The release of norepinephrine from the body when exposed to cold temperatures has been shown to have positive effects on the brain, mood, and attention, and can also trigger the browning of fat. Combining heat and cold stress in rapid succession is not well researched, but both types of thermal stress are able to activate heat shock proteins which have positive effects on the body.
The speaker discusses the benefits of sauna which have been backed by science and warns listeners to exercise good judgement while using a sauna especially if they have any health conditions that may make it risky for them.
The potential of sauna use may reduce muscle atrophy and then affect muscle regrowth an effect which while very interesting is mostly shown in animal studies that might be hard to then try to apply back to humans.
Cold exposure can elicit stress responses in the body and trigger the release of norepinephrine, which has been linked to improved mood and cognitive function. However, the desired level of cold exposure can vary based on the individual and their goals, and caution should be exercised when combining hot and cold therapies.