Saunas and Cold Plunges: Where's the Evidence? Podcast Explores
A Guardian science podcast revisits the claims surrounding the growing trend of saunas and cold plunges, with experts examining the scientific evidence.
Saunas and cold plunge pools are becoming increasingly common across the UK, appearing on beaches, city farms, and parks. Enthusiasts often cite mental and physical benefits, but the scientific evidence remains contested.
In the "Revisited" podcast, journalist Ian Sample and Dr. Heather Massey, associate professor at the University of Portsmouth's Extreme Environments Laboratory, delve into the research behind the practice. The episode, originally aired in April, is being re-released amid rising public interest.
The discussion covers studies on regular sauna use and cold water immersion, exploring potential effects on circulation, inflammation, and mood. Experts caution that while some benefits are plausible, many studies lack robust controls or large sample sizes.
Listeners are encouraged to weigh the claims critically. The podcast is part of The Guardian's science series, which tackles current scientific debates.
