Prompt Cast
The Truth Behind Whole-Body Cryotherapy: Benefits and Risks
TLDR Whole-body cryotherapy is a popular health treatment that involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures, but there is no scientific evidence to support its claimed health benefits. While it may have a potential effect on inflammation, it is unregulated and has led to tragic accidents, making it important to approach with caution.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Whole-body cryotherapy is the topic of discussion in this episode of "Stuff You Should Know."
04:15
Whole-body cryotherapy is a trendy new health treatment that involves getting into a cold sauna and being exposed to liquid nitrogen gas, but there is no scientific evidence to support its claimed health benefits.
08:21
Whole-body cryotherapy has become a trendy treatment, but the idea of using cold for health benefits goes back a long way, including practices like cold water immersion and ice swimming.
12:23
Cold water immersion, such as jumping into a lake or using ice baths, is commonly used in sports medicine to reduce muscle swelling and aching, but research suggests that it may not be effective and could even have a detrimental effect on muscle recovery.
16:28
Whole-body cryotherapy involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures, typically around -256 degrees Fahrenheit, for a maximum of three minutes in a cryo sauna.
20:55
Whole-body cryotherapy is unregulated and has led to tragic accidents, such as a woman dying from affixiation after using the machine alone and inhaling too much nitrogen.
25:00
Whole-body cryotherapy has been shown to have a potential effect on inflammation, but other claims about its benefits are not supported by scientific evidence.
29:22
Whole-body cryotherapy may not be as dangerous as some proponents claim, unless you go in wet, as demonstrated by a story about a sprinter who got frostbite from wearing wet socks and shoes in the cryoson, and another story about a woman who got frostbite on her hands because she was recommended to wear wet gloves.
33:36
Whole-body cryotherapy may have a placebo effect and may not actually provide the muscular benefits and performance enhancement that athletes are seeking.
Categories:
Society & Culture
