Health and Me

Supriya Ramesh

6 Surprisingly Cool Benefits of Taking a Cold Plunge

Credits: Canva

We know. We know. Willingly dipping yourself into freezing water is not everyone's idea of a good time. In fact, it’s the stuff most nightmares are made of. But people are queuing up to do it. Whether it’s a tub full of ice cubes or a freezing lake at 6am, cold plunges are a thing. While you will be surprised to know the benefits, first know what exactly happens when you put your body through this temporary torture. 

From giving your mood a caffeine-free lift to helping muscles relax, here's what makes cold plunging the icy wellness trend for your body and brain. 

A few minutes in icy water can deliver a euphoric high. That’s because cold exposure triggers a rush of endorphins, your body’s natural feel-good chemicals. It also reduces cortisol, the stress hormone. Some studies even suggest that cold water immersion can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Ever wonder why athletes dunk themselves in icy baths post-game? Cold plunges help reduce inflammation, speed up muscle recovery, and soothe soreness. When you expose your body to extreme cold, blood vessels constrict. Once you’re out and warming up, they dilate, increasing blood flow to tired muscles.

Taking a cold plunge can actually help you sleep better. Post-immersion, your body enters a state of deep relaxation once it warms back up. Your nervous system settles down, and your sleep hormones kick in more efficiently.

Regular cold plunges may also give your immune system a little kick in the pants. The cold stimulates white blood cell production, which helps your body fight off illness. Some studies have found that people who practise cold water immersion regularly tend to get fewer colds and recover faster.

Cold water tightens your pores, reduces puffiness, and boosts circulation to your skin. It’s basically nature’s version of a toner. Plus, by reducing inflammation and flushing out toxins, your skin is left looking brighter, fresher, and decidedly more awake than you feel.

Ever tried to breathe normally when your body is screaming from shock? Cold plunges force you to master your breath. That slow, deep breathing you’re encouraged to do during the first freezing minute? It’s not just to stop you from panicking. It actually helps train your nervous system to stay calm under pressure, build mental resilience, and reduce anxiety over time.

In a nutshell, cold plunging isn’t just a weird wellness trend. It’s a full-body and mind experience that comes with some genuinely impressive health benefits. Yes, it’s uncomfortable. Yes, you’ll want to scream. But after a while, you might just find yourself looking forward to it.

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We know. We know. Willingly dipping yourself into freezing water is not everyone's idea of a good time. In fact, it’s the stuff most nightmares are made of. But people are queuing up to do it. Whether it’s a tub full of ice cubes or a freezing lake at 6am, cold plunges are a thing. While you will be surprised to know the benefits, first know what exactly happens when you put your body through this temporary torture. From giving your mood a caffeine-free lift to helping muscles relax, here's what makes cold plunging the icy wellness trend for your body and brain. 1. Boosts Your Mood A few minutes in icy water can deliver a euphoric high. That’s because cold exposure triggers a rush of endorphins, your body’s natural feel-good chemicals. It also reduces cortisol, the stress hormone. Some studies even suggest that cold water immersion can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. 2. Recovers Muscles Ever wonder why athletes dunk themselves in icy baths post-game? Cold plunges help reduce inflammation, speed up muscle recovery, and soothe soreness. When you expose your body to extreme cold, blood vessels constrict. Once you’re out and warming up, they dilate, increasing blood flow to tired muscles.3. Improves SleepTaking a cold plunge can actually help you sleep better. Post-immersion, your body enters a state of deep relaxation once it warms back up. Your nervous system settles down, and your sleep hormones kick in more efficiently.4. Boosts Immune SystemRegular cold plunges may also give your immune system a little kick in the pants. The cold stimulates white blood cell production, which helps your body fight off illness. Some studies have found that people who practise cold water immersion regularly tend to get fewer colds and recover faster.5. Makes Your Skin Glow Cold water tightens your pores, reduces puffiness, and boosts circulation to your skin. It’s basically nature’s version of a toner. Plus, by reducing inflammation and flushing out toxins, your skin is left looking brighter, fresher, and decidedly more awake than you feel.6. Teaches You to Breathe Ever tried to breathe normally when your body is screaming from shock? Cold plunges force you to master your breath. That slow, deep breathing you’re encouraged to do during the first freezing minute? It’s not just to stop you from panicking. It actually helps train your nervous system to stay calm under pressure, build mental resilience, and reduce anxiety over time.In a nutshell, cold plunging isn’t just a weird wellness trend. It’s a full-body and mind experience that comes with some genuinely impressive health benefits. Yes, it’s uncomfortable. Yes, you’ll want to scream. But after a while, you might just find yourself looking forward to it.

