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Just by having a cold shower testosterone gets a boost. Well, at least that’s what many people claim, particularly those who’ve been working hard towards increasing their testosterone levels.
Vincenz Priessnitz, father and founder of modern hydrotherapy, believed that cold water and sponge washing are healing agents for the male body. However, this theory led to “hot and cold shower” debates within the scientific community.
Meanwhile, hot water can be detrimental.
A hot shower can cause problems in your sperm count and lowers your testosterone level. But also know that too much cold water immersion can shrivel your testicles (it’s a biological attempt to stay warm).
The concept behind cold shower therapy is that it’ll provide a cooler environment in your sack to boost sperm and testosterone production.
What’s the Ideal Temperature?
Your testicles function well enough at around 31°C. If you like having the usual warm shower or hot bath, you’re probably wondering whether it could really cause harm—at a degree that’s actually noticeable.
Clues on the profound effects of extreme heat to testosterone was gathered in an animal study. A staggering 65.4% reduction in testicular weight was observed upon exposure to high temperatures.
The testes are more capable of maintaining healthy sperm and hormone production when under low body temperature. However, that doesn’t mean to say an ice bath is necessary or even beneficial.
Taking a cold bath is more than enough, as it offers not just a single health benefit. Here’s a list of what it can do for you:
- Improves Blood Circulation
When the cool water reaches your skin, your body will link it to oxidative stress, in turn making your heart beat faster. Blood will then spread around your body quicker (though mainly towards the interior regions), resulting in improved oxygen distribution.
- Hastens Muscle Recovery
Athletes or gym-goers would often douse themselves with cold water to recover from muscle soreness. More importantly, cold water therapy promotes exercise recovery without impairing functional performance.
- Keeps You Awake and Alert
When you’re sleepy, you wash your face with cold water to shock your body and nerves. Taking a cold shower will bring you to full alertness and you’ll be wide awake for hours.
- Enhances Stress Tolerance
Cold showers have this calming effect, especially the moment the water touches your skin. If you’re slowly succumbing to stress, taking a shower might help you think straight and control your emotions.
- Alleviates Depression
Cold water has an anti-depressive effect. It boosts mood by stimulating the brain (blue spot region to be specific) and increasing the release of noradrenaline.
- Removes Dead Skin and Excess Oil
Cold showers reduce the size of your pores, meaning dead skin cells become easier to remove and excess oil to wash away. A cold water shower also prevents oil buildup and hair loss.
- Cleanses and Protects From Within
The lymphatic system assists the body in removing cellular waste. One benefit of cold shower is that it boosts the immune system, essentially preventing diseases caused by toxins and bacteria.
- Stimulates Weight Loss
Cold showers can activate not only white fat, but also brown fat as the body tries to generate heat. You can lose up to nine pounds a year by taking cold showers regularly.
While there’s no direct link between increased testosterone levels and taking chill-inducing showers, it’s not hard to understand why many believe that the habit has effects similar to testosterone replacement therapy.
After all, if the right temperature can boost circulation, recovery, alertness, and weight loss, all while shielding you from stress and depression, your body should be able to focus more on keeping your male hormones in check.
If the right temperature can boost circulation, recovery, alertness, and weight loss, all while shielding you from stress and depression, your body should be able to focus more on keeping your male hormones in check.
Be Sure to Maximize Your Gains
Testosterone is the one thing that makes a man or defines an alpha male. If you’re looking for ways to enhance hormone production and make the most of your cold showers (or cold water bath), you should follow these tips as well:
- Exercise Regularly
Lifting weights or engaging in high-intensity interval training can stimulate the male hormone’s secretion. Besides, obesity has been linked to low-T.
- Eat Protein (Lean Meat)
Protein plays a major role in optimizing the level of testosterone during exercise and resistance training. It also supports increased protein synthesis from intense workouts.
- Try to Avoid Stress
Stress can affect your cortisol, which can reduce sperm count and free testosterone levels. Cut down on things that make you feel stressed and afterwards, check your hormone levels.
- Practice Good Sleep Habits
“Goodnight sleep” seems like it’s for kids, but not getting enough of it canactually lead to low-T. You’ll feel drained, weak, and tired—after all, energy and vigor are linked to your hormonal health.
Cold Exposure and Better Health
Although there are no known studies that directly prove the hormonal benefits of taking a cold shower, testosterone itself should gain a boost—even if only due to the health perks associated with low temperatures.
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