December 17, 2025

#24 The Real Science of Cold Therapy: Cortisol, Thyroid, Fat Loss, Testosterone & Cancer Sport - Prof. Tom Seager

1 hour 18 minutes

In this episode, I speak with Professor Tom Seager, an engineering professor at Arizona State University and author of Uncommon Cold, about the science behind cold therapy and cold exposure. We challenge common misconceptions about how cold affects cortisol, thyroid function, fat loss, testosterone, and cancer metabolism. Professor Seager shares findings from his research on hormones, mitochondrial function, athletic performance, and metabolic health that may change how you understand cold exposure.

We discuss how Professor Seager increased his testosterone from approximately 700 to 1,180 ng/dL without testosterone replacement therapy, the benefits of pre-cooling before training for strength and endurance, and the mechanisms by which cold exposure affects the electron transport chain and biophoton release. We also explore emerging research on cold-induced vitamin D production, leptin signaling, redox balance, brown fat activation, glucose metabolism, and implications for cancer treatment.

🧊 Dr. Seager's research: https://www.morozkoforge.com

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Takeaways

Cold exposure can help manage cortisol levels effectively.

Cortisol spikes in unacclimated individuals but diminishes with regular cold exposure.

Thyroid dysfunction can be exacerbated by avoiding cold; cold exposure may help regulate thyroid function.

Cold exposure can increase testosterone levels significantly in men.

Cold therapy alone is not a weight loss solution; metabolic adjustments occur.

Pre-cooling before exercise can enhance performance and recovery.

Cold exposure may inhibit tumor growth by competing for glucose in the bloodstream.

Biophotons produced by mitochondria during cold exposure may aid in vitamin D synthesis.

Regular cold exposure can improve metabolic health and insulin sensitivity.

Cold therapy can be a complementary approach in cancer treatment.

Sound bites

"Biophotons may aid in vitamin D synthesis."

"Cold exposure may inhibit tumor growth."

"Cold therapy can complement cancer treatment."

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advise. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.

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