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Wim Hof’s teachings about breath work and the health benefits of cold plunges

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Re: Wim Hof’s teachings about breath work and the health benefits of cold plunges

#41

Post by skosch »

pm wrote: post #26
disposekinetics wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The debunking podcast "Oh No Ross and Carey" did at least four episodes [1] on Wim Hof. I recommend them if you want a skeptical take. [1] https://ohnopodcast.com/investigations/2020/7/19/ross-and-ca...

Without having to listen to 4 hours of podcasts, what was their take?

I haven't listened to them but can recommend the Medlife Crisis episode [0], in which he reviews the scientific literature around the effects of cold exposure, blood oxygenation/acidity from hyper-/hypoventilation, and related topics. He comes to the conclusion that Wim Hof is likely a genetic outlier, but that breathing techniques can have real physiological effects on things like pain perception, and that cold exposure likely has a bunch of real benefits – but also that placebo may play a big role (which is nevertheless a very real effect).

[0] https://youtu.be/D6EPuUdIC1E?t=2215 (timestamped to the conclusions)

Re: Wim Hof’s teachings about breath work and the health benefits of cold plunges

#43

Post by nvader »

jrm4 wrote: post #21
8f2ab37a-ed6c wrote: post #4

If this is revolutionary, why isn't everybody following his method? My skeptic alarm is going off, but also all of the investigative content I read about it seems to support the claims. I'm puzzled on why this hasn't seen mass adoption.

"Because it doesn't make anyone money" is my best guess. I kinda hate how conspiracy-theory-ish it sounds, but I can't much deny it any more? I'm one anecdotal data point: Never heard of this guy, but the cold shower thing just sounded plausible enough that I figured I'd try it. Not even the whole thing cold -- I start off with a hot shower and then just drop it for the last minute or so, as long as I can stand. And…

It's also hard. I used to do the same morning cold plunge as you. I have stopped, sometime in the last couple of months, because like any good habit, it needs to be maintained.

I am going to commit to doing this again tomorrow, though, because I remember that it makes me feel good.

Re: Wim Hof’s teachings about breath work and the health benefits of cold plunges

#44

Post by swader999 »

gxon wrote: post #34
nabilt wrote: post #32

Something interesting I learned during one of his seminars was that breathing exercises can go a long way in providing most of the benefits. A lot of the media coverage focuses on cold exposure, but deep breathing is really the the core of the message. This is great because it means the barrier to entry is much lower since we all don't need to fill up our tubs with ice every week.

Can you describe the breathing exercises? Is it literally just sitting and taking deep breaths?

No, you inhale through your nose all the way, then exhale but not all the way out, to the point where you would be pushing it out if you let out more. Repeat 30-40 times. It is circular and continuous, you don't pause. Then exhale all the way out after your 35th cycle. Hold until you feel the intense urge to breath. Then inhale and hold for 15 seconds.

Repeat above 4-5 times. Optional: On the last rep, see how many push ups you can do when you fully exhale. Most people can do 30 to 50% past their max.

Re: Wim Hof’s teachings about breath work and the health benefits of cold plunges

#45

Post by hnra »

junius2020 wrote: post #31
mhh__ wrote: post #23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think the problem is the amount of processed carbs rather than sugar on its own. Sugar is addictive but not in the concentration you'd get in a pasta sauce (in a can I assume). IIRC most western countries are vastly over-caloried, and have a roughly inverse relationship between BMI and income too.

Processed carbohydrates are harmful, however sugar is particularly harmful in its effects on the hormonal system, insulin resistance, concentration, dental decay (and tooth growth in children), psychology of child, irratibility etc. Humans are simply not designed to consume such vast amounts of industrial grade sugar in such quantities. You can literally throw sugar canes into a juicing machine and it has less sugar…

Have any good reads (articles/books) on the harmfulness of sugar? It sounds interesting to read about, but Google gives a billion results.

