RHR: Cold Exposure: Why Sustained Beats Extreme
In this episode we discuss: Why ice baths and extreme cold exposure are not the most effective way to activate brown fat What brown adipose tissue is and how it differs from white fat The science behind sustained mild cold exposure How extreme cold triggers a stress response that limits metabolic benefits Practical, accessible ways to incorporate mild cold exposure into daily life When ice baths do make sense Show notes: “Contribution of brown adipose tissue to whole-body energy expenditure and macronutrient oxidation in humans” by Fernández-Verdejo, R. et al. “Minimal changes in environmental temperature result in a significant increase in energy expenditure and changes in the hormonal homeostasis in healthy adults” by Celi, F.S., et al. “Brown adipose tissue improves whole-body glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in humans” by Chondronikola, M., et al. “Cold but...