Cold water exposure can have beneficial effects on the neuromodulator systems, including dopamine release. A study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that cold water exposure can encourage the brain and body's environment to shift, making individuals feel better after exposure.
Immersing oneself in 20°C (68°F) water for an hour can cause a 93% increase in metabolic rate, while immersing oneself in 2°C (32°F) water for an hour can cause a 350% increase in metabolism. Immersion in 32°C (89°F) water did not lead to a significant increase in metabolism.
This podcast episode discusses a protocol for 12-minute exposure to 90 degrees Celsius followed by a six-minute cool-down break in cool water, and the benefits of a daily increase in cortisol levels right after waking up for alertness and energy.
The amygdala is responsible for detecting emotional saliency and can strengthen particular connections in the brain easily when there are increases in epinephrine and cortisol. It's not just associated with fear, but with threat detection and novel events in the environment that are linked to positive and negative emotional states.
The speaker shares his experience with a 30-day cold shower challenge and the advantages of taking cold showers, including increased alertness and heightened immune response.
The brain functions to maintain a proper balance between energy conservation and energy consumption during different behaviors. Thermoregulation could be tied to both aggressiveness and mating behaviors due to the involvement of hormones and different competing forces that operate together in these processes.