Re: Wim Hof’s teachings about breath work and the health benefits of cold plunges

#46

Post by vram22 »

brian_cunnie wrote: post #24
troughway wrote: post #5

From the intro blurb: >Wim Hof's teachings about breath work and the health benefits of cold plunges have attracted millions of followers who swear it has cured everything from depression to diabetes and makes them happier and stronger. If it cured diabetes, certainly there is a way to scientifically confirm this rather than merely "swearing" it is so. And if it did, that would be a breakthrough of unthinkable propor…

I have type II diabetes, and swimming in cold water (SF Bay, temperatures 50°-65° F 10°-18° C) 3 times a week for six years has not changed my A1c (measurement of diabetes). No one is "cured" of type II diabetes (exception: gestational diabetes). The best you can hope for is not to have to take meds, but the price you pay is an exercise regimen and an extremely disciplined diet (I haven't eaten rice, bread, pasta, or…

>the price you pay is an exercise regimen

I read somewhere that N. Vittal, a prominent Indian civil servant, controlled his diabetes by walking a lot, daily.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/N._Vittal

>and an extremely disciplined diet (I haven't eaten rice, bread, pasta, or potatoes in 9 years).

What about other forms of wheat products like semolina, couscous, etc? Other cereal grains?

Re: Wim Hof’s teachings about breath work and the health benefits of cold plunges

#47

Post by swader999 »

pnw_hazor wrote: post #10
troughway wrote: post #5

From the intro blurb: >Wim Hof's teachings about breath work and the health benefits of cold plunges have attracted millions of followers who swear it has cured everything from depression to diabetes and makes them happier and stronger. If it cured diabetes, certainly there is a way to scientifically confirm this rather than merely "swearing" it is so. And if it did, that would be a breakthrough of unthinkable propor…

Prolly Type 2 Diabetes which can be "cured" by making a major lifestyle changes. I know a few people who have went to certified Wim Hof training weekends. Doesn't sound like my cup of tea.

Just try the breathing a few times a week. Don't do it driving or close to water. I outlined it above, takes ten minutes. You'll feel great. I have beaten back colds I have felt coming on several times with it.

Re: Wim Hof’s teachings about breath work and the health benefits of cold plunges

#48

Post by swader999 »

8f2ab37a-ed6c wrote: post #4

If this is revolutionary, why isn't everybody following his method? My skeptic alarm is going off, but also all of the investigative content I read about it seems to support the claims. I'm puzzled on why this hasn't seen mass adoption.

A lot of people are!

Re: Wim Hof’s teachings about breath work and the health benefits of cold plunges

#49

Post by vram22 »

starwatch wrote: post #40
brian_cunnie wrote: post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I have type II diabetes, and swimming in cold water (SF Bay, temperatures 50°-65° F 10°-18° C) 3 times a week for six years has not changed my A1c (measurement of diabetes). No one is "cured" of type II diabetes (exception: gestational diabetes). The best you can hope for is not to have to take meds, but the price you pay is an exercise regimen and an extremely disciplined diet (I haven't eaten rice, bread, pasta, or…

I believe there's a low-calorie treatment pioneered by a research group out of Oxford University a few years ago. The treatment was shown to send type II into remission. It's currently available on the NHS in the UK: https://www.england.nhs.uk/diabetes/treatment-care/low-calor...

>The treatment was shown to send type II into remission.

Does that mean the same as cured?

Edit: The linked article says:

>and even achieve remission (no longer have diabetes)

Re: Wim Hof’s teachings about breath work and the health benefits of cold plunges

#50

Post by trabant00 »

> The Hof brothers are identical twins, but unlike Wim, Andre has a sedentary lifestyle without exposure to extreme cold. The scientists had them practice Wim's breathing exercises and then exposed them to the lowest temperature that would not induce shivering. They concluded that, "No significant differences were found between the two subjects, indicating that a lifestyle with frequent exposures to extreme cold does not seem to affect BAT activity and CIT."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wim_Hof#Resistance_to_cold

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