Limits Inflammatory Response
Inflammation is the body’s instinctive response and procedure to injury or illness. The body sends out inflammatory cells to fight back harmful bacteria or heal damaged tissues. Hence, it’s part of the natural healing process by trapping bacteria, toxins, viruses, and other offending agents. This arises in swelling, bruising, pain, and redness as the body’s natural response.
In a rigorous activity, inflammation is part of healing. For example, the active tissue found in the muscles is utilized during intense exercise. This will prompt the leukocytes to mobilize and circulate inflammatory cells in response to damaged muscles. This process will increase blood flow in the affected area, increase oxygen level, dispose of toxins, and fuel muscle energy.
An ice bath can reduce inflammation due to extreme activity. This is due to the ability of low temperatures to target inflammation by lowering its response in the body. However, cold can aggravate prostaglandin-mediated inflammation or the swelling and pain in the body to speed up the healing process. Prostaglandin-mediated inflammation is the body’s needed type when the muscle tissues are damaged.
