Physiological responses to cold water immersion

Cold water immersion triggers several physiological responses in the body. Firstly, it drives blood to the core organs and up to the brain through vasoconstriction. Secondly, it activates brown fat, which raises body temperature and leads to caloric expenditure. Additionally, the body releases cold shock proteins from the liver, which help in scavenging free radicals from the blood, increasing protein synthesis, and facilitating muscle repair.