During a recent appearance on the Katie Miller podcast, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Dr. Mehmet Oz revealed the health trend he once doubted but has since embraced: cold plunging.
When asked about “the most ridiculous health trend that you’ve ever pretended to like on TV,” Dr. Oz didn’t hesitate.
He said: “Cold plunging. I thought it was crazy. There’s no way. But now she [my wife] got us one and I’m doing it all the time,” he admitted, referring to his wife Lisa Oz’s influence in bringing the practice into their home.
Cold plunging, which involves immersing oneself in cold water for short periods, has gained tremendous popularity in recent years. Advocates claim benefits ranging from reduced inflammation to improved mental clarity and enhanced recovery.
Lisa Oz confirmed her husband’s transformation. “But you love it,” she interjected during the podcast, to which Dr. Oz agreed. The couple now has a cold plunge setup at home, marking a complete turnaround from his initial dismissal of the practice.
During the conversaion, Dr. Oz and Lisa discussed their approach to health and wellness. The couple, married for 40 years, has long been known for their commitment to integrative medicine. However, Dr. Oz acknowledged that much of this perspective came from his wife’s family background.
“Lisa’s family had been involved in integrative medicine, alternative medicine, a lot of names for it, but basically looking beyond traditional medicine for answers, much of what MAHA represents today,” Dr. Oz explained, referencing the Make America Healthy Again movement.
While Dr. Oz now embraces cold plunging, he was quick to identify what he considers genuinely overhyped: gluten-free products. “It’s a head fake,” he stated firmly.
He explains: “You’re taking food that naturally had gluten and you’re adulterating it, processing it to pretend that it’s good for you because it’s gluten out. What your real problem is, if you truly are having celiac or gluten intolerance, don’t eat bread. ”
The discussion also touched on health trends Dr. Oz stands firmly behind, particularly intermittent fasting. “More than what you eat is when you eat,” he emphasized. He encourages people to ask themselves if they’re truly hungry in the morning, suggesting that most people can comfortably wait until 10 or 11 a.m. for their first meal.