6 surprisingly cool benefits of taking a cold plunge

Skipping This Basic Yet Vital Oral Hygiene Step Could Put You In Trouble

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Most of us brush twice a day, some of us floss, and the enthusiastic few even use a mouthwash that burns like fire. But there’s one thing we’re all guilty of skipping, and that is tongue scraping. Skipping this tiny but mighty step could be the reason your oral hygiene isn’t quite hitting the mark. And it's not just about bad breath.

What is the white film on your tongue in the morning?

That whitish layer on your tongue when you wake up is not just sleep residue or leftover toothpaste. It's a delightful mix of bacteria, dead cells, food debris and other gunk. Tongue scraping removes this film before it gets a chance to cause trouble.

This Is What Happens If You Don’t Scrape

No matter how minty your toothpaste or fancy your mouthwash, if your tongue is coated in bacteria, you’re going to have bad breath. Halitosis is often caused by anaerobic bacteria that sit on the tongue and release foul-smelling sulphur compounds. A few scrapes each morning can keep that stink in check.

Ever feel like food doesn’t taste quite as good as it used to? It might be because your taste buds are trapped under layers of gunk. Scraping the tongue helps clear the surface, making your sense of taste sharper and more responsive.

The mouth is connected to the rest of your body, and poor oral hygiene has been linked to a range of health issues, from heart disease to diabetes. The bacteria on your tongue can enter your bloodstream through micro-abrasions in your mouth, causing inflammation in other parts of your body.

While influencers are only now discovering the joys of tongue scraping, this practice has been around for centuries, particularly in Ayurveda, where it’s considered an essential part of morning cleansing rituals. Traditional medicine has long acknowledged the tongue as a mirror to internal health, and scraping is believed to help remove toxins and stimulate digestive enzymes.

<ul><li>Use a proper tongue scraper. Not your toothbrush. Toothbrushes don’t clean the tongue effectively and can actually push debris further in.</li><li>Scrape gently from back to front. You’ll probably gag the first few times, but start slow and go as far back as you can comfortably manage.</li><li>Rinse and repeat. Twice if needed. Then rinse your mouth. Done in under 30 seconds.</li></ul>It’s not supposed to hurt. If it does, you’re doing it wrong.

Adding this simple step to your routine could mean fewer dental visits, fresher breath, and even better digestion.

