Cold thermogenesis: A Cool Way To Boost Your Health
Hitting the gym, eating healthy food, and going for a run are just a few examples of cold thermogenesis options that many people choose to increase their fitness levels. However, only some have the time or desire to exercise in cold weather. Cold thermogenesis may come as an alternative to creating a healthier lifestyle with minimal effort.
What is cold thermogenesis?
Cold thermogenesis is exactly what it sounds like — dipping into temperatures below the human comfort range in order to trigger biochemical reactions that increase the body’s metabolism. Studies have shown that a 20-minute cold plunge can burn more calories than an hour of moderate exercise.
Cold thermogenesis is the process of lowering one’s body temperature by exposing oneself to cold temperatures. It differs from cryotherapy, which lowers body temperature by submersion in specific liquids. Cold thermogenesis uses temperature to stimulate a response in one’s body, improving metabolism and increasing body function. Hence, it helps reduce stress on the system in general and cardiovascular function in particular.
How does cold thermogenesis work?
Heat loss is the primary source of energy loss during the cold thermogenesis process. The primary reason is that outside temperature is a variable that, in warm weather, causes our body to become warm (e.g., rises from 37°C to 42°C). In the winter, however, the outside temperature is not a variable because it does not change due to other external factors such as wind, humidity, and precipitation.
This change in environmental temperature is a variable to the human body; it causes the body temperature to increase slightly. In order for us to regulate the increase in body temperature and maintain the body at our preferred temperature (37°C), we need energy.
Metabolic processes get used up as energy is being produced throughout the day (i.e., basal metabolic rate). The purpose of cold thermogenesis is to decrease these metabolic processes, thereby decreasing total energy expenditure and heat production. This can also reduce the amount of stress on the system, which will increase lifespan.
How much time do I need to spend in cold temperatures?
A cold thermogenesis session should last at least 10 minutes to obtain a meaningful reduction in body temperature. However, as a rule of thumb, 30 minutes or more is recommended. It is important to start slowly by exposing oneself to the cold element and gradually increasing it until one reaches one’s comfort level.
What are the benefits of cold thermogenesis?
The main benefit of cold thermogenesis is that it reduces stress on the body. This is especially true when one uses it with exercise and weight loss programs. Cold thermogenesis is known to help reduce cortisol, a stress hormone that may cause obesity and other health-related issues when not in balance.
Cortisol works by turning sugar into the fat under the skin and muscle tissue. However, when the body is exposed to cold temperatures for an extended period, cortisol levels decrease, and adiponectin levels increase. Adiponectin is a protein that regulates glucose and fat metabolism.
This means that cold thermogenesis can achieve similar results as those seen on medication (e.g., Lipitor). The difference is that cold thermogenesis does not have any side effects, while medication may have adverse reactions in the body. Cold thermogenesis also helps boost the immune system, which plays a key role in defending the body against foreign elements like bacteria and viruses.We do suggest speaking with your doctor about thermogenesis to find out if it might be beneficial for you.
How do I use cold thermogenesis?
For those who are new to cooling down their bodies through cold temperatures, it is recommended that they start by taking a bathtub or shower at low temperatures (e.g., 28°C). After a while, they can increase it little by little until they reach their comfort zone. Those who are more advanced in using cold thermogenesis can take a cold shower. Cold thermogenesis is not limited to just the winter season. It can be used any time of the year as long as one can maintain comfort.
However, it is important to know that one should cover warm areas of the body, such as earlobes, neck, and fingers, while cooling down because they are sensitive to changes in temperatures and may become frostbitten when exposed for too long. Other caution areas are the throat and nose, which are prone to viral and bacterial infections from exposure to cold air. This is another reason why it is important to consult with your family doctor before trying cold thermogenesis.
For those who are interested in using cold thermogenesis but do not have access to outdoor areas because of local climate conditions that prevent one from exposing oneself to the elements (e.g., humidity and precipitation), they can use a fan or air conditioner in their work or home to simulate the same effect.
Whether or not one decides to do cold thermogenesis as a fitness ritual, it is important to identify the benefits and drawbacks of the method. Once one has caught on to the concept, they can either use it as a part of their exercise program or use it as a “boost” in the middle of their day.
Cold thermogenesis is just one of the many methods available that can help improve one’s physical, mental and social well-being. It also allows one to take control of their life rather than letting the world or random factors affect them negatively. It is, after all, a lifestyle choice that requires the user to be creative and knows how to maximize their efforts in whatever they decide to do.
