Polar Dip – YIKES!!

One bright sunny March day in Quebec, Canada, three (fool)-hardy young Canadian boys challenged (dared!) each other to take a “POLAR dip”!

After chopping, hacking and scooping away at the frozen lake, they eventually carved out enough room for them to slide in and out. The hole was cut near the shore, so they were able to stand up with their feet on the lake bed, and simply bend their knees and dip – once they summoned their courage LOL.

Every year, hundreds, if not thousands of Cold Water Emersion Enthusiasts do this. They say ice dipping can:
- leave you refreshed and exhilarated
- reduce stress and anxiety
- activate the sympathetic nervous system
- help to soothe sore muscles.

It may also increase the presence of glutathione in the body, a potent antioxidant that boosts the performance of other antioxidants.

Some research has found that cold temperatures have the potential to activate brown fat in adults. Brown fat is a type of fat that burns energy, as opposed to storing it.
The cold water may also help to decrease uric acid levels in the body. When uric acid levels become too high, it may lead to gout, kidney disease and high blood pressure.

Many people who are overweight or obese have heightened uric acid levels. Lowering them may therefore aid in preventing certain chronic diseases.

But be warned that taking a polar plunge can increase your blood pressure and can affect your breathing. It is not something to be undertaken lightly. Always do this activity under supervision, with others present, and in a controlled way.

Many people say the cold water helps them feel more alert, and some claim it helps keep them from getting sick. The data surrounding this claim is largely anecdotal, but there may be some evidence that taking a short dip in cold water, just 1 to 2 minutes, might activate the immune system.

The Polar Dip tradition is based on an age-old Northern European custom of jumping straight from a sauna session into a cold lake. This practice is believed to boost the immune system, and enhance vitality and libido.

In 1903, the Coney Island Polar Bear Club was founded in New York City, and other cities across the US soon followed suit. Many of these clubs donate the proceeds from their events to charity.

Despite what these Canadian yahoos did, it is suggested that you do not drink alcohol before the plunge, as it causes your body to lose heat more quickly, and makes it more difficult to warm up.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!