tongue scraping

oral hygiene

bad breath

bacteria

taste buds

halitosis

ayurveda

health risks

digestion

tongue cleaner

Most of us brush twice a day, some of us floss, and the enthusiastic few even use a mouthwash that burns like fire. But there’s one thing we’re all guilty of skipping, and that is tongue scraping. Skipping this tiny but mighty step could be the reason your oral hygiene isn’t quite hitting the mark. And it's not just about bad breath.What is the white film on your tongue in the morning?That whitish layer on your tongue when you wake up is not just sleep residue or leftover toothpaste. It's a delightful mix of bacteria, dead cells, food debris and other gunk. Tongue scraping removes this film before it gets a chance to cause trouble.This Is What Happens If You Don’t Scrape1. Bad BreathNo matter how minty your toothpaste or fancy your mouthwash, if your tongue is coated in bacteria, you’re going to have bad breath. Halitosis is often caused by anaerobic bacteria that sit on the tongue and release foul-smelling sulphur compounds. A few scrapes each morning can keep that stink in check.2. Taste SuffersEver feel like food doesn’t taste quite as good as it used to? It might be because your taste buds are trapped under layers of gunk. Scraping the tongue helps clear the surface, making your sense of taste sharper and more responsive.3. Overall Health Affected The mouth is connected to the rest of your body, and poor oral hygiene has been linked to a range of health issues, from heart disease to diabetes. The bacteria on your tongue can enter your bloodstream through micro-abrasions in your mouth, causing inflammation in other parts of your body.It’s an Ancient PracticeWhile influencers are only now discovering the joys of tongue scraping, this practice has been around for centuries, particularly in Ayurveda, where it’s considered an essential part of morning cleansing rituals. Traditional medicine has long acknowledged the tongue as a mirror to internal health, and scraping is believed to help remove toxins and stimulate digestive enzymes. The Right Way to Do ItUse a proper tongue scraper. Not your toothbrush. Toothbrushes don’t clean the tongue effectively and can actually push debris further in.Scrape gently from back to front. You’ll probably gag the first few times, but start slow and go as far back as you can comfortably manage.Rinse and repeat. Twice if needed. Then rinse your mouth. Done in under 30 seconds.It’s not supposed to hurt. If it does, you’re doing it wrong.Adding this simple step to your routine could mean fewer dental visits, fresher breath, and even better digestion. 

skipping this basic yet vital oral hygiene step could put you in trouble

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For a country that treats 23 degrees Celsius like it is the Sahara, the UK isn’t exactly built for this kind of heat. While most of us are busy Instagramming sunsets, our bodies might be quietly waving red flags. And that tiredness or weird headache is not just the heat; it could be your system slowly giving signs.

Here is what the heat could actually be doing to you and why you should not ignore it.

You’ve drunk your water, you're not hungover, and yet your head’s pounding like you’ve been at a rock concert. Heat headaches are real, and they’re one of the first signs your body is overheating. So slam a glass of water, sit in front of a fan, and maybe ditch the hot coffee for something icy. It would help if you stuck your feet in a cold bucket like your gran used to do.

At first, you’re drenched like you’ve run a marathon in your own kitchen. But then… nothing. You stop sweating. Your skin feels dry, hot and honestly a bit different. This switch can be dangerous. It’s a classic heatstroke sign. Do not ignore if you’ve been roasting all day and your skin is suddenly dry and flushed; that’s your cue to cool down fast. Think cold compress, wet towel, or even lying in a bath.

Random leg twitches? Sudden tummy cramps while lying down doing absolutely nothing? That’s not just your body being weird; it’s heat cramps. They happen when you’re low on salt and hydration, and they can be surprisingly painful. DIY remedy: Bananas, electrolyte sachets, or if you’re fancy, coconut water. 

Feeling Like You're About to Faint on the Road?

Heat dizziness is uncertain. One minute you’re grabbing grapes; the next you’re gripping the trolley like it’s your last hope. When it’s hot, your blood pressure can drop faster than your motivation on a Monday. If you suddenly feel woozy or like you’re in a bad dream, sit down before you fall down. Always carry a water bottle.

Can’t Think Straight? Not Just the Heat Making You Dull

If you’re suddenly mixing up names, forgetting simple words, or spacing out mid-text, that could be the heat messing with your brain. Mental fog, confusion, or even irritability are signs that your body is cooking from the inside. If someone is slurring, looking spaced out, or acting like they’ve had a few too many but haven’t, it could be heatstroke. Call for help.

Hot, dry, and suspiciously flushed skin is not the summer glow you think it is. If your skin starts feeling like it belongs in an oven, it means your body’s not coping well with the heat. Especially if your pulse is racing and you feel weirdly calm. Get help. This is your body in SOS mode. Cool off immediately and don’t try to “push through it”.

