

Tumour suppression
Another separate study by Swedish scientists at the Karolinska Institute** has found that low temperatures make it more difficult for cancer cells to grow.

Published in the journal Nature, the paper compared tumour growth and survival rates in mice with various types of cancer, when exposed to cold versus warm living conditions.

Mice acclimatised to temperatures of 4˚C had significantly slower tumour growth and lived nearly twice as long compared with mice in rooms of 30˚C.

The theory is that turning down the thermostat activates heat-producing brown fat that consumes the sugars that tumours need to thrive.

Corresponding author professor Yihai Cao says: “We found that cold-activated brown adipose tissue [BAT] competes against tumours for glucose and can help inhibit tumour growth in mice.

“Our findings suggest that cold exposure could be a promising novel approach to cancer therapy, although this needs to be validated in larger clinical studies.”

*Source. Mercer, JB et al. Health effects of voluntary exposure to cold water – a continuing debate. International Journal of Circumpolar Health. September 2022

**Source: Cao, Y et al. Brown-fat-mediated tumour suppression by cold-altered global metabolism. Nature. August 2022
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The Dorchester Collection’s Parisian outpost, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, has refreshed its Dior spa with new facilities and exclusive wellness programming.
Therme appoints UK CEO as £250m Therme Manchester gets planning approval
Therme Group has received planning permission to build the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort, Therme Manchester, after a four-year journey.
Mental health now the 'main motivation for exercise'
Improved mental health is now a stronger motivation for Brits to exercise than staying in shape.
World Health Organization reports on 'devastating impact' of high blood pressure – calls for physical activity to be used as prevention
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its first-ever report on the "devastating global impact" of high blood pressure, along with recommendations on the ways to win the race against the condition.
Demand for wellness tours and retreats is ramping up reports WeTravel survey
Wellness travel is one of the fastest-growing tourism segments globally and was most recently valued at US$436 billion (£349.8 billion, €407 billion) by the Global Wellness Institute.
Soneva’s new hospitality concept Soneva Secret launching January 2024
Soneva will open a new US$40 million (£32.1 million, €37.4 million) resort in the Maldives’ secluded Haa Dhaalu atoll on 10 January 2024.
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