Starting at age 45, most men undergo yearly check-ups to measure Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels—one of the most common markers used for the early detection of prostate cancer.

In this article, we explore the experience of Thomas P. Seager, PhD, who claims that cold-plunging helped him significantly reduce his PSA levels and improve his metabolic health.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a small gland responsible for producing seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer develops when cells in the gland begin to grow uncontrollably.

• It is the most common cancer in men.

• An estimated 1.5 million new cases are diagnosed every year.

• When detected early, 80% of cases are curable.

Prostate cancer can be detected through a PSA blood test. Under normal conditions, most men present PSA concentrations lower than 4 ng/mL. However, elevated levels may be associated with cancer, inflammation, or an enlarged prostate.

What Is Cold-Plunging?

Cold-plunging is the practice of submerging the body in very cold water for a short period of time. Typically, it involves temperatures between 3°C and 13°C for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the individual’s experience and adaptation.

What are the benefits of cold exposure? Among the most studied are: 

• Faster muscle recovery

• Reduced systemic inflammation

• Increased energy

• Less stress and anxiety

• Stronger cardiovascular response

What Does Seager Tell Us About Cold Exposure and the Prostate?

After a routine exam revealed elevated PSA levels, Thomas P. Seager began discussing treatment options with other men. Stories of biopsies, surgeries, and chemotherapy left him uneasy, prompting him to research alternatives beyond traditional interventions.

This search led him to the metabolic theory of cancer, based on the Warburg effect, which suggests:

• Cancer cells consume glucose to grow (Seki et al., 2022).

• A ketogenic diet reduces glucose availability (Seyfried, 2012).

• Extreme cold exposure may also reduce glucose and increase ketone production, potentially inhibiting tumor growth.

Seager began practicing cold exposure in 2017 and reports that his PSA levels dropped by half within three months.

He also highlights a second finding after adopting regular cold-plunging: a dramatic rise in his testosterone: “almost unheard of for a 56-year-old overweight man.”

Recent research suggests that even doubling testosterone levels does not increase the risk of prostate cancer (Ørsted et al., 2014).

Cold Exposure, Brown Fat, and Mitochondria

When body temperature drops, brown fat—the main regulator of body heat—activates to restore warmth.

How does it work? Through mitochondrial activation. Mitochondria pull white fat and glucose from the bloodstream, “burning” them to produce energy (ATP). In simple terms, brown fat removes excess glucose to generate heat.

With this in mind, cold exposure may play a complementary role in health by:

• Boosting mitochondrial production (low mitochondrial function is linked to disease)

• Reducing glucose availability (limiting fuel for tumor growth)

The Protocol Thomas Seager Followed

These were the tools Seager attributes to his reduced PSA levels:

• Cold-Plunging: Submerged up to the neck for 2–4 minutes in 5°C water, six days per week

• 24-hour fasting: Once per week

• Low-carb diet in cycles: Alternating ketogenic periods with normal eating days

It is important to note that this is a single case. What worked for Seager may not produce the same outcome for someone else.

(*) Disclaimer: This article should not be considered medical advice. We are sharing one individual’s experience. Every person responds differently, and it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before practicing cryotherapy or any wellness protocol.

Conclusion

The case of Thomas P. Seager opens the discussion around the impact of cold-plunging on men’s health. Further research is needed, but his experience offers an interesting perspective on cold exposure as a wellness tool.

Explore more resources in our Wellness Journal and start your journey into cold exposure with Alfa Humans Ice Baths.