Cold showers and exposure to cold temperatures have been shown to increase testosterone levels, which can indirectly impact sperm count. Higher levels of testosterone can stimulate sperm production and increase the motility of sperm, which can improve overall sperm count.
The effectiveness of cold showers in improving testosterone levels seems to be connected to our bodies being exposed to excessive heat. If we're feeling too hot and go for a cold shower, testosterone levels may rise, while doing so when we're at optimal temperature may have a reverse effect.
Here is a short list of coldwater therapy benefits for men: Improving insulin resistance. Managing inflammation after a workout or injury. Boosting mental health by relieving depression and anxiety.
Conclusions. Although testosterone levels are within normal limits in both seasons, its level in cold months is less than in hot months. Testosterone levels can change according to the season.
Cold showers increase blood flow to your brain, delivering a bumper hit of oxygen and nutrients that improve your concentration, alertness and mental clarity.
Summary. Cold exposure stimulates production of neurotransmitters and sex hormones. In men, precooling exercise with an ice bath can provide a significant boost in testosterone & luteinizing hormone, result in long-lasting health benefits, slow ageing, increase libido, and improve sexual & reproductive health.
Overall, the evidence is pretty clear that ice baths do not help muscle growth. If you want to maximally grow muscle, then you probably don't want to be jumping into ice baths immediately after training.
May Boost Your Mood
The bracing effects of cold water may offer a quick mood boost. Past research reveals that submerging your body in cold water increases dopamine concentrations by 250 percent. Dopamine is known as the “feel-good” hormone because of the key role it plays in regulating mood, per the Cleveland Clinic.
The shock of cold water can stimulate the blood cells that fight off infection (leukocytes). One study in the Netherlands found that people who switched to cold showers for 30, 60, or 90 seconds for 90 days called out sick from work 29% less than people who didn't switch to cold showers.
“Testosterone hormone is secreted at night and rises in certain stages of sleep,” Dr Brewer explains. “If a man feels too hot and his sleep is disturbed as a result, his testosterone production may be reduced. Sleeping naked helps to promote a healthier sleep pattern, so normal testosterone production occurs.”
Despite the myth that “cold showers improve testosterone levels,” there's no evidence that cooling or icing the testicles affects testosterone. Research shows that exposure to cooler temperatures may be associated with lower testosterone levels.
However, did you know that staying hydrated also plays a significant role in increasing testosterone levels?
How do ice baths work? The cold temperature can bring down your metabolism, causing a slowdown in your breathing and sweating. The cold temperature will also reduce swelling and tissue breakdown and shift lactic acid away from your muscles.
After 30 days of cold showers, most individuals report feeling more alert, having more energy, having healthier skin and hair, improved mental health and resilience, improved circulation, and more.
They had better joint mobility and less stress, anxiety, and depression. Scientists think that exposing your body to cold water triggers a stress response and activates the nervous system. These changes can improve your mood and help you adapt to stress over time.
Try to stay in the ice bath for as long as you can, but do not exceed 15 minutes. It is recommended to work up to the recommended 15 minutes without pushing your body beyond its limits. Wear warm clothing on the top part of your body to keep the exposed areas of yourself warm.
Is it OK to take an ice bath every day? If you're in good health, there's no harm in hopping in an ice bath for a few minutes every day. It's more or less a question of whether or not taking an ice bath every day is necessary to reap its benefits, but more research has to be done on the topic.
Check with your doctor beforehand, as ice baths can have negative and potentially dangerous effects on people who have certain medical conditions: Heart disease. High blood pressure. Diabetes.
So, can ice baths improve sperm production? Not quite. There is no evidence that short-term cooling of your testicles, whether you're using an ice bath or ice pack, will reverse the impact of heating them at other times. A 2021 case study looked at the impact of wearing “cooling underwear,” such as Snowballs.
Fasting increases release of human growth hormone (HGH) which builds muscle (and burns fat). One study showed a 2,000% increase (yes, you read that correctly!) in a 24 hour fast. Fasting also increases testosterone – a study showed a 180% increase in men at the end of a 56 hour fast!