Heat can make your feet and ankles puff up like inflatable pool toys. It’s not you gaining sudden water weight; it’s literally your blood vessels acting up. So put your feet up, wear comfy shoes, and avoid salty snacks. That means no crisp binge while complaining about the weather.

<ul><li>Hydrate well</li><li>Draw the curtains always</li><li>Sit in front of a fan for relief</li><li>Avoid peak sun hours </li><li>Don’t ignore what your body’s whispering</li></ul>

heatwave

uk weather

dehydration

heatstroke

headache

muscle cramps

dizziness

brain fog

dry skin

swollen feet

For a country that treats 23 degrees Celsius like it is the Sahara, the UK isn’t exactly built for this kind of heat. While most of us are busy Instagramming sunsets, our bodies might be quietly waving red flags. And that tiredness or weird headache is not just the heat; it could be your system slowly giving signs.Here is what the heat could actually be doing to you and why you should not ignore it.That Headache Is a Heat AlarmYou’ve drunk your water, you're not hungover, and yet your head’s pounding like you’ve been at a rock concert. Heat headaches are real, and they’re one of the first signs your body is overheating. So slam a glass of water, sit in front of a fan, and maybe ditch the hot coffee for something icy. It would help if you stuck your feet in a cold bucket like your gran used to do.Sweat, Then No Sweat? That’s TroubleAt first, you’re drenched like you’ve run a marathon in your own kitchen. But then… nothing. You stop sweating. Your skin feels dry, hot and honestly a bit different. This switch can be dangerous. It’s a classic heatstroke sign. Do not ignore if you’ve been roasting all day and your skin is suddenly dry and flushed; that’s your cue to cool down fast. Think cold compress, wet towel, or even lying in a bath.Muscles Twitching on Their Own?Random leg twitches? Sudden tummy cramps while lying down doing absolutely nothing? That’s not just your body being weird; it’s heat cramps. They happen when you’re low on salt and hydration, and they can be surprisingly painful. DIY remedy: Bananas, electrolyte sachets, or if you’re fancy, coconut water. Feeling Like You're About to Faint on the Road?Heat dizziness is uncertain. One minute you’re grabbing grapes; the next you’re gripping the trolley like it’s your last hope. When it’s hot, your blood pressure can drop faster than your motivation on a Monday. If you suddenly feel woozy or like you’re in a bad dream, sit down before you fall down. Always carry a water bottle. Can’t Think Straight? Not Just the Heat Making You DullIf you’re suddenly mixing up names, forgetting simple words, or spacing out mid-text, that could be the heat messing with your brain. Mental fog, confusion, or even irritability are signs that your body is cooking from the inside. If someone is slurring, looking spaced out, or acting like they’ve had a few too many but haven’t, it could be heatstroke. Call for help.Your Skin Feels Like a Radiator?  Hot, dry, and suspiciously flushed skin is not the summer glow you think it is. If your skin starts feeling like it belongs in an oven, it means your body’s not coping well with the heat. Especially if your pulse is racing and you feel weirdly calm. Get help. This is your body in SOS mode. Cool off immediately and don’t try to “push through it”.Swollen Feet?Heat can make your feet and ankles puff up like inflatable pool toys. It’s not you gaining sudden water weight; it’s literally your blood vessels acting up. So put your feet up, wear comfy shoes, and avoid salty snacks. That means no crisp binge while complaining about the weather.Do Not Forget To:Hydrate wellDraw the curtains alwaysSit in front of a fan for reliefAvoid peak sun hours Don’t ignore what your body’s whispering

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What is better than being able to ward off one of the most devastating brain diseases? And guess it did not necessarily involve a prescription or a breakthrough drug but simply tweaking your daily habits. That is the message Irish neuroscientist Dr. Sabina Brennan shared when she sat down with Davina McCall on the Begin Again podcast. With dementia cases in the UK soaring and projected to rise, her tips could not come at a better time.

