Feeling perpetually cold? Science may have a solution – bathing in water infused with carbon dioxide (CO2). A recent study explores the potential of these CO2 baths to improve blood flow and combat feelings of coldness.
The Mystery of Increased Blood Flow: Bicarbonate to the Rescue
Previous research has shown that CO2 absorption through the skin can improve blood flow, but the exact mechanism remained unclear. This study proposes that bicarbonate ions, generated when CO2 dissolves in water, play a key role.
The Science Behind the Soak: Bicarbonate and Nitric Oxide
The study used mice bathed in water containing neutral bicarbonate ionized water (NBIW). These mice displayed increased blood bicarbonate levels and improved blood flow. Researchers observed increased phosphorylation (activation) of a molecule called endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the lining of blood vessels. This activation led to the production of nitric oxide (NO), a molecule known to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. Similar results were observed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells exposed to NBIW in a lab setting. Furthermore, NBIW exhibited the ability to scavenge harmful reactive oxygen species.
Beyond the Lab: Real-World Benefits of NBIW Baths
To explore the practical applications of NBIW baths, researchers conducted a double-blind, randomized study involving men and women aged 30 to 59 who reported feeling cold easily. Participants were randomly assigned to bathe in either NBIW or a control solution. Those who bathed in NBIW experienced a faster rise in body temperature compared to the control group. Additionally, they reported improvements in chills and sleep quality.
The Takeaway: A Promising New Approach to Blood Flow and Temperature Regulation
This research suggests that CO2 baths, through the action of bicarbonate ions, can improve blood flow by promoting the production of nitric oxide. These findings offer a potential explanation for the observed benefits of NBIW baths in people who experience cold intolerance. While further research is needed, CO2 baths may emerge as a safe and natural approach to improving blood circulation and promoting feelings of warmth.