Is a cold plunge good for your liver?

Author: Kavon Tromp  |  Last update: Thursday, November 13, 2025

The increased metabolism enhances glucose and lipid metabolism which helps us have a healthier liver and reduces the risk of fatty plaque formation in our arteries, so we have less chance of heart disease and strokes. Regular cold plunge therapy can also reduce blood pressure and heart rate.

Is cold water good for the liver?

It seems that long-term ice-cold water has deleterious functional and structural effects on the liver. Avicenna, Gruner OC, Bakhtiar L, Shah MH. The Canon of Medicine of Avicenna.

What heals the liver the fastest?

Top foods and drinks for liver health
  1. Coffee. A 2021 study analyzed data from 494,585 people in the United Kingdom to learn how different types of coffee might affect the risk of chronic liver disease, including decaffeinated, instant, and ground coffee. ...
  2. Oatmeal. ...
  3. Green tea. ...
  4. Garlic. ...
  5. Berries. ...
  6. Grapes. ...
  7. Grapefruit. ...
  8. Prickly pear.

Who should avoid cold plunges?

Powell, a vascular surgeon, says cold plunging is safe if you're reasonably fit and have no history of arrhythmias, high blood pressure, diabetes, poor circulation or heart problems. He also advises that anyone with Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes decreased blood flow to the fingers, avoid cold plunging.

Does cold affect the liver?

When temperatures drop, our bodies work harder to maintain internal warmth, potentially placing additional demands on the liver. Ensuring you stay warm helps support optimal liver function.

The Science Behind Cold Plunges, Explained in Four Minutes

Do ice baths help the liver?

The increased metabolism enhances glucose and lipid metabolism which helps us have a healthier liver and reduces the risk of fatty plaque formation in our arteries, so we have less chance of heart disease and strokes. Regular cold plunge therapy can also reduce blood pressure and heart rate.

What worsens liver function?

Liver disease can be passed through families, called inherited. Anything that damages the liver also can cause liver problems, including viruses, alcohol use and obesity. Over time, conditions that damage the liver can lead to scarring, called cirrhosis.

What are the negatives of cold plunge?

Beyond the immediate risk of cold shock, immersing yourself in cold water may lead to: Hypothermia: A rapid drop in body temperature that makes it difficult to move or think clearly. Frostbite: Injury that can cause permanent tissue damage and even lead to amputation. Irregular heartbeat.

Why does Kya Jeub take ice baths?

We moved to Oklahoma 7 months ago to build out a campground/resort here and we've learned a lot since moving away from family, and I found that the heart truly grows fonder through distance. I started taking Ice baths around Thanksgiving, 2022 and have truly found mental and physical benefits from doing so.

Do cold plunges burn fat?

Taking a cold plunge in an Ice Barrel can activate the brown adipose and muscles in your body. Once activated, irisin and FGF will be released (irisin and FGF are cold-induced endocrine activators of brown fat function in humans). These two hormones burn up the white fat tissues resulting in weight loss.

What destroys the liver the most?

Too Much Alcohol

Alcoholic fatty liver, which causes liver inflammation (alcoholic hepatitis), eventual scarring (cirrhosis) and even liver cancer, is a process that begins on as little as four drinks a day for men and two for women. By the time you show symptoms, your liver may be damaged beyond repair.

What drink cleans the liver?

Read on for a list of them.
  • Coffee. Coffee lovers will be glad to know that coffee is perhaps one of the best drinks you can have to promote liver health, even if you already have liver problems. ...
  • Tea. ...
  • Beetroot juice. ...
  • Blueberries and cranberries. ...
  • Artichokes. ...
  • Nuts and seeds. ...
  • Grapefruit. ...
  • Brussels sprouts and broccoli sprouts.

What is the best vitamin for liver repair?

Best vitamins for liver health: What does science say about taking vitamins for liver repair?
  • Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble compound that helps protect cell membranes from oxidation and destruction. ...
  • Vitamin D. Chronic liver diseases are often associated with vitamin D deficiency. ...
  • Vitamin C. ...
  • Vitamin B.

Will drinking water flush my liver?

Stay Hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water is essential for liver health. Water helps flush out toxins and aids in digestion. Aim to drink at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water each day.

Which medication is most likely to cause liver damage?

Anti-seizure medications, like phenytoin

Anti-seizure medications top many lists as potential causes of liver injury. Phenytoin (Dilantin) is one of the most common causes of DILI and liver failure.

What are the benefits of cold plunge?

Research indicates that icy water may have a positive effect on recovery after exercise by reducing inflammation and soreness. It also may help build resiliency, restore balance to the nervous system and improve cognitive function and mood.

Why do I feel so good after ice bath?

The sensation of plunging into the freezing water can also trigger a rush of stress hormones, such as cortisol, and endorphins. After the initial cold shock, the body may start to calm down and acclimate to the cold — breathing exercises and distraction methods can help this process.

Why does Kya Jeub have an ostomy?

I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis at age 14. Soon after I had my first ostomy placed. I had the 3 part surgery which ended in my Colon being removed and a J-Pouch being placed.

Why do Scandinavians take ice baths?

Nordics have long been practicing communal cold baths for decades now and have adopted it as a ritual for wellbeing and improved mental and physical health.

Who should not do ice plunge?

Some contraindications to cold plunge therapy would include a history of heart disease; Raynaud's phenomenon, which is caused by over-sensitive blood vessels in the body's extremities; peripheral vascular disease, as can be seen in diabetes; impaired sensation; cold allergy or hypersensitivity; severe cold-induced ...

Is it OK to cold plunge every day?

While it's safe to do a cold plunge every day, it's possible to overdo it in a few ways. If you jump into cold water too fast, it can shock your body and cause problems with your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, or mental state.

Do ice baths reduce inflammation?

Athletes and others find that regular ice baths can reduce inflammation, relieve sore muscles, and help with overall exercise recovery. “Small studies show that people who regularly take ice baths experience fewer bacterial infections, suggesting the practice can support your body's immune response,” says Dr.

What damages your liver most?

Lifestyle and diet play a big role in your liver health. Too many saturated fats, salts and processed sugars can make it harder for the liver to work as it should, which can lead to inflammation and even scarring. There are some high risk lifestyle factors that may lead to liver damage or disease.

What food is hardest on your liver?

What foods are bad for your liver?
  1. Fast food. It's quick, it's cheap, and sometimes you really crave it. ...
  2. Ultra-processed foods. ...
  3. Sweetened foods. ...
  4. Sugary drinks. ...
  5. Artificial sweeteners. ...
  6. Refined grains. ...
  7. Red meat and processed meats. ...
  8. Alcohol.

Is honey good for liver repair?

Conclusion. Honey can be improvement the liver tissue based on: (1) Mobilization of endogenous stem cells (CD34 and CD45); (2) Hsp70 and VEGF-1 expressions as regeneration marker of improvement, and (3) regeneration histologically of liver tissue.

Previous article
What will happen if you do 100 squats everyday?
Next article
Why does salt water help acne?