Two experts unravel the science behind some of the most talked-about wellness practices on celebrities’ social media pages
Pics/Instagram
Sharing a video of himself running on a treadmill while preparing for his next, Fighter, Anil Kapoor sparked a discussion around oxygen therapy. While some praised the actor, others questioned if it was safe for a 66-year-old to try the therapy.
Expert speaks:
EWOT or exercising with oxygen therapy helps in improving cellular respiration, and athletic and mental performance. It attempts to increase oxygenation of the tissues and cells, which in turn can lead to improved blood circulation. It stimulates the immune system and helps in recovery after exercise. It also reduces inflammation, and improves cardiovascular health.
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It is safe for a man of Mr Kapoor’s age to practice it. There is no age barrier for this therapy. In fact, [as per considerations], it is believed to prevent the onset of age-related diseases. So, apart from athletes, it is [expected] that people of a higher age group practice it.
Rakul Preet — Cryo
Sharing a video from a snow-laden region, Rakul Preet Singh was seen practicing cryotherapy “at -15 degrees”. Singh, an ardent fitness enthusiast, is known to adopt a variety of forms to maintain her athletic levels.
Expert speaks:
Cryotherapy exposes the body to cold temperatures for several minutes. Research has shown that exposing yourself to such extreme conditions for a few minutes can help relieve symptoms of migraines, nerve irritation, mood disorders, and joint pains. There are mental benefits as well, like the prevention of dementia and post-workout muscular recovery. The therapy puts the body in an anti-inflammatory state, which is why athletes use it.
Dino Morea — Plant-based diet
Dino Morea tells mid-day that he has been “experimenting with a plant-based diet”. “I am beginning to understand that we need an ample amount of protein from [different] plant [sources], like dals, millets, and cereals. There is [protein] in vegetables, nuts, and dry fruits. You only need to know where to get it from.”
Expert speaks:
The opinion that a plant-based diet is helpful, is true. Proteins are composed of amino acