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Dr Mike T Nelson

Cold Plunges, Ketones & Concussion Recovery

Published about 13 hours ago • 1 min read

Happy Friday! Huge thanks to everyone that kicked me a reply on my newsletter for coaches and trainers yesterday. See it HERE if you missed it.

Today is a bit off topic but it is an important subject so I wanted to kick it out to you all.

I recently had the pleasure of joining Dr. Ayla Wolf on The Concussion Recovery Podcast for a deep dive, two-part series on what really happens to the brain and body after a concussion and how to recover smarter.

We covered everything from alternative brain fuels to navigating post-injury exercise intolerance. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms that just won’t go away, these episodes are packed with actionable science and tools.

Episode 22: Navigating Exercise Intolerance After Concussion

  • Why symptom-driven testing beats rigid heart rate rules
  • How different exercise modes affect symptoms in totally different ways
  • Why HRV matters, how to track it, and how to avoid reinforcing negative neurological loops
  • Strategies like isometrics and proprioception to recalibrate your nervous system
  • The goal? Raise your floor, not chase your pre-injury ceiling

Episode 23: Life After Impact – Cold Plunge, Ketones & Creatine

  • Why the brain can still use ketones and lactate even when glucose is impaired
  • How parasympathetic activation tools like breathwork and wide-gaze can speed recovery
  • Smart cold exposure strategies that work with your nervous system, not against it
  • The science behind creatine and magnesium for brain support
  • Why stacking small, strategic interventions is better than chasing magic bullets

​Life After Impact: Cold Plunge, Ketones, and Creatine << details here

As always, thank you for being here and continuing to seek better performance through smarter science.

Stay strong,
Dr. Mike

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Mike T Nelson CISSN, CSCS, MSME, PhD
Associate Professor, Carrick Institute
Owner, Extreme Human Performance, LLC
Editorial Board Member, STRONG Fitness Mag
​​Mike T Nelson is a Ph.D. and not a physician or registered dietitian. The contents of this email should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem - nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health.

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Dr Mike T Nelson

Creator of the Flex Diet Cert & Phys Flex Cert, CSCS, CISSN, Assoc Professor, kiteboarder, lifter of odd objects, metal music lover. >>>>Sign up to my daily FREE Fitness Insider newsletter below

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