76: From Ice Baths to Ancestral Nutrition with Thomas Seager, PhD!

Cold exposure might sound unpleasant, but its benefits are hard to ignore. From boosting testosterone and improving insulin sensitivity to building resilience and enhancing physical performance, embracing the cold can be one of the simplest ways to unlock your body’s potential.  In this episode of the Primal Shift, I’m joined by Dr. Thomas Seager, a cold exposure expert and Associate Professor at Arizona State University’s School of Sustainable Engineering & the Built Environment. He’s also the CEO and co-founder of Morozko, a company that offers super-premium cold plunge systems, and came on the podcast to help unpack the science behind intentional cold exposure (including why just minutes of discomfort can lead to lasting health benefits). One of the key takeaways from our conversation is the importance of pre-cooling — using cold exposure before exercise rather than after. Research shows that pre-cooling extends endurance and maximizes mitochondrial efficiency, allowing the body to produce energy more effectively without overheating. Seager shares how even small doses of cold, like a couple of minutes in an ice bath, can unlock these benefits and create measurable improvements in physical and mental performance. From practical tips for getting started to insights into how to effectively combine cold exposure and heat therapy, this episode is packed with actionable advice and science-backed insights. Whether you’re looking to optimize your workouts, tackle inflammation or simply reconnect with your primal self, this conversation will leave you inspired to embrace the cold. Learn more: Morozko Forge Cold Plunge Review: Is It Worth the Investment? Blog Post: https://michaelkummer.com/morozko-cold-plunge-review/  Ice Bath Review: Morozko Forge | Best Cold Plunge? Video: https://youtu.be/cRTZEAMfzws  Ice Bath vs. Cryotherapy Blog Post: https://michaelkummer.com/health/ice-bath-vs-cryotherapy/    11 Benefits of Daily Cold Plunges Blog Post: https://michaelkummer.com/health/ice-bath-benefits/    Benefits of Using Sauna and Ice Bath Together Blog Post: https://michaelkummer.com/health/ice-bath-and-sauna/     Benefits of Using Sauna and Ice Bath Together Video: https://youtu.be/F7Xm5tvL4z8    Learn how to choose a cold plunge tub: https://michaelkummer.com/health/how-to-choose-a-cold-plunge/  Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, OneSkin! OneSkin’s lineup of topical skin health products leverage the power of the company’s proprietary OS-01 peptide to remove dead skin cells, improve collagen production, increase skin hydration and more. Check out my before and after photos in my OneSkin review and visit OneSkin here. Get 15% off with my discount code MKUMMER: https://michaelkummer.com/go/oneskinshop  In this episode: 00:00 - Introduction 00:30 - The role of cold exposure in health 05:15 - Personal health journeys and lessons learned 12:00 - Challenges of modern medicine and chronic illness 18:10 - Cold exposure and exercise performance 24:20 - Reconnecting with ancestral principles 32:00 - Exploring dietary choices and misconceptions 40:15 - Saunas, cold plunges, and recovery science 48:30 - Importance of self-experimentation in health 57:00 - Closing thoughts and next episode teaser Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/michaelkummer/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you’d like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #PrimalShift #OptimalHealth #AncestralLiving #ColdTherapy #ColdPlunge #IceBath #AncestralNutrition