The Science Behind Sauna Use and Cold Water Exposure: Contrast Therapy Insights from Andrew Huberman

Andrew Huberman is a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University who specializes in the study of brain function and neural plasticity. In recent years, he became well-known for his study and advocacy for treatments such as sauna use and cold water immersion, both of which have been found to have a number of health advantages.

Sauna use has been a feature of many civilizations for centuries, and recent research has shown that it can improve physical health. Similarly, cold water exposure and contrast therapy have been shown to have benefits ranging from improved circulation and reduced inflammation to increased mental clarity and reduced stress.

In this post, we'll look at what Andrew Huberman says about these activities and how they can improve our mental and physical well-being. We will also share advice for safe sauna use and cold water immersion, as well as a summary of studies that support the health advantages of these practices. You should have a better grasp of how sauna use and cold water exposure can improve your overall well-being by the end of this post.

 

I. Sauna Use and Health Benefits

Saunas have been used in traditional societies for millennia, and current study has revealed that they can provide several health benefits. Regular sauna use, according to Andrew Huberman, can help improve physical health by increasing blood flow, enhancing cardiovascular health, and reducing inflammation.

According to Huberman, one of the primary benefits of sauna use is that it stimulates blood flow to the skin and muscles. This increase in blood flow can help improve cardiovascular health, reduce muscle soreness, and even help the body detoxify by flushing out toxins through sweat.

Regular sauna use has also been found in studies to help reduce inflammation, which has been associated to a variety of chronic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Sauna use has also been proved to promote skin health, reduce stress, and even aid in weight loss.

According to one study, regular sauna use was linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease as well as a lower risk of all-cause mortality. Another study discovered that using a sauna reduced the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Overall, the research demonstrates that sauna use has a variety of health benefits and can be an effective strategy to improve overall physical health. You can enhance circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness by including sauna use into your routine.

 

II. Cold Water Exposure and Contrast Therapy Benefits

Cold water exposure and contrast therapy entail the body being exposed to cold temperatures, either through cold showers or by alternating between hot and cold water. These techniques, according to Andrew Huberman, can help enhance physical health by boosting the body's tolerance to stress, lowering inflammation, and fostering general wellness.

Cold water immersion and contrast therapy, according to Huberman, can assist boost the body's resilience to stress by activating the sympathetic nervous system. This response can aid in the improvement of cardiovascular health, inflammation reduction, and even cognitive function.

Cold water exposure and contrast treatment have also been found in studies to boost sports performance and muscle repair. One study discovered that cold water immersion after exercise helped minimize muscle soreness and exhaustion, while another discovered that contrast therapy helped improve basketball players' athletic performance.

Furthermore, cold water immersion and contrast treatment have been found to provide a variety of mental health advantages, including stress and anxiety reduction, mood improvement, and even assistance with depression.

Overall, the research demonstrates that cold water immersion and contrast therapy can have a variety of health benefits and are effective approaches to promote overall physical and mental wellness. By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can help reduce inflammation, improve athletic performance, and promote overall resilience and wellness.

 

III. Sauna and Cold Water Exposure Recommendations

While both sauna use and cold water immersion can provide significant health benefits, it is essential to perform both routines safely and responsibly. Here are some sauna and cold water exposure safety tips from Andrew Huberman:

Start Slowly: If you are new to using a sauna or being exposed to cold water, begin slowly and gradually increase your exposure over time. This will assist your body in adapting to the stress and preventing harm.

Maintain Hydration: It is critical to maintain hydration when using a sauna or engaging in cold water immersion. Consume plenty of water before and after your workouts to avoid dehydration.

Pay Attention to Your Body: Take attention to how your body reacts to the stress of sauna use or exposure to cold water. Stop immediately if you begin to feel lightheaded, dizzy, or experience other adverse affects.

Use Proper Equipment: When using a sauna, make sure to use a sauna thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure that it does not exceed safe levels. When practicing cold water exposure, use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the water and make sure it is not too cold.

Consider Working with a Professional: If you're new to sauna use or cold water exposure, consider working with a professional who can assist you and guarantee that you're doing it safely and effectively.

By taking these steps, you can help guarantee that you use saunas and cold iwater exposure safely and successfully, reaping the many health benefits they provide.

IV. In Summary

Finally, Andrew Huberman's opinions on sauna use and cold water immersion are backed up with academic research that demonstrate their physical health benefits. Sauna use has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, decrease inflammation, and lengthen life. Cold water immersion and contrast therapy have been shown to increase sports performance, alleviate muscular soreness, and boost mood.

If you are interested in trying sauna use or cold water exposure, it's important to do so safely. When using a sauna, be sure to hydrate properly, limit your time in the sauna, and avoid alcohol and medications that can affect blood pressure. For cold water exposure, it's important to start slowly and gradually increase exposure time. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new health practice. If all checks out, why not give it a shot and see the results for yourself?

 

 

 

 

V. References

1. Huberman, A. (2020). Episode 107: How To Build A Better Brain And Body Using Sauna, Cold Exposure, And Ketones with Dr. Rhonda Patrick [Audio podcast episode]. In Huberman Lab Podcast. Retrieved from https://hubermanlab.com/107/

2. Hannuksela, M. L., & Ellahham, S. (2001). Benefits and risks of sauna bathing. The American Journal of Medicine, 110(2), 118-126. doi: 10.1016/S0002-9343(00)00671-9

3. Bleakley, C. M., & Davison, G. W. (2010). What is the biochemical and physiological rationale for using cold-water immersion in sports recovery? A systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 44(3), 179-187. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2009.065565

4. Peake, J. M., Roberts, L. A., Figueiredo, V. C., Egner, I., Krog, S., & Aas, T. (2017). The effects of cold water immersion and active recovery on inflammation and cell stress responses in human skeletal muscle after resistance exercise. The Journal of Physiology, 595(3), 695-711. doi: 10.1113/JP272881

5. Heinonen, I., Laukkanen, J. A., & Kallio, M. (2018). The effect of different sauna protocols on the autonomic nervous system in athletes. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 32(7), 1828-1835. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002123