I run as fast as a horse: Swami Ramdev on his fitness and diet secrets

“I have not fallen ill even once in 50 years,” Yoga guru Swami Ramdev said at the Aaj Tak Health & Wealth Summit 2026, where he spoke about his daily routine, dietary habits, food adulteration and the growing burden of lifestyle-related diseases.

Speaking to India Today Group anchor Shweta Singh at the summit, Ramdev described his approach to food and exercise, while raising concerns about the growing use of synthetic products and the health problems faced by younger people.advertisement❮❯ Read Full StorySWAMI RAMDEV REVEALS HIS DAILY DIETRamdev said he had given up breakfast about 25 years ago and now eats his main meal only once a day. He described beginning his morning with a spoonful of ghee, followed by warm water with a pinch of salt.

His main meal consists of millets, green leafy vegetables and other foods. He said he eats salad and fruit before the meal and finishes eating in the evening, before sunset.

Ramdev also spoke about his morning routine. He said he wakes up between 3 am and 4 am, spends about an hour in prayer and meditation, and then runs for 20 to 30 minutes.

“I run as fast as a horse,” he said, describing his physical activity. He further claimed that he had travelled nearly 50 lakh kilometres over five decades without falling ill, suffering food poisoning or needing to visit a hospital.

The yoga guru expressed concern about the growing presence of synthetic medicines, adulterated food, pollution and radiation in people's lives. He argued that changes in food habits and the environment were contributing to health problems.

He also pointed to the prevalence of knee and back pain, high blood pressure, diabetes and fatty liver among people in their thirties and forties.

His remarks placed particular emphasis on preventive healthcare and the role of daily habits in maintaining health. Food quality, physical activity and a regular routine, he suggested, deserved greater attention.

Addressing the role of traditional systems of medicine, Ramdev advocated yoga, Ayurveda and changes in lifestyle. He claimed that these practices could help address conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disorders and high cholesterol.

He also spoke about heart blockages in the context of his claims regarding the benefits of these methods.

Ramdev further asserted that 99% of diseases could be prevented if people paid greater attention to their diet and practised yoga.

These statements reflect his views on health and traditional medicine. They should not, however, be taken as established medical conclusions.

Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders and coronary artery disease require appropriate medical assessment and treatment. Yoga and dietary changes may support health, but they cannot be assumed to cure these conditions or reverse heart blockages.

His message was that good health depends not only upon the treatment of illness, but also upon the choices people make in their everyday lives.

He concluded by stressing the value of a healthy body and a calm mind, presenting both as essential to a person's well-being.- Ends