Summary of The Science Behind Cold And Heat Therapy And How To Do It For Maximum Benefit:
In this episode of The Doctor’s Farmacy, host Dr. Mark Hyman speaks with Susanna Soeborg, a PhD in metabolism who specializes in functional breathing, cold, and heat exposure for health optimization. Together they discuss the benefits of hot and cold therapy, including decreased inflammation, lower stress levels, and improved immune system function, which can help prevent lifestyle diseases and mental health issues. Soeborg points out that simple, almost-free therapies like cold water immersion can increase focus and motivation, while also boosting the body’s innate healing systems. She recommends using natural stressors to activate the body’s response, promoting positive aging and longevity.
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The Amazing Benefits of Hot and Cold Therapy for Health Optimization
Hot and cold therapy is becoming increasingly popular as people seek out ways to optimize their health and well-being. The concept of using natural heat and cold stressors to activate the body’s innate healing systems is known as hormesis, and it has been the subject of much research over the years. In this article, we explore how hot and cold therapy can improve our health and longevity, and why we should all consider incorporating it into our daily routines.
Why Cold and Hot Therapy is Good for Us
Cold and hot therapy can help prevent lifestyle diseases by protecting the body from inflammation. Stressing the body with hot and cold exposure will lower inflammation in the body while activating the immune system. It also increases metabolism, which can help lower blood pressure, heart rate, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type two diabetes, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.
What is Hormesis?
Hormesis is a concept that refers to the mild stressors that stimulate the body’s innate healing systems, making it stronger and more resilient. Hormetic stress occurs when the body is exposed to low levels of a toxin or stressor in a controlled manner, which can activate the immune system and promote cellular repair and regeneration.
How Hot and Cold Therapy Works
Hot and cold therapy works by activating the body’s natural survival pathways. When our ancestors were out hunting and gathering, they did not have access to temperature-controlled environments, so they had to deal with extreme temperatures of heat and cold. When we expose ourselves to these types of stressors, it activates the ancient longevity pathway, promoting cellular repair and regeneration.
Benefits of Hot and Cold Therapy
There are many benefits of hot and cold therapy. It can help to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve mood, and boost immunity. It can also help to increase metabolism and burn fat, improve athletic performance, and improve sleep quality.
How to Incorporate Hot and Cold Therapy into Your Routine
There are many ways to incorporate hot and cold therapy into your daily routine. One of the most popular methods is through sauna and cold plunge therapy. A typical session involves spending time in a hot dry sauna, followed by a quick dip in a cold pool or shower. Other methods include taking cold showers, using ice packs or cold compresses, and winter swimming.
Conclusion
Hot and cold therapy is a simple and inexpensive way to improve our health and well-being. It has been shown to have many benefits, including reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving mood, boosting immunity, and improving athletic performance. By incorporating hot and cold therapy into our daily routines, we can activate our body’s natural healing systems, making us stronger and more resilient.
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