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BITESIZE | Do This Every Day to Reduce Stress, Boost Immunity & Increase Resilience | Dr Susanna Søberg #453

May 16, 2024 17m 15s 10 insights
Cold showers, icy plunge pools, outdoor swimming – are you a fan, or does the very idea make you shiver?  Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 322 of the podcast with Dr Susanna Søberg. Susanna is arguably one of the leading researchers on the topic of cold water immersion therapy. Her research on the physiology of deliberate cold and heat exposure is helping to back up what many cultures have known instinctively for thousands of years – changing our temperature is good for us. In this clip we discuss some of the new science around one of the biggest wellness trends of the past few years and Susanna gives some great tips so you can get started. CAUTION: If you have uncontrolled hypertension or heart disease it is not advised that you start practising cold water immersion. If you have any doubt at all as to whether you are fit enough to give this practice a go, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. Thanks to our sponsor https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/322 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.
Actionable Insights

1. Utilize Cold for Broad Benefits

Engage in cold exposure to gain physiological benefits like improved metabolism, immune system boost, and pain reduction, alongside mental benefits such as enhanced mood, reduced anxiety, and increased confidence.

2. Activate Brown Fat with Cold

Expose your skin to cold temperatures to activate brown fat, an organ that boosts metabolism by using glucose and fat as fuel, helping to prevent lifestyle diseases and improve overall health.

3. Short Cold Shower Boost

Finish your daily hot shower with 30-90 seconds of cold water to potentially boost your immune system and improve your mood, which can lead to fewer sick days from work.

4. Simple Cold Exposure Methods

Integrate cold exposure into your daily life through simple methods like taking a cold shower, cold plunging, or lowering the temperature in your home, rather than feeling the need for extreme, prolonged immersions.

5. Persist Through Cold Discomfort

Persist with cold exposure for at least 3-5 initial sessions, even if it’s uncomfortable, as adaptation takes time and the full benefits are not typically felt immediately.

6. Gradual Cold Exposure Adaptation

Begin cold exposure with very short durations, like 5 seconds in a cold shower, and gradually increase the time as your body adapts, rather than attempting longer periods from the start.

7. Sleep in Cooler Room

Sleep in a cooler room, around 19 degrees Celsius, to increase your brown fat and improve insulin sensitivity, as observed in studies over just one month.

8. Consistent Brown Fat Activation

Regularly activate your brown fat through cold exposure to keep it efficient and ‘alive,’ similar to how muscles need consistent use to remain functional.

9. Consult Doctor for Cold Immersion

Before starting cold water immersion, consult a qualified healthcare professional, especially if you have uncontrolled hypertension or heart disease, to ensure it is safe for you.

10. Daily AG1 Supplement

Consider incorporating AG1, a daily health drink, into your routine to support digestion and gut microbiome, which can impact mood and physical well-being. Take advantage of the first-time subscriber offer for free gifts.