WAT is what we usually think of as Fat – an adipocyte – composed of a single large fat droplet with a single nucleus. BAT, in contrast, appears to be derived from the same stem cells as muscle tissue. A BAT cell is composed of multiple droplets that are brown in color because of a much higher volume of iron – containing mitochondria. Mitochondria produce ATP and also oxidize fat in muscle tissue. BAT helps dissipate excess calories as heat. Calories that would otherwise end up stored as WAT. BAT effects metabolism. WAT can be converted into the more metabolically active BAT by the action of the exercise induced hormone Irisin.

Cold helps in increasing the amount of BAT and also stimulates BAT to burn fat and glucose as heat. In other words cold might help you increase the amount of BAT or ‘fat burning’ fat.

BAT is particularly present in the neck and upper chest areas. Therefore using an ice-pack on neck and upper trapezius area for about 20-30 minutes, generally in the evening, when insulin sensitivity is lower than in the morning, adds to heat loss and leads to losing fat. Do it 5 days a week (Mon – Fri). Also consume two glasses of ice water on an empty stomach immediately on waking. This increases your metabolic rate. Eat breakfast 20-30 minutes later – or take 5-10 minutes cold shower (10⁰ to 15⁰ C) after a couple of minutes of hot shower, before breakfast and before bed.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation via cold exposure is being increasingly scrutinized as a potential approach to ameliorate cardio-metabolic risk.

Cold exposure, and the shivering it causes, increases adiponectin levels and may cause both an increase in the oxidation (burning) of fatty acids in mitochondria and increase uptake of glucose by muscle cells tissue. This effect could persist long after the cold exposure ends. In India this would work best only in really cold weather (10⁰C to 15⁰C). Cold water also improves immunity. Acute cold exposure has immune-stimulating effects and preheating with physical exercise or a warm shower can enhance this (Finnish Sauna and ice water plunge?). Increase in levels of circulating norepinephine may account for this.

Pages: 1 2 3