Though the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia, still puzzle experts, Dr. Brennan is certain of one thing: we have more control than we think. Through simple, everyday choices, we can give our brains a fighting chance.

Here is what she says we all should be doing: 

Dr. Brennan insists the real magic lies in movement. “Physical exercise is one of the best things you can do for your brain health,” she told Davina. That is not something most people expect to hear when it comes to dementia, but the link is undeniable.

The secret weapon here is a protein known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. Think of it as plant food, but for your brain. “I call it ‘Miracle-Gro for the brain’. It makes it easier for you to grow new brain cells and new connections between them. And that is what you want in a healthy brain. Lots of brain cells and connections.”

She goes on to explain why that is so critical in the early stages of dementia. “If you get Alzheimer's disease pathology in your brain in the early stages, it is not about how much pathology, how much disease you have in your brain. It is about how much healthy brain you have to cope with that disease that will allow you to continue functioning for as long as possible.” So build up that mental muscle now, and you may buy yourself more time down the road.

If you needed a reason to chat with your neighbour or call your grandmother, here it is. “A challenging activity for your brain” is how Dr. Brennan describes conversation. “Your brain has to work hard. And that is really, really good.”

She is not talking about small talk alone. It is the deeper connections and dynamic conversations that really get the grey matter going. And crucially, she urges us to be intentional about who we socialise with.

“We tend to hang out with people of the same age as us,” she points out. “But there is no nice way to say it. As you get older, your age cohort will die off. And so people end up socially isolated through no fault of their own.”

Her solution? Build intergenerational friendships before it is too late. “We have to have more intergenerational friendships. And the research shows that everybody benefits in that case; younger people interacting with older people have to do something about that.”

Isolation is not only emotionally draining, she warns; it is mentally damaging too. And visiting older relatives should not be seen as a one-way street. “Visit them as an equal. Do not visit them as someone who is doing a good deed. Talk to them as an intelligent individual.” It is a brain-boosting strategy that doubles as a social fix.

If you have been meaning to learn the ukulele or brush up on French, now is the time. Dr. Brennan’s rallying cry? “Go mental.”

“Learn something new because that is when you harness neuroplasticity,” she says, referring to the brain’s ability to reorganise and adapt. But she admits the word “learning” comes with baggage. “I just wish there was another word for learning because it has got such connotations about education and school and, for a lot of people, a lot of negative [connotations].”

Still, learning, in the broadest sense, is key. She even uses the simple act of opening a door to make her point. “When you open a door for the first time, you are learning how to open that door. Your brain is learning how much pressure to put on that door and how much force you have to push it.”

So, yes, Sudoku is great, but do not stop there. “Once you are good at it and you are comfortable, you have to push yourself to the next level. Go from a simple crossword to a complex crossword. Put a timer on so you do it more quickly. You know, you just have to keep challenging yourself. But it can be anything. If you play a musical instrument, learn another technique.”

Whether it is mastering a new recipe, joining a dance class, or finally tackling those cryptic crosswords, the goal is to keep your brain guessing.

And do not forget rest. Dr. Brennan wraps up her advice with one final reminder: all that mental hard work needs to be processed. “Getting enough sleep so your brain can effectively process and categorise all those new skills is crucial.”

