Dr. Susanna Søberg: How to Use Cold & Heat Exposure to Improve Your Health

This podcast episode delves into the science and benefits of deliberate cold exposure. The host discusses various aspects of cold exposure, including the physiological and psychological effects, the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, and the importance of adaptation. The episode highlights the findings of studies on winter swimmers, who experience lower blood pressure, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced stress response. The chapter emphasizes the potential benefits of deliberate cold exposure for overall health and mentions the need for further research in this field. The importance of temperature regulation, insulin sensitivity, and muscle activation is discussed, along with the potential impact of cold exposure on inflammation and its role in preventing lifestyle diseases. The concept of hermetic stress and the parallel between cold exposure and exercise are explored. The chapter also addresses individual variability in cold tolerance and the challenges of conducting studies on cold showers and cold immersion. Overall, the podcast provides insights into the science and practices of deliberate cold exposure, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic intervention.