Exploring the Science of Cold Exposure: A Conversation with François Haman

Life of Flow

In this episode of Life of Flow, join Lucas and Miguel for a deep dive into the fascinating world of cold exposure alongside special guest François Haman, a prominent expert in the field. François shares his extensive research journey, stemming from his observations of the rising popularity of ice baths and their potential benefits. Drawing from his experiences working with NATO in Finland and developing resilience-building workshops, François offers insights into the physiological responses to cold, highlighting the fight-or-flight reaction and the importance of maintaining control during exposure.

As the conversation unfolds, François addresses both the perceived benefits and risks of cold exposure. While acknowledging the lack of concrete scientific evidence supporting claims of immune system enhancement and inflammation reduction, he discusses the subjective feelings of well-being triggered by noradrenaline and dopamine release. However, François also warns of the potential dangers, such as non-freezing cold injuries and neurological damage, underscoring the importance of protecting extremities during exposure. Through this exploration, listeners gain valuable insights into the complexities of cold exposure and its nuanced effects on human physiology and resilience.

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