Cold Exposure May Help Starve Cancer Cells

Cold exposure is more than just a wake-up call—it could be a powerful tool in slowing tumor growth. Back in 2022, researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden found that mice exposed to cold temperatures for 20 days experienced “considerable tumor inhibition” and nearly doubled survival rates compared to controls. The secret? Brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation, which burns glucose—the same fuel tumors need to grow—making it harder for cancer cells to thrive.

A 2023 Nature study took things further. This time, scientists showed that cold-induced BAT activation suppressed a wide range of cancers—including colorectal, melanoma, pancreatic, breast, and fibrosarcoma tumors. Tumor growth dropped by up to 80% in mice, driven by reduced angiogenesis (blood vessel formation), lower tumor hypoxia, and redirected glucose flow away from tumors and into brown fat. Even early human data is encouraging: healthy volunteers activated their brown fat with mild cold, and a patient with Hodgkin’s lymphoma saw decreased tumor glucose uptake after just one week in cooler conditions. While more research is needed, these findings highlight cold exposure as a safe, cost-effective, and natural way to potentially support long-term health.

Brown Fat: More Than We Thought

Brown fat (also called brown adipose tissue, or BAT) is a special type of body fat that burns energy instead of storing it. Unlike white fat, which acts as long-term energy storage, brown fat is packed with mitochondria—the “powerhouses” of your cells—that generate heat to keep you warm when exposed to cold.

In a recent discussion with Dr. Andrew Huberman, researchers explained that brown fat isn’t limited to the neck and clavicle region as once thought—it’s distributed throughout the body and remarkably plastic, meaning it can grow or shrink depending on use. Packed with mitochondria, BAT burns calories to generate heat and improves insulin sensitivity, making it a powerful metabolic ally. Studies show that even small exposures—like putting your hand in cold water, sleeping in a 66°F room, or walking outside in chilly weather—are enough to activate it.

Importantly, brown fat activity declines with age and obesity, but deliberate cold exposure can help maintain and even expand it. Huberman highlighted studies showing that outdoor workers and people exposed to varied temperatures maintain higher levels of brown fat into old age, supporting both metabolic health and resilience.

How Cold Exposure Inhibits Tumor Growth

• Glucose Competition: When BAT is activated, it pulls glucose away from tumors, depriving them of their primary energy source.

• Blocked Blood Supply: Cold exposure reduces blood vessel formation to tumors, cutting off oxygen and nutrients that cancer cells require to multiply.

• Protein Suppression: Cold conditions may also inhibit the ability of tumors to produce the proteins they need for growth.

Together, these mechanisms create an environment where tumors struggle to survive.

Cold Exposure Methods In Practice

When you first hear “cold exposure,” you might picture standing outside in the snow—but there are more practical and effective ways to try it:

• Cold Water Immersion: Submerging in cold (but not freezing) water for 2–5 minutes. Ice baths and cold plunges are the gold standard, offering the most benefits.

• Cold Showers or Baths: Less intense, but still a good entry point for beginners.

• Cryotherapy: Specialized chambers that expose the body to subzero temps for short bursts.

• Localized Cold Therapy: Ice packs, ice massages, coolant sprays, and cold compresses.

Always consult your doctor before adding cold therapy to your routine—especially if you have pre-existing conditions.

Why Ice Baths Are the Ultimate Method

Ice baths stand out because they’re effective, accessible, and easy to integrate into daily life. Just 2–5 minutes a day is enough to activate brown fat and tap into these potential health benefits. Best of all, you can do it from home with a Plunge—or simply a bathtub and some ice.

You should also consider downloading our free ice bath protocols to start your ice-bathing experience and learn how to elevate your cold plunging experience. 

Medical disclaimer: This post is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before beginning a cold plunging routine or any physical activities.