At PUR-FORM, we offer cutting-edge contrast therapy (infrared sauna and cold plunge) and whole-body cryotherapy. These treatments do more than just make you feel good. They stimulate the production of heat and cold shock proteins, which are crucial for overall health and well-being. They influence our immune system, mitochondria, organs, and how proteins fold into all the cells in our body.
Contrast therapy, a technique alternating between hot and cold exposures, has garnered significant attention in athletic and therapeutic circles for its ability to stimulate the production of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and cold shock proteins (CSPs). These proteins are molecular chaperones that play a vital role in cellular health, stress response, and adaptation. Heat shock proteins, especially HSP-70 and HSP-90, help with protein folding and prevent protein aggregation. This process is essential for preventing diseases of aging and supporting mitochondrial health.
Optimal Conditions for Shock Protein Production
The efficacy of contrast therapy in producing these beneficial proteins relies on the precise manipulation of temperature, duration, and frequency of exposure. For optimal heat shock protein production, exposure to temperatures between 40-41°C (104-106°F) for 15-20 minutes is recommended. For practical applications, temperatures used in saunas (120-150°F or 49-65°C for infrared saunas and up to 180°F or 82°C for traditional saunas) are effective in activating heat shock proteins. This temperature range triggers heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), which initiates HSP gene transcription.
Cold shock proteins are best stimulated at temperatures between 10-15°C (50-59°F) for 1-3 minutes (often achieved through a cold plunge pool or ice bath). Cold shock proteins in humans can be induced at temperatures of 15°C (59°F) and below, with 20°C (68°F) being identified as optimal for expression. For more intense cold exposure, whole-body cryotherapy uses temperatures ranging from -110°C to -140°C (-166°F to -240°F). Exposure to these temperatures is typically limited to 2-4 minutes due to safety considerations.
The PUR-FORM Difference
Many facilities have little to recommend in their quest to stimulate heat and cold shock proteins other than hot and cold therapy. This is what separates PUR-FORM from the rest. We have developed several innovations that can enhance these therapies. Our approach includes:
- Pre-Treatment Moderate-Intensity Exercise: Combining contrast therapy with moderate-intensity exercise performed 20-30 minutes before treatment is beneficial to enhancing cellular response. This pre-conditioning effect, cross-tolerance, involves the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes and anti-apoptotic proteins. This primes the cells for a more robust response to subsequent thermal stress. The exercise-induced increase in core body temperature and mild oxidative stress are initial stimuli for heat shock protein production.
- Proper Hydration and Nutrition: Foods rich in antioxidants and amino acids support the body’s ability to synthesize these proteins effectively. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), especially leucine, have been shown to enhance HSP-70 expression through the mTOR signaling pathway.
- Optimal Timing and Frequency of Sessions: The timing and frequency of contrast therapy sessions are critical for optimizing adaptive responses. The concept of hormesis (where low doses of a stressor stimulate beneficial adaptive responses) underpins the recommendation for 2-3 sessions per week with 48-72 hours between treatments. This interval allows for the completion of the heat shock protein life cycle, including synthesis, functional activity, and degradation. This ensures a sustained adaptive response without overwhelming cellular repair mechanisms.
- Supplementation: Certain supplements can boost heat and cold shock protein production. Curcumin and resveratrol are great for triggering the heat shock response, quercetin increases HSP-70 expression, and alpha-lipoic acid enhances HSP-70 levels. These supplements work through different pathways (like Nrf2-Keap1) which regulate stress response genes. They can induce mild cellular stress, leading to increased heat shock protein production and enhanced cellular resilience. We offer many of these beneficial supplements intravenously for optimal absorption and effectiveness.
- EBO2: When performed before contrast therapy, EBO2 is an intriguing addition to this protocol. EBO2, via reactions of ozone with blood, is known to activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway. This primes cells to respond more effectively to thermal stress, potentially improving heat shock protein production.
- Geranylgeranylacetone (GGA): Also known as Teprenone, GGA stimulates HSP-70 production without cellular stress. It is a medication used for treating gastric ulcers and must be purchased from overseas. It activates heat shock factor-1 (HSF-1), enhancing the effects of contrast therapy and potentially allowing for milder temperatures. This combination prolongs the beneficial effects of the treatment and creates a more widespread response in the body. Significantly, GGA can help increase the production of heat shock proteins in areas of the body that aren’t directly exposed to temperature changes, providing extra protection to cells. This could be helpful for individuals who find it difficult to tolerate extreme temperatures.
- Intermittent Hypoxia Therapy (IHT): IHT involves brief periods of reduced oxygen breathing. It could enhance contrast therapy and whole-body cryotherapy’s effects by amplifying the body’s adaptive responses. It also enhances heat shock protein production, mitochondrial function, and antioxidant defenses. The body’s ability to handle temperature extremes might be enhanced, leading to greater production of protective proteins and improved circulation. Cells pre-conditioned by IHT may be better equipped to handle the stress of rapid temperature changes, potentially leading to improved recovery and reduced inflammation. Combining therapies could also improve metabolism, fat-burning, energy production, and cardiovascular health. Additionally, the combined cellular protective effects might accelerate recovery from exercise or injury and provide heightened neuroprotection.
- Hydrogen Therapy: This can enhance the effects of heat and cold shock protein therapies by providing additional cellular protection and amplifying the body’s adaptive responses. Hydrogen gas is a selective antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals without interfering with beneficial oxidative signaling. It upregulates HSP-72 expression (could augment the protective effects of heat shock therapy) and has anti-inflammatory properties (works synergistically with the anti-inflammatory effects of cold shock proteins). Furthermore, hydrogen’s neuroprotective effects might complement the cognitive benefits of heat and cold shock protein activation, potentially offering enhanced protection against neurodegenerative diseases.
PUR-FORM stands at the forefront of innovative regenerative medicine by offering comprehensive, science-driven approaches to modalities like contrast therapy and whole-body cryotherapy. We go beyond temperature extremes, maximizing heat and cold shock proteins through the integration of the innovations mentioned above. This holistic approach amplifies the therapeutic benefits to a broader range of physiological systems. By combining established practices with emerging technologies, PUR-FORM empowers the body’s innate healing capabilities, potentially revolutionizing regenerative medicine and offering patients a personalized path to optimal health and longevity.
Remember, the path to optimal health and longevity is not one-size-fits-all. At PUR-FORM, we are committed to guiding you on your unique journey, leveraging cutting-edge science and personalized care to help you achieve your health and wellness goals safely and effectively. That being said, it is important to develop a personalized plan tailored to you with our experts as some of the combinations mentioned in this blog may not be beneficial for everyone.
-Dr. P
You may also enjoy reading:
