All articles tagged with #cold exposure
Brown fat, a type of fat that burns calories to generate heat, can be activated by cold exposure, spicy foods, and caffeine, potentially improving metabolic health and aiding in weight management, though its direct impact on weight loss is limited. Regular cold exposure may boost brown fat activity and insulin sensitivity, but lifestyle factors like diet and exercise remain crucial for overall health.
Scientists have discovered that restricting methionine in the diet can increase energy expenditure and promote fat burning in mice, similar to cold exposure, without requiring exercise. This finding suggests potential new dietary strategies for obesity management by enhancing the body's natural heat production and fat utilization, which could complement existing treatments.
Cold plunging, immersing in water at 39-59°F for 2-6 minutes, can boost alertness, improve circulation, and aid recovery, but should be approached cautiously due to potential risks like cold water shock, especially for those with health conditions. Consistency and gradual adaptation are key to maximizing benefits.
In Michigan, three deer hunters have died from heart attacks shortly after the hunting season began, highlighting the health risks associated with the activity. Experts warn that the combination of cold exposure, adrenaline, and physical exertion can increase the risk of heart issues, such as blood clots and arrhythmias. Hunters are advised to undergo health check-ups before the season and take precautions like not hunting alone and using communication devices. The state's hunting season is crucial for controlling the deer population and preventing disease spread.
The Wim Hof Method, which involves breathing exercises and cold exposure, has been touted for various health benefits, but experts warn of potential dangers, particularly when combining deep breathing exercises with water immersion. Hyperventilation and breath-holding can lead to life-threatening consequences, including drowning and heart irregularities. While the official Wim Hof Method website provides safety instructions, some of Wim Hof's own practices in social media videos have raised concerns about safety. Multiple deaths have been linked to the method, prompting warnings from experts about the risks involved.
The "Wim Hof method," which involves breath-holding, cold exposure, and meditation, has been promoted for various health benefits, but a new review finds limited evidence to support these claims. While some studies suggest potential reductions in inflammation, the overall benefits remain uncertain due to low-quality research. Experts emphasize the need for more properly controlled studies to determine whether the method offers more than a placebo effect and caution that cold immersion comes with risks such as triggering hyperventilation and heart-rate changes.
A study suggests that the Wim Hof method, involving conscious breathing and cold exposure, may reduce inflammation in the body and increase adrenaline levels, potentially benefiting overall health. However, experts caution that the method is not without risks and further research is needed to fully understand its effects. While some believe in its potential as a complementary approach to wellness, others emphasize the need for randomized controlled trials and highlight the importance of considering potential risks before engaging in these practices.
A study from the University of California - San Francisco suggests that heat therapy, such as saunas, may provide mental health benefits for people with depression by lowering body temperature. Researchers found that individuals with depression have higher body temperatures, and interventions that temporarily raise body temperature, such as hot yoga and hyperthermic baths, may help alleviate depression symptoms. The study also highlights the potential for new depression treatments focused on lowering body temperature and suggests that future research comparing different methods for cooling off could help mental health professionals develop more effective body-temperature strategies for mitigating mood.
A woman was trapped in a gondola at Lake Tahoe's Heavenly Ski Resort for 15 hours overnight, enduring freezing temperatures and screaming for help until she lost her voice. Discovered the next morning, she was treated for cold exposure but declined to be taken to a hospital. The resort is investigating the incident, and officials called it an anomaly, expressing surprise at how it could have happened.
A dangerous winter storm has caused multiple fatalities and widespread disruptions across the northern US, with blinding snow, freezing rain, and bitter cold temperatures. The storm has led to deadly avalanches, treacherous ice-covered roads, flight cancellations, and power outages, with blizzard warnings issued in some areas. The cold snap has prompted concerns for the unhoused population and led to emergency declarations in several states, as well as evacuation efforts due to flooding in some areas.
Cold plunging, or immersing oneself in cold water, has gained popularity in recent years due to claims of powerful health benefits. While scientific evidence is still limited, studies suggest that cold exposure can improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels. Cold water may also have potential benefits for the immune system and chronic inflammation. However, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these effects and the optimal duration and intensity of cold plunging.
New research challenges the prevailing belief that brown adipose tissue (BAT) is responsible for the metabolic benefits of cold exposure. A team of Canadian researchers argues that skeletal muscles, not BAT, are the primary heat generator and drive the metabolism of glucose and lipids in cold temperatures. While BAT has been linked to lower body mass indices and improved metabolic health, it is only detectable in a small percentage of adults even in cold conditions. The researchers suggest that a more integrated perspective is needed, focusing on skeletal muscles as the main organ involved in heat production and energy expenditure during cold exposure. Further research is required to understand the full impact of cold exposure on metabolism and overall health.
Cold exposure in the morning could be more beneficial in boosting metabolism and burning fat in men than in the evening, according to a study presented at the European Congress on Obesity. The study found that in men, cold-induced energy expenditure was higher in the morning, indicating greater activation of brown fat. However, the same effect did not hold true for women. The researchers are now studying whether repeated bouts of cold exposure in the morning could improve cardiometabolic health in individuals with obesity.
The quest for longevity has gone mainstream as people are taking up various behavioral and lifestyle practices, including cold exposure, fasting, and hormone therapy, to reverse the aging process. Silicon Valley billionaires have long been experimenting with ways to extend human lifespan.
Health psychologist and longevity researcher Elissa Epel recommends practicing stress fitness, a way of exercising the body with short bursts of stress to improve cell health and regenerative lifespan. Two stress fitness exercises include high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and taking a quick, cold shower. Studies have found that cold exposure can decrease inflammation, increase longevity, and improve metabolism. Heat exposure, such as sauna bathing, can also turn on positive stress and lower risks of cardiovascular issues and inflammation.