When Sunil Chhetri advised everyone to take cold showers daily for faster recovery, weight loss: ‘You won’t die’

Amid news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Olympics and subsequent retirement from the sport, netizens are sharing a piece of advice from Sunil Chhetri: take cold water baths.

“I wake up at 6 am. Then do my preparation. I drink warm water. Take a cold shower. Highly advise everyone. The first thing you do is take a cold shower. Even in Delhi winters. The colder, the better it is. You won’t die. Your recovery happens faster and even weight loss. You must try it,” the football legend can be heard saying in the video.

Intrigued by this revelation, we reached out to Dr Muzamil Sultan Koka, senior registrar critical care and emergency, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram who said that taking daily cold showers can have a profound impact on your body, leading to improved circulation, enhanced recovery, and even weight loss. “However, no scientific research has been conducted on these effects of cold showers. But individually we can say that cold showers also have mental health benefits, including reduced stress and improved mood,” said Dr Koka.

But Dr Manisha Arora, director, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi cautioned that cold exposure can cause a shock to the system, stimulating the sympathetic nervous system and resulting in an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. “Over time, however, the body adapts to the cold, and this exposure can have several potential benefits,” said Dr Arora.

From improved circulation to reduced stress, cold water baths have various benefits.

Improved circulation: Cold water causes blood vessels to constrict and then dilate, improving overall circulation.
Faster recovery: Cold showers reduce muscle soreness and inflammation after intense physical activity.
Boosted immune system: Regular cold water exposure stimulates white blood cell production, enhancing the immune system.
Increased alertness: The shock of cold water increases alertness and energy levels.
Glowing skin and hair: Cold water tightens pores and cuticles, improving skin and hair appearance.
Weight loss: Cold exposure activates brown fat, burning calories to generate heat.
Reduced stress: Cold showers decrease cortisol levels, reducing stress.
Improved mood: Cold water increases endorphin production, natural mood lifter.

 

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Risks and considerations

– Shock to the system: Sudden cold water exposure can be dangerous for individuals with heart disease or other health conditions.
– Potential hypothermia: Prolonged exposure to very cold water can lower body temperature dangerously.

Here’s what to consider (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

What to note?

Cold showers offer numerous health benefits, but it’s essential to approach them cautiously. “If you have any health concerns, consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your routine. Start slow, and gradually decrease the temperature to reap the rewards of cold showers,” said Dr Koka.

Overall, taking cold showers daily for six months can offer benefits like improved recovery and some weight loss, but these effects vary among individuals and should be complemented with other healthy lifestyle practices.

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