Chill Out: Benefits Of Cold Therapy

March 3, 2022

Hormesis or hormetic stressors aka moments of "what doesn't kill me makes me stronger" are currently my favorite way to reduce inflammation, aid in mind & body recovery, and enhance my overall health. One of my favorite examples of this, is cold exposure (also known as cryotherapy), the practice of exposing the body to cold temperatures for a defined period of time to trigger a cellular response in the body. Research shows that it speeds up metabolism and increases the production and health of your mitochondria.

A daily 5-minute cold shower can do the trick, exercising in the cold (like running outside in the winter) or if you’re really feeling committed try my go-to ice baths. Ideally, in your own cold plunge tank but a bunch of ice in your tub will do just fine!

Why You Should Be Doing It

For The Mind: If you're looking for a way to increase `happy’ hormones such as endorphins and dopamine, look no further. As the body's internal temperature drops significantly, the brain and other organs start to release the feel-good hormones at an exponential rate. Exposure to low temperatures also increases the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, playing an important role in focus, attention, and mood, which is why cold therapy is used to treat anxiety, depression & ADHD.

For The Body: One of the main benefits of cold therapy is that it reduces inflammation in the overall body by the use of extremely low temperatures. The objective of whole-body cold therapy is to improve blood flow, which instantly has a positive effect on boosting the internal immune system. Your lymphatic system is also activated by cold exposure, helping to speed up the clearance of toxins from tissues and throughout the body.

For longevity: Cold therapy helps kick the longevity gene into gear. When the body is exposed to cold temperatures it increases hormone production, which drops significantly as we age. These hormones are key to a longer and better quality of life, combined with reducing oxidative stress. (Plus, feeling more relaxed, less depressed, and ultimately less stressed, are all keys to less illness within the body, which in return, allows you to live better for longer).

Sources:
http://wimhofmethod.com/cold-therapy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2248601/

https://amp.mindbodygreen.com/articles/cryotherapy-the-risks-benefits-and-facts
https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes/cold-stress-hormesis

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your healthcare practitioner first.

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