The Cold Water Swim Cure

18 snips

May 9, 2022

Dr. Mark Harper, an anesthesiologist and author of "Chill: The Cold Water Swim Cure," dives into the invigorating world of cold water swimming. He discusses its remarkable benefits for mental health, including reducing anxiety and depression linked to inflammation. Mark shares how to safely start this practice, emphasizing optimal temperatures and preparation tips. He also explores the therapeutic aspects of swimming outdoors, detailing its advantages over other cold exposure methods. His insights may inspire you to take the leap into chilly waters!

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ANECDOTE

Accidental Start

Dr. Mark Harper started cold water swimming when his local pool closed.
What began as a temporary alternative became a near 20-year habit after experiencing unexpected positive feelings.

INSIGHT

Cold Adaptation and Stress

Dr. Harper's research on preventing hypothermia during surgery connected with cold water's stress response.
Adapting to cold reduces this response, potentially improving surgical outcomes and overall stress resilience.

INSIGHT

Inflammation and Depression

Cold water swimming reduces inflammation, which has been linked to depression.
Regular cold exposure may thus offer a non-pharmaceutical approach to managing depression.

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Have you ever driven along the coastline, or walked by a local pond or lake and thought about taking a dip, but felt hesitant about swimming in what you know is cold water? My guest today, who argues that cold water swimming is one of the very best things you can do for your mental and physical health, will inspire you to finally take the plunge.

His name is Dr. Mark Harper and he’s an anesthesiologist and the author of Chill: The Cold Water Swim Cure. We begin our conversation with how Mark’s research into the prevention of hypothermia during surgery led him to investigate the benefits of cold water exposure in managing the body’s overall stress response. We discuss the effect cold water has on the body, and the potential mental and physical benefits this effect can have, from reducing inflammation, to reducing depression caused by inflammation, to improving conditions from diabetes to migraines. We get into how long you need to be in the water to get these benefits, and the temperature the water needs to be, which may not be as cold as you think, and potentially makes, depending on where you live, cold water swimming viable as a year-round practice. Mark also explains how to get started with cold water swimming, and do it safely and effectively, including why you should start in the summer, and how best to prepare your body before you get in the water and recover after you get out of it. We end our conversation with whether or not you can get the same benefits of cold water swimming from taking an ice bath or cold shower.

The Cold Water Swim Cure

Accidental Start

Cold Adaptation and Stress

Inflammation and Depression

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