Are Cold Plunges Actually Good For You?

Key takeaways

Cold plunges can provide psychological benefits like energy boosts and improved mood, but there are significant risks involved.
Claims about cold plunges improving immune response and reducing inflammation are largely unproven and need more research.
Gradual acclimatization and proper safety measures are critical for those interested in cold plunging.
Military training emphasizes the importance of understanding physical responses to cold for optimal performance.
The recent interest in mammoths as mascots highlights a cultural fascination with prehistoric creatures, alongside scientific advancements in their study.

Summary

The Science and Safety of Cold Plunges

Flora Lichtman, the host of Science Friday, delves into the growing trend of cold plunges, exploring their potential benefits and risks. Dr. François Haman from the University of Ottawa joins to discuss how cold exposure can be a strong stressor for the body, capable of leading to dangerous cold shock responses and hypothermia. While these risks exist, Dr. Haman acknowledges the psychological benefits of cold plunging, such as increased energy and mood enhancement due to the release of hormones like dopamine and endorphins.

Debunking Myths Around Health Claims

The episode raises critical questions about common claims surrounding cold plunges, such as their supposed abilities to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. Dr. Haman discusses existing research that indicates limited evidence for these claims, pointing out that while cold exposure can have some effects on inflammation, findings in this area lack standardization, leading to public misconceptions.

The Role of Cold Exposure in Military Training

Dr. Haman discusses the importance of cold exposure training for military personnel, particularly in light of conflicts in colder regions like Ukraine. Understanding how to effectively operate in cold conditions is crucial for performance and safety. His research also extends to workshops that educate soldiers on acclimatization and the physiological responses required to succeed in cold environments.

Practical Tips for Safe Cold Plunging

Listeners are provided with practical advice for exploring cold plunging safely, such as starting gradually with water temperatures above freezing, protecting extremities to prevent injury, and undertaking cold exposure in pairs for safety. Dr. Haman stresses the importance of medical guidance before starting these practices due to potential health risks.

The Charismatic Mammoth Returns

The episode shifts to the rebranding of minor league baseball teams to mammoth-themed mascots, particularly spurred by the HBO show "Last Week Tonight." Dr. Advait Jukar, a paleontologist, discusses the allure and history of mammoths, their charismatic attributes, and recent scientific advancements in understanding their genetics and extinction.

Show notes

If social media and certain influential podcast hosts are to be believed, cold plunges can do everything from boosting your immune system to reducing inflammation to acting as an antidote for depression. But what does the science say? Joining Host Flora Lichtman to throw at least a few drops of cold water on this science of plunging is biologist François Haman, who studies human performance and cold exposure.

And, with the help of the HBO show “Last Week Tonight,” a minor league baseball team in Pennsylvania rebranded themselves the Erie Moon Mammoths. That comes just a few months after the Utah NHL franchise renamed itself the Utah Mammoth as a nod to that state’s paleontological past. So, why are mammoths back? And do they really have what it takes to be a successful team mascot? Paleontologist Advait Jukar joins Host Flora Lichtman to weigh in.

Guests:
Dr. François Haman is a biologist at the University of Ottawa who studies how the human body responds to extreme environments.
Dr. Advait Jukar is the assistant Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com.

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