Aliquot #96: Thermal Stress, Part I: The Science Behind Heat Stress and its Positive Effects on Health
Aliquot #96: Thermal Stress, Part I: The Science Behind Heat Stress and its Positive Effects on Health
Hormesis is a compensatory defense response to a stressor that conditions the body against future stressors. Heat exposure – from sauna use, hot tubs, or even hot baths – is a powerful hormetic stressor. Heat stress benefits the body's cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, and musculoskeletal systems, extending both healthspan and lifespan. In this episode, part I of a two-part series, Dr. Rhonda Patrick describes the many hormetic effects of heat stress, explain differences between various heat stress modalities, such as traditional sauna versus infrared, and answer questions about whether hot tubs promote sweating and the effects of infrared sauna on the skin and cardiovascular system.
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Hormesis is a compensatory defense response to a stressor that conditions the body against future stressors. Heat exposure – from sauna use, hot tubs, or even hot baths – is a powerful hormetic stressor. Heat stress benefits the body's cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, and musculoskeletal systems, extending both healthspan and lifespan.
In this episode, part I of a two-part series, Dr. Rhonda Patrick describes the many hormetic effects of heat stress, explain differences between various heat stress modalities, such as traditional sauna versus infrared, and answer questions about whether hot tubs promote sweating and the effects of infrared sauna on the skin and cardiovascular system.
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Hormesis, a theory of why stress can be beneficial
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Harnessing heat stress: The power of sauna
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Therapeutic potential of far infrared dry saunas
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The protective role of heat shock proteins
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Sauna-induced neuroplasticity
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Why elevating core body temperature may change the way depression is treated
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Endorphins and dynorphins: The brain's opioid system
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Safety tips and contraindications for sauna use
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Does a hot bath have the same effects?
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Can infrared saunas damage skin collagen?
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How sauna mimics some benefits of exercise
Hear new content from Rhonda on The Aliquot, our member's only podcast
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