Hormesis is a compensatory defense response to a stressor that conditions the body against future stressors. Cold exposure, a powerful hormetic stressor, activates the body's cold shock response, the goals of which are simple: to reduce heat loss and increase heat production. It does this by increasing brown fat and enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis – obvious ways to help the body stay warm. But the downstream effects of the response include reduced inflammation, improved mood, and – at least in endurance athletes – better performance. In this episode, part two of a two-part series, I describe the many health benefits of cold exposure, the mechanisms that drive them, and some of the safety concerns.
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Hormesis is a compensatory defense response to a stressor that conditions the body against future stressors. Cold exposure, a powerful hormetic stressor, activates the body's cold shock response, the goals of which are simple: to reduce heat loss and increase heat production. It does this by increasing brown fat and enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis – obvious ways to help the body stay warm. But the downstream effects of the response include reduced inflammation, improved mood, and – at least in endurance athletes – better performance.
In this episode, part two of a two-part series, I describe the many health benefits of cold exposure, the mechanisms that drive them, and some of the safety concerns.
Cognitive and mood effects of cold plunge
Does activation of brown fat boost metabolism?
Ideal timing and temperatures (how long and how cold?)
Does cold therapy blunt training gains?
Supplements and brown fat – fact or fiction?
Hormesis –overlapping benefits of cold and sauna
Enhancing immunity with cold exposure
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