How your body burns energy when it's cold
PGC-1alpha: a key regulator of energy metabolism
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Cold exposure directly triggers a protein that fundamentally changes how your body uses energy
Most people think of cold as just uncomfortable, not as a biological signal that reprograms your metabolism.
Practical Takeaways
Try taking cold showers for 1-2 minutes daily to potentially activate PGC-1alpha
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Cold exposure directly triggers a protein that fundamentally changes how your body uses energy
Most people think of cold as just uncomfortable, not as a biological signal that reprograms your metabolism.
Practical Takeaways
Try taking cold showers for 1-2 minutes daily to potentially activate PGC-1alpha
Publication
Journal
Advances in physiology education
Year
2006
Authors
Liang H, Ward WF
Related Content
Claims (10)
PGC-1alpha is a protein that helps control how cells use energy
When it's cold outside, your body makes more PGC-1alpha protein, which helps you generate heat to stay warm
PGC-1alpha helps create more mitochondria (cellular power plants) and changes muscle fibers to be better at using oxygen for energy
PGC-1alpha helps control how the body uses sugar and fat for energy
PGC-1alpha might play a role in diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart muscle problems