New study shows cycling can reduce inflammation just like cold plunging

Inflammation is bad, and, like many things, cycling has a role to play.

Had a low back issue? Or maybe an allergic reaction to medication? Likely, inflammation, which causes an array of ailments, and has been linked to much worse medical issues such as arthritis and cancer, was at work. To stem the inflammation tide, we pop ibuprofen and other over-the-counter meds, but we also do things like plunging our bodies into frigid bodies of water. Cold plunging has become immensely popular for one reason: inflammation.

So, what if we told you that riding your beloved bicycle to work, alongside countless other benefits, also helps with inflammation? Does it beat plunging into ice water? For many, the answer is surely a resounding yes. Cue the study.

A recent Finnish study published in the European Journal of Public Health looked into how walking or cycling to work, known as active commuting, might affect our health. The study involved over 6,000 working adults in Finland and found some interesting connections between this kind of commuting and our body’s inflammation levels.

Good News for Cyclists

The study discovered that people who cycled or walked to work for 45 minutes or more every day had lower inflammation levels. In fact, the difference was quite significant, about 16.8% lower compared to those who didn’t engage in active commuting. Even when the researchers considered other factors like how much physical activity people did during their free time or at work, the link between active commuting and lower inflammation held up.

Even if you’re not cycling for 45 minutes, those who commuted actively for 15–29 minutes still showed lower inflammation levels, though not as much. Interestingly, these benefits were more noticeable in women.

Why Does It Matter?

Inflammation in our bodies is linked to various health issues, like heart problems. So, finding ways to bring down inflammation is generally good for our health. This study adds to what we already know about exercise being good for us, showing that even the simple act of biking to work can make a difference.

Considering Other Factors

The researchers also thought about things that might not be so great about cycling, like breathing in more polluted air or dealing with more noise. Surprisingly, the health benefits of cycling seemed to outweigh these concerns.

What Does It Mean for Us?

This study suggests that choosing to cycle or walk to work doesn’t just benefit our health individually; it could also be good for the environment. It’s a win-win situation – we get healthier, and it’s better for the planet. As we all look for ways to take care of our health and the environment, hopping on a bike for the daily commute seems like a pretty good idea.

Here is a link to the full study.