What are cold-shock proteins? The first thing Ankur Warikoo does every morning even though he hates it

Entrepreneur and content creator Ankur Warikoo has revealed that taking a cold-water shower every morning is one habit he has maintained consistently for the past four years—even though he admits he "nearly hates doing it."

In a recent social media post, Warikoo explained what inspired the practice. "It was 4 years back that I came across the concept of cold-shock proteins. I have been cold-water showering every morning ever since. It started because of my fascination for the concept. It continued because it's the first hard thing I do every day that I nearly hate doing! :)) Everything that comes after feels smaller," he wrote.



His post has sparked curiosity about cold-shock proteins and the science behind cold showers.

What Are Cold-Shock Proteins?

Cold-shock proteins (CSPs) are a group of proteins produced by cells when they are exposed to cold temperatures or other forms of stress. These proteins help cells adapt to sudden drops in temperature and continue functioning efficiently.

Scientists believe cold-shock proteins act as a protective mechanism, allowing cells to cope with environmental changes that could otherwise disrupt normal biological processes.

What Do Cold-Shock Proteins Do?

When the body encounters cold conditions, several cellular functions can slow down. Cold-shock proteins help counter these effects by:

• Protecting cells from stress and damage
• Supporting protein production and repair
• Maintaining normal gene expression
• Helping cells survive challenging conditions
• Supporting brain and nervous system health

These functions have made cold-shock proteins an area of growing interest in health, fitness and longevity research.

The Most Studied Cold-Shock Proteins

Among humans, two cold-shock proteins have received significant scientific attention:

• Y-box Binding Protein 1 (YB-1)
• RNA-Binding Motif Protein 3 (RBM3)

RBM3, in particular, has attracted interest because animal studies suggest it may help protect brain cells and support memory-related functions. However, researchers are still investigating whether similar benefits occur in humans.

How Are Cold-Shock Proteins Activated?

Research suggests that cold-shock proteins may increase when the body experiences mild cooling. Activities that may trigger this response include:

• Cold-water immersion
• Ice baths
• Cold showers
• Exposure to cold environments

Some studies have reported increased levels of RBM3 following repeated cold exposure, though experts say more research is needed to determine the optimal duration and temperature required.

Why Are Cold Showers Becoming Popular?

Cold exposure has gained popularity among athletes, fitness enthusiasts and wellness advocates due to claims that it may:

• Aid recovery
• Improve resilience to stress
• Support brain health
• Promote healthy aging

While the early research is promising, many of these potential benefits remain under investigation, and scientists caution that much of the evidence comes from animal studies rather than large-scale human trials.

Should You Take Cold Showers?

Cold showers may stimulate the body's cold-response mechanisms, including the production of certain cold-shock proteins. However, there is currently no proven protocol that guarantees specific health benefits.

For people like Ankur Warikoo, the value of a cold shower may extend beyond biology. As he puts it, starting the day with something difficult makes every other challenge seem a little easier. Whether for mental discipline or curiosity about cold-shock proteins, the practice continues to attract growing attention from health-conscious individuals worldwide.