A way to a horse’s health or pure madness
A way to a horse’s health or pure madness
It is gaining more and more fans of all ages. More and more walrus clubs are popping up like mushrooms after rain, with members treating this “sport” not only as a recipe for longevity but also an exciting way to spend time together. In Siberia, children ages 5 to 6 harden themselves by taking 2.5 minutes of freezing ice baths day in and day out, followed by saunas. Children with glowing faces go crazy in the snow, thanks to which, teachers say, their attendance in kindergarten is almost 100%. Like everything that is popular, there are also its opponents who make arguments such as hypothermia, heart attacks and even death. The question remains.. jumping into an ice pit or under a quilt?
Benefits of adapting to the cold
To adapt to cold is a valuable ability of the body, thanks to which the human body withstands low temperatures and can function efficiently. Regular supply of the body with cold stimuli increases the tolerance of cold and fluctuations in ambient temperature, that is, better adaptation.
Weight loss – People who are obese and suffer from insulin resistance or leptin resistance can greatly benefit from cold adaptation training. In addition to increasing the use of energy to heat the body through, among other things, muscle twitching, unsightly white fat is reduced in favor of brown fat, a metabolically active tissue that generates heat by burning energy and not accumulating it in folds as white does.
Improving immunity – in winter swimmers, that is, in walruses, such a modification of the components of the immune system is observed, which leads to an increase in the body’s resistance to various types of infections. Research shows that a better adaptation to the cold combats respiratory diseases such as a runny nose or bronchitis .
Increased level of antioxidants – there are indications that walruses have a high content of antioxidants that have a protective effect on the body. It is also noted that more of these compounds are useful in training athletes for aerobic sports. There are studies that prove that reducing rheumatic and asthmatic complaints after 4 months of regular seawater.
About lowering blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity – In addition, stabilizing the blood sugar level and preventing type 2 diabetes are a number of benefits that we can meet thanks to adapting to the cold.
Benefits for Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s – The thyroid gland is known as a body thermostat because it plays a major role in regulating body temperature. People with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease have a lower body temperature and tolerate lower temperatures worse than healthy people. What’s more, if you have a thyroid problem, you should improve your adaptation to the cold by gradual and regular exposure to cold.
Smoothing and tightening the skin – the sudden change in temperature affects the increased blood circulation, which is shown by the pink color. Such subcutaneous drainage will firm and smooth the skin, which will help fight the orange peel. Increased movement under the skin also causes excess water to drain between cells, causing the body to lose some of it in circles.
Better Mood and New Layers of Strength – Breaking down barriers, doing things that seem unreal at first glance and are beyond our abilities (entering icy waters without a doubt) has a positive effect on thinking about yourself. After such a one-time exit from the comfort zone, self-confidence increases, and the person feels that he can do more. The way you think about the world around you changes dramatically. Suddenly it turns out that nothing is impossible and that every obstacle you encounter is a challenge, not an obstacle.
Winter is bad?
If sea water has so many advantages, why are people afraid of low temperatures? They dress warmly before leaving the house on cold days, wear hats and gloves, and avoid long stays in the cold. This fear was exacerbated by reports from around the world about hospital overcrowding due to plague and influenza and deaths among the homeless from hypothermia.
Is the fear of subtraction on the thermometer justified? not exactly. You should be afraid of the inability of the body to adapt to the cold, because it causes a cold, and, accordingly, serious complications. Don’t be afraid of low temperatures, just learn how to handle them.
5 ways to winter
1. Adaptation to cold – it can be sea water, but a cold and hot shower will also work, just lowering the temperature in the room by 2-3 degrees would be a good move 😉
2. For long walks and outdoor sports, wear thermally active underwear, thanks to which the sweat will evaporate quickly, you will be warm and pleasant, which will make your activity last longer.
3. Protect the respiratory tract from direct contact with frost – a mask or scarf will work brilliantly.
4. Take a hot shower, use the sauna, and have a hot tea drink after you get home.
5. Wear clothes that are suitable for the weather conditions, as a high temperature may be worse than a slight cold.
sea water dangers
There is rarely something white or black, most often there are shades of gray. Same thing with sea water. So who wouldn’t benefit from tepid baths? The answer is simple. Those who are not convinced by it. Those who are afraid of such activities believe that sea water will negatively affect their health or simply do not want to calm themselves in this way.
Imagine a situation where you fall into a pack or the ice explodes beneath you. Then what happens to you body? Levels of stress hormones in the blood rise suddenly, for good reason of course. In this way, heat production is stimulated by causing chills. Muscles work intensively, the body trembles with great force, and heat is generated. Unfortunately, there is also muscle stiffness and your swimming abilities become very limited. In addition, there is panic, which in turn causes disaster. Another threat is hypothermia, which will happen when you wait too long for help. Common causes of death in these types of accidents are usually myocardial infarction, circulatory failure, cerebral blood flow disturbances, and arrhythmias.
This cruel tale was not intended to frighten anyone, let alone discourage them from moving around. Its purpose was to make you realize that the worst thing you can do in swimming is force others to the sport. I’m not talking about preaching the benefits of the sea (I’m doing it myself while writing this article) I mean texts like “Quick jump and go if you don’t like it,” “Try, what are you afraid of?” They do and you’re afraid? “Do not remember anything by force, everyone has the right to decide for himself and his own body.
To take advantage of sea water, you need:
1. We want to do it.
2. Be convinced of its benefits (positive thinking is necessary).
3. Prepare yourself mentally and physically (warm up, snack about 2 hours before).
4. Be under the care of an experienced.
5. Get a dry towel, warm clothes, hot tea and a sauna 😉
I hope this article was useful to you. Remember that you need to be well prepared for the sea, do not rush to do this. If you have any problems, consult your doctor. Get some information from the experienced. Walrus Clubs members will be happy to help you take your first steps and will hit you with their cold passion 🙂