Ice Baths or Saunas: What Actually Works?

Ice baths, cold showers, saunas, hot tubs... are they actually good for your health, or have we all just fallen for another wellness trend on Instagram? This week on No Appointment Necessary, Cherry and Dr Amir look into the science behind hot and cold therapies to find out what really works and what might just be "Bakwas". Can cold water swimming boost your immune system? Are ice baths worth the pain? Do saunas actually help you live longer? And why might jumping into freezing water be dangerous for some people? In Chat GP, the pair answer a listener question about Hashimoto's disease and why thyroid health can sometimes be far more complicated than it first appears. 💬 Got a question? Email: [email protected] This episode discusses cold-water therapy and swimming as part of a wider conversation about health trends. We are not encouraging cold-water immersion, and listeners should be aware that entering cold water can carry serious risks, particularly for those with underlying health conditions or when entering water suddenly. This episode is sponsored by The Independent Pharmacy. They provide access to over 1,200 treatments covering more than 90 health concerns. Simply complete a quick online consultation, have it reviewed by a clinician, and receive your treatment with next-day delivery. You can get 15% off your first order using the code NAN15 (minimum spend applies): ⁠https://www.theindependentpharmacy.co.uk⁠ We've partnered with ⁠Randox Health⁠. Take their Everyman and Everywoman health check at ⁠https://randoxhealth.com⁠ just use the code NAN15 to save 15% off their health checks. Results will arrive in just 2 hours from your sample arriving at the lab. The content of No Appointment Necessary is for general information, it's not a substitute for a personalised medical assessment. Always consider your own medical history and personal circumstances before acting on any health information. Developed and produced by James Carpenter & Jo Scarratt-Jones