The Science Behind Cold Water Therapy with Colette Sinclair
Today, Nate is joined by Colette Sinclair, a licensed psychologist and psychonutritionist practitioner who uses nutrition and mindfulness practices to optimize brain performance and reduce psychological symptoms. They met at Glen Ivy Spa, where they both braved the cold water plunge as other visitors stayed closer to the jacuzzi.
Colette explains the benefits of cold water therapy, for both the nervous system and the brain. Alternating between hot and cold, she says, creates vasodilation, which has a detoxification effect on the body. It also mimics the effects of exercise, which stimulates dopamine, acting as a natural kind of antidepressant.
Additionally, cold water tones the vagus nerve, which is the nerve in the body which all other nerves feed into. When the vagus nerve becomes dysfunctional, for instance as it is with someone with PTSD, the nervous system is in a hyper-vigilant state. This can be regulated through natural remedies, like cold water therapy.
Key Topics:
- Introduction (00:12)
- Introducing Colette Sinclair (00:48)
- Cold water therapy (02:56)
- Vasodilation (05:14)
- The vagus nerve (09:40)
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