Hot Flashes, Cold Water: Perimenopause & Cold Immersion Therapy with Marie Bodine
Jan 6, 2025
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Marie Bodine, a cold performance and mindset coach, dives into the invigorating benefits of cold water immersion. She shares insights on how this practice enhances physical health, mood, and stress management. The discussion highlights the evolutionary significance of temperature variations and the psychological resilience developed through discomfort. Bodine emphasizes the role of magnesium for hormonal balance, especially during perimenopause, while encouraging gradual exposure to cold for maximizing benefits without overwhelming the body.
Cold water immersion offers numerous health benefits, enhancing vascular elasticity and mood while supporting recovery and overall well-being.
Mindset plays a crucial role in cold exposure, as maintaining a positive outlook can significantly improve both the experience and its outcomes.
Gradual acclimatization through controlled exposure allows individuals to effectively manage the body's initial shock response and foster resilience.
Deep dives
Introduction of Even Better Membership
A new premium membership for women, called Even Better, is introduced, providing access to expert health advice on topics such as perimenopause, menopause, hormones, nutrition, and fitness. Members will have the opportunity to engage in 'Ask Me Anything' sessions to address their specific health questions. Additionally, solo podcast episodes will be curated, focusing on essential takeaways and action items related to women's health. The membership promises ad-free listening, early access to episodes, and exclusive discounts on recommended products.
The Significance of Cold Water Immersion
Cold water immersion is discussed as a valuable tool for recovery and overall health, with Marie Bodine highlighting its physiological benefits. It is emphasized that exposure to various temperature extremes is integral to our biology, as our bodies are designed to handle both hot and cold. The concept of hormesis, where mild stressors can lead to adaptive benefits, is introduced, tying it to both exercise and cold exposure. Engaging with cold temperatures can enhance resilience, improve immune function, and activate the body’s adaptive mechanisms.
Understanding the Body's Response to Cold
Cold exposure elicits a physiological response characterized by an initial shock phase, which can be managed with controlled breathing techniques. The shock response is normal and should not be judged negatively; rather, it signals the body’s adaptation to sudden temperature changes. Bodine explains that regular practice can effectively reduce discomfort associated with these responses over time. Such gradual acclimatization allows individuals to harness the benefits of cold immersion without overwhelming their systems.
Mindset Matters in Cold Exposure
The importance of mindset when engaging in cold water immersion is stressed, focusing on how a positive outlook can enhance the experience and outcomes. Participants are encouraged to embrace discomfort as a means of growth and resilience, akin to challenging physical exercise. Bodine shares personal anecdotes and psychological insights, suggesting that viewing cold exposure as an opportunity rather than a chore can foster a healthier relationship with the practice. Over time, this shift in perspective can transform one's ability to handle stress, both in and out of cold environments.
Post-Cooling Recovery Techniques
After emerging from cold water, specific recovery techniques are recommended to avoid afterdrop and optimize rewarming. Slow, deliberate movements combined with diaphragmatic breathing are encouraged to help regulate body temperature effectively. Bodine emphasizes the significance of mixing cold and warm blood carefully to maintain cardiovascular health while rewarming. Recovery is framed as an art and science, emphasizing the need to listen to one’s body to determine the most effective approach.
Frequency and Variation in Practice
Participants are advised to experiment with the frequency and duration of cold immersion, finding what works best for their individual lifestyles and preferences. Cold exposure can be integrated into daily routines in various forms, including showers and partial immersions, making accessibility easier. The conversation encourages practitioners to explore different temperatures and methods rather than rigidly adhering to a set guideline. Ultimately, the focus should be on personal growth, enjoyment, and the listening to one’s body, rather than mere achievement of specific metrics.
Marie Bodine explores the stimulating world of cold water immersion and its benefits. From evolutionary temperature variations to hormonal responses, Marie and Dr. Stephanie delve into why cold exposure is more than a trend. They discuss why some dread cold water but love saunas and how controlled cold exposure enhances vascular elasticity, mood, and health.
This episode is brought to you by COLDTURE - Boost recovery, metabolism, and balance with cold immersion. Save $200 on a Coldture tub with code BETTER at https://coldture.com.
Episode Overview: 0:00 Intro/Teaser 3:08 Cold Water Immersion for Health Benefits 14:24 Managing Stress Through Controlled Challenges 18:58 Enhancing Resilience Through Cold Exposure 27:02 Understanding the Cold Plunge Experience 40:44 Optimal Duration and Rewarming Strategies 49:30 Interoception and Frequency of Cold Immersion 57:06 Partial Cold Immersion Benefits 1:02:43 Finding Your Optimal Cold Water Immersion Plan 1:24:25 Exploring Wellness Resources for Empowerment