We might not have a cure for Alzheimer’s yet, but according to Dr. Brennan, we are far from powerless. Move your body, keep your social circle diverse, and challenge your mind, not just to stay sharp, but to stay connected and alive. It is simple science with life-changing impact.

mental health

dementia

brain health

exercise

socialising

neuroplasticity

learning

cognitive decline

Alzheimer's Disease

begin again podcast

What is better than being able to ward off one of the most devastating brain diseases? And guess it did not necessarily involve a prescription or a breakthrough drug but simply tweaking your daily habits. That is the message Irish neuroscientist Dr. Sabina Brennan shared when she sat down with Davina McCall on the Begin Again podcast. With dementia cases in the UK soaring and projected to rise, her tips could not come at a better time.Though the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia, still puzzle experts, Dr. Brennan is certain of one thing: we have more control than we think. Through simple, everyday choices, we can give our brains a fighting chance.Here is what she says we all should be doing: 1. Sweat It Out for a Sharper BrainDr. Brennan insists the real magic lies in movement. “Physical exercise is one of the best things you can do for your brain health,” she told Davina. That is not something most people expect to hear when it comes to dementia, but the link is undeniable.The secret weapon here is a protein known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. Think of it as plant food, but for your brain. “I call it ‘Miracle-Gro for the brain’. It makes it easier for you to grow new brain cells and new connections between them. And that is what you want in a healthy brain. Lots of brain cells and connections.”She goes on to explain why that is so critical in the early stages of dementia. “If you get Alzheimer's disease pathology in your brain in the early stages, it is not about how much pathology, how much disease you have in your brain. It is about how much healthy brain you have to cope with that disease that will allow you to continue functioning for as long as possible.” So build up that mental muscle now, and you may buy yourself more time down the road.2. Socialise More If you needed a reason to chat with your neighbour or call your grandmother, here it is. “A challenging activity for your brain” is how Dr. Brennan describes conversation. “Your brain has to work hard. And that is really, really good.”She is not talking about small talk alone. It is the deeper connections and dynamic conversations that really get the grey matter going. And crucially, she urges us to be intentional about who we socialise with.“We tend to hang out with people of the same age as us,” she points out. “But there is no nice way to say it. As you get older, your age cohort will die off. And so people end up socially isolated through no fault of their own.”Her solution? Build intergenerational friendships before it is too late. “We have to have more intergenerational friendships. And the research shows that everybody benefits in that case; younger people interacting with older people have to do something about that.”Isolation is not only emotionally draining, she warns; it is mentally damaging too. And visiting older relatives should not be seen as a one-way street. “Visit them as an equal. Do not visit them as someone who is doing a good deed. Talk to them as an intelligent individual.” It is a brain-boosting strategy that doubles as a social fix.3. Learn Something NewIf you have been meaning to learn the ukulele or brush up on French, now is the time. Dr. Brennan’s rallying cry? “Go mental.”“Learn something new because that is when you harness neuroplasticity,” she says, referring to the brain’s ability to reorganise and adapt. But she admits the word “learning” comes with baggage. “I just wish there was another word for learning because it has got such connotations about education and school and, for a lot of people, a lot of negative [connotations].”Still, learning, in the broadest sense, is key. She even uses the simple act of opening a door to make her point. “When you open a door for the first time, you are learning how to open that door. Your brain is learning how much pressure to put on that door and how much force you have to push it.”So, yes, Sudoku is great, but do not stop there. “Once you are good at it and you are comfortable, you have to push yourself to the next level. Go from a simple crossword to a complex crossword. Put a timer on so you do it more quickly. You know, you just have to keep challenging yourself. But it can be anything. If you play a musical instrument, learn another technique.”Whether it is mastering a new recipe, joining a dance class, or finally tackling those cryptic crosswords, the goal is to keep your brain guessing.And do not forget rest. Dr. Brennan wraps up her advice with one final reminder: all that mental hard work needs to be processed. “Getting enough sleep so your brain can effectively process and categorise all those new skills is crucial.”We might not have a cure for Alzheimer’s yet, but according to Dr. Brennan, we are far from powerless. Move your body, keep your social circle diverse, and challenge your mind, not just to stay sharp, but to stay connected and alive. It is simple science with life-changing impact.

neuroscientist shares 3 simple lifestyle changes that can delay, or even prevent the onset of alzheimer's

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