Mahatma Gandhi is a popular icon across the world for his stand on non-violence and his contributions to Indian independence. But there is another fascinating thing about Gandhi – his health. So, in this blog, I bring you Gandhi’s secret for good health!
Fun Facts
- At the age of 70, he weighed 46.7 kg, his BMI 17.1 and blood pressure 220/110.
- Gandhi walked 18 km every day for 36 years covering a distance of 79,000 km.
- This is equivalent of walking around the planet, twice.
Gandhi’s secret for good health – Research
Recently, the Indian Council of Medical Research published health records of Gandhi in a book titled ‘Gandhi & Health @150’. This book revealed astonishing facts about the world leader.
Also Read: Ayurveda is the ultimate guide to your fitness goals
Gandhi’s struggle with health issues
Gandhi suffered from high blood pressure recorded at 220/110 mm of Hg. This was against a healthy blood pressure of under 120/80 mm of Hg. His pressure was way above the normal range.
That’s not all!
Gandhi also suffered from several health problems, including constipation, malaria, and pleurisy. It claims that he suffered from malaria on three occasions – 1925, 1936 and 1944. In 1919.
The doctors operated him for piles and appendicitis in 1924. Despite these records, why doctor’s claim Gandhi to be the unbelievably healthy man?
Also Read: Narendra Modi – A big fan of Ayurveda
Gandhi’s stand on healthy living
Gandhi was a staunch follower of Ayurveda. Be it following the path of vegetarianism or living a disciplined life, practising regular yoga or preaching the efficacy of Indian herbs. Gandhi hailed Ayurveda for his health.
Despite having such high BP and poor BMI, the apostle of peace was able to continue with his workload possibly because of the healthy life he chose to live.
Gandhi refused to take any modern medicine to contain his high blood pressure and low blood sugar but he relied on nature to maintain his health.
He opted for Ayurvedic remedies like eating garlic and Sarpgandha (Indian snakeroot). “Bapu himself wrote about his Sarpagandha treatment to his personal physician Sushila Nayyar.”
Sarpagandha has the ability to reduce the heart rate and dilate blood vessels thereby lowering the blood pressure. Several pieces of research have established the anti-hypertensive effects of sarpagandha.
From the book – Gandhi’s secret for good health
The book on Gandhi’s health records, “The good health he enjoyed was mostly attributed to his vegetarian diet and exercise in the open air”. Today, Gandhi’s principles of nutritious food being the key to good health has been taken as the ethos of the research undertaken by both ICMR and NITI Aayog.
4 comments
Long live Ayurveda.
Yes sir, you are right. I have read that He used to follow several ayurvedic methods for his healthy life.
While I was reading many books about Him, for my book “Magical Spell of Gandhi and Charkha”, came across many instances that Gandhi proclaimed our ancient ayurvedic methods heve great benefits for the society.
He was a natural miracle to the world!!!
Amazing article. I didn’t know he had high blood pressure, but, I knew he followed Yogic principles in life to stay healthy.
Excellent article…keep writing dear…
thank you sir