Claim: Cold plunges and ice baths boost your immune system

Cold plunges and ice baths can boost your immune system, according to some studies. Research from sources like the Mayo Clinic and UW Medicine suggests that cold exposure may activate immune responses and increase circulating immune cells. However, these benefits are not universally accepted, as some experts argue that the evidence is insufficient and could even be harmful without proper guidance. More research is needed to fully understand the implications of cold exposure on immune health. The graders interpret the evidence differently, so the score range widens. OpenAI comes in highest (65%), while Gemini is lowest (50%). OpenAI expresses higher confidence than Gemini on this claim. While some studies indicate potential immune benefits from cold plunges, opposing sources, such as the University of Utah Health, highlight a lack of strong evidence supporting these claims. They caution that cold plunging could be harmful and recommend consulting a doctor before engaging in such practices. This uncertainty about the overall effects on health and immune function contributes to the mixed reception of the claim, suggesting that while there may be some benefits, they are not guaranteed or universally accepted.