Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

That's Helpful with Ed Stott


May 16, 2024

We know how fabulous getting out in the water can be for our mental health & overall well-being but there’s a growing body of research showing that cold water can be absolutely transformative, whether it's from your shower, pool or  the ocean.

So what is it ACTUALLY doing to our bodies & how can we start to reap the benefits in our own lives?

Dr Mark Harper is a consultant anesthetist at Sussex University hospitals in the UK and a leading expert in the prevention of hypothermia in surgical patients and in the therapeutic uses of cold-water adaptation and cold water swimming.

Want to become a podcast sponsor, got some feedback for me or just fancy a chat? Email me - thatshelpful@edstott.com

CONNECT WITH US
Connect with ⁠That's Helpful on Instagram.
Find Mark on Instagram & via his website.

BOOKS
Chill, The Cold Water Swim Cure

OTHER THINGS MENTIONED
100 Days of Vitamin Sea
That’s Helpful - Drawn To Water? Blue Mind is Why

TIMESTAMPS 

00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:26 - When is cold good for us & when is it bad?

00:02:14 - When did Mark become interested in this?

00:05:05 - Why are we only just discovering the benefits?

00:06:52 - The benefits of cold water exposure

00:10:00 - What’s happening in our bodies when we’re exposed?

00:11:38 - Cold water exposure keeps you in the moment

00:13:07 - The optimum conditions

00:15:00 - Why is 3 mins the ideal time?

00:19:06 - Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable

00:19:53 - How to utilise cold showers for health benefits

00:21:47 - Things to avoid

00:24:13 - The side-effects of cold water exposure

00:26:10 - Should you combine a sauna with cold water exposure?

00:28:47 - The main take-aways

00:30:00 - Cold water exposure for migraines

00:34:27 - Cold water exposure as prep for surgery