A recent study from the University of Ottawa, published in March 2025, reveals that regular cold water immersion can improve cellular health in young men. The research, led by Kelli King and Professor Glen Kenny, involved ten healthy young men who underwent daily one-hour immersions in 14°C (57.2°F) water for a week.
The study found that after just one week, participants showed improved autophagy, a critical cellular recycling process. Researchers also observed reduced indicators of apoptosis, or cell death, and decreased inflammation. These results suggest that cold exposure can strengthen the body's ability to manage stress at the cellular level, potentially preventing disease and slowing down aging.
While initial cold exposure caused cellular dysfunction, repeated exposure led to improved cellular repair mechanisms. The research team plans to expand the study to include women and larger groups to determine if these benefits are consistent across different populations. This study provides scientific support for the growing popularity of cold water immersion as a wellness practice.