46. Thomas P. Seager: Using Cold Therapy to Optimise Health & Reverse Metabolic Disease
Nov 29, 2023
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Dr. Thomas P. Seager, an engineer and Associate Professor at Arizona State University, discusses the principles of cold therapy, using it to reverse metabolic diseases and diabetes, and shares anecdotes of its effectiveness in individuals with cancer. They also explore the topics of mitochondria and the work of Dr. Jack Kruse. The podcast delves into optimizing circadian rhythm and light environment, personal experiences with cold therapy and lifestyle interventions, and the physiological effects of cold therapy on the body. The role of cold therapy in reversing metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes is also explored, along with the incredible story of Dean who reversed leukemia through a metabolic approach.
Cold exposure can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and help with weight management.
Cold therapy promotes the growth and repair of mitochondria, reversing metabolic syndrome, obesity, and fatty liver disease.
Cold therapy may have potential benefits in cancer treatment by stimulating the immune system and inhibiting tumor growth.
Deep dives
Cold therapy and its impact on metabolism
Cold exposure, specifically cold water therapy, has been found to have a significant impact on metabolism. By stimulating thermogenesis and activating brown fat, cold exposure can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and help with weight management. Cold therapy promotes the growth and repair of mitochondria, the cellular powerhouses responsible for energy production. Mitochondrial dysfunction is often associated with metabolic disorders, and by improving mitochondrial function, cold therapy can reverse metabolic syndrome, obesity, and fatty liver disease. Overall, cold exposure has shown promising results in enhancing metabolic health and promoting overall well-being.
The physiological effects of cold exposure
When the body is exposed to cold, it triggers a cascade of physiological responses. The thermal receptors on the skin send signals to the brain, activating the fight-or-flight response and increasing heart rate. Cold exposure also stimulates thermal thermogenesis, the process of generating heat, which can clear glucose from the bloodstream and improve insulin sensitivity. Vasoconstriction occurs, redirecting blood flow to the core and head to defend core body temperature. Cold exposure also stimulates the production of brown fat, which can convert glucose and fatty acids into heat. These physiological responses contribute to improved metabolism and overall health.
The connection between cold therapy and mitochondrial health
Mitochondria play a crucial role in energy production and metabolism. Cold therapy has been found to stimulate the growth of new mitochondria, known as mitobiogenesis, and improve their function. Cold exposure can help repair damaged mitochondrial DNA, improve the mitochondrial respiration process, and enhance energy efficiency. By optimizing mitochondrial health, cold therapy can enhance overall metabolism, increase insulin sensitivity, and improve cellular function. This has important implications for metabolic health and the prevention and management of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Cold therapy and its potential in cancer treatment
There is emerging evidence suggesting that cold therapy may have potential benefits in cancer treatment. Cold exposure has been found to stimulate the immune system, enhance the production of natural killer cells, and improve immune function. Some anecdotal evidence suggests that cold therapy, alongside traditional cancer treatments, may help in reducing tumor size and enhancing the efficacy of treatment. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and potential benefits of cold therapy in cancer treatment. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating cold therapy into any cancer treatment regimen.
Cold Water Therapy and its Potential Impact on Cancer
The podcast episode explores the story of Dean Hall, a cancer patient who swam the Willamette River to inspire other cancer patients. Despite warnings from his doctor, Dean completed the swim and later found that his leukemia had completely reversed. The episode delves into the science behind metabolic approaches to cancer, discussing how damaged mitochondria play a crucial role in the development and growth of tumors. Various studies, including one from Sweden, highlight the potential benefits of cold exposure in inhibiting tumor growth by preferentially clearing glucose from the bloodstream. The podcast also shares a personal story of a woman who used a ketogenic diet and cold therapy to shrink a liver tumor. Overall, the episode emphasizes the potential of cold water therapy as a novel and empowering approach to complement traditional oncological treatments and improve overall health.
The Protocols and Precautions of Cold Water Therapy
The second part of the podcast focuses on the protocols and precautions related to cold water therapy. The speaker highlights the importance of regulating breathing, practicing structured breathing techniques like box breathing, and avoiding hyperventilation to prevent shallow water blackout. Additionally, the podcast discusses the distinction between partial body and whole body cold exposure, noting that whole body immersion activates and then calms the body, while partial body exposure can cause prolonged activation. The speaker suggests starting with natural bodies of water before investing in ice baths, emphasizing the potential psychological benefits of cold therapy, such as improved heart rate variability and greater psychological resilience. The podcast also mentions contraindications for cold exposure, particularly in individuals with hypertension, and advises against hypothermia and the dangers of cold water overdose. The episode concludes by underscoring the importance of safety when engaging in cold water therapy.
Thomas P. Seager, PhD is an engineer and Associate Professor in the School of Sustainable Engineering at Arizona State University. He is the expert in cold water therapy and the founder of the company Morozko Forge, which manufactures high quality ice baths.
Thomas & I discuss the principles of cold therapy, how cold influences our physiology, using cold therapy to reverse diabetes and metabolic diseases, and fascinating anecdotes of the effective use of cold therapy in individuals with cancer. We also detour down the topic of mitochondria and discuss the work of Dr Jack Kruse as it relates to these topics.
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Links Brown-fat-mediated tumour suppression by cold-altered global metabolism Seki et al 2022 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35922508/
Thomas Seyfried PhD 'Cancer as a metabolic Disease' https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781118310311
Follow THOMAS Morozko forge Ice baths: https://www.morozkoforge.com/
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