The Cold

Cold exposure therapy is not new news, people have been using cold & extreme cold exposure for thousands of years to help ease, and avoid multiple poor health conditions.

Whether its a cold shower or full on ice bath, there are some incredible benefits to introducing cold exposure to your daily routine.  However, before you head straight for the freezing cold immediately, take your time and build up gently.  

Start with cold water showers, cold baths (after hot), then work up to ice baths to really experience the maximum benefits.

The Science

Cold shock creates a short term stressor on the body that affects every cell (Hyperventilation) positively impacting metabolism, muscles & fat storage.  

• The skin sends a signal to the brain that it is super cold (Thermogenesis) and in a state of emergency.  
• The body deploys increases of 250% in Dopamine and 500% in Noradrenaline to activate 'Fight or Flight' mode.  
• Noradrenaline acts on Brown Fats that contain Mitochondria (Mitochondrial Biogenesis produces efficient generation of energy at cellular level) & lipids, that keep the body warm by breaking down glucose and fat molecules.  
• Increasing metabolism by activating brown fats has long term benefits such as preventing diseases like Type 2 Diabetes.
• Blood vessels constrict (Vasoconstriction) in the arms & legs to preserve warmth in the body's core.

The longer you spend in the cold the more heat you will lose, this will create Shivering across the body, starting with chest & legs.  When this happens its TIME TO GET OUT ! as brown fats can no longer maintain your internal body heat.

Post Cold Exposure 

Muscles shiver, blood vessels dilate and warmth from core flows out into fingers, muscles and organs.  Core body temperature decreases and sends a signal to the brain that you are cold as you continue to get colder.  This is normal, just keep moving to increase blood flow and reheat core body temperature.

Benefits

• Improves Blood Circulation
• Enhances Skin Complexion 
• Boosts Metabolism
• Inflammation levels reduce
• Stress hormones decrease 
• Eases Sore / Aching Muscles
• Improves Mental Wellbeing
• Weight Loss (Stimulating Brown Fats)
• Flushes Metabolic Waste