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Cold Shock Proteins

Definition

Cold shock proteins are special proteins your body makes when you're exposed to cold temperatures. These proteins help protect your cells from the stress of being cold. They also support brain function by protecting neurons and may help improve memory and learning.

Benefits

Neuroprotection and brain health

  • Cold shock proteins (ie. RNA-Binding Motif Protein 3 - RBM3) support synaptic plasticity, which is the brain’s ability to create and optimize synaptic connections - crucial for learning, memory, and overall cognitive function

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Enhanced cellular repair

  • Cold shock proteins stabilize damaged cells and can delay the effects of cellular aging by promoting the repair of these cells

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Reduced inflammation

  • Cold shock proteins (ie. Cold-Inducing RNA-Binding Protein - CIRP) can modulate the inflammatory response by reducing the activity of cytokines – which cause systemic inflammation

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Improved muscle recovery and physical performance

  • Promotes the repair of damaged tissues – helps maintain protein synthesis and repair pathways for muscles

  • Vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation helps flush out metabolic waste products (ie. lactic acid)

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Enhanced immune response

  • Cold exposure increases natural killer (NK) cells which can enhance immune function

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