Unlock the Power of Cryotherapy: Boost Your Brain, Body, and Performance
Cryotherapy Affects the Brain, the Immune System, Metabolism & Athletic Performance
Cryotherapy is a hormetic stressor. Much like exercise, extreme heat (such as from sauna use), and fasting, cryotherapy stresses the body in a hormetic manner, triggering cellular responses in the body that exceed what is actually needed to compensate for the otherwise damaging insult. In this case, 2-3 minutes of subzero temperatures, while listening to your favorite song.
Exposure to cold has profound effects on many parts and functions of the body, including the brain, immune system, and metabolism, among others. The most clear-cut examples of cryotherapy’s beneficial effects are observed in the brain, where levels of the hormone and neurotransmitter norepinephrine – responsible for vigilance, attention, focus, and positive mood – increase markedly when the body is exposed to extreme cold. Norepinephrine is also clinically proven to reduce anxiety and depression.
Cryotherapy also switches on the activity of cold shock proteins (like RBM3), which is found in many of the body’s tissues, including the brain. RBM3 increases protein synthesis at the ends of dendrites (where synapses form) and protects the brain from cognitive and behavioral deficits associated with some neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer’s and Dementia).
Cryotherapy reduces inflammation and increases the efficiency of immune function
At the core of many chronic diseases and the aging process is one common feature: inflammation. Cryotherapy reduces inflammation. One way it does this is via its influence on norepinephrine, which decreases levels of tumor necrosis alpha. Norepinephrine inhibits other proinflammatory processes and may reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, among other conditions.
Another critical factor in chronic disease is immune function. Cryotherapy promotes the development of a healthy immune cell population, including cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which play key roles in protecting the body from cancer. Whole-body cryotherapy is also known to increase “nurse cells,” which protect our bodies from infections and viruses.
Cryotherapy and athletic performance
Whole-body cryotherapy improves athletic performance and recovery. Shortly after exercise, the body initiates a cascade of pro-inflammatory responses. The body eventually counters with an anti-inflammatory response. These complementary yet opposing forces are necessary for mitochondrial biogenesis and muscle repair and growth. Appropriate timing of cryotherapy is critical for optimal benefits. If cryotherapy is administered too soon after exercise, the delicate balance of responses can be interrupted. A period of 1 hour is suggested for HIIT or endurance-type exercises; 2 or more hours is suggested for strength training.
The Bottom Line
Whole-body cryotherapy is an effective tool in the human arsenal for wellness, anti-aging, and athletic performance. It’s also an effective support tool for better mood and anti-anxiety needs. Integrating whole-body cryotherapy into your weekly routine is most likely a good idea to prevent disease, feel better, and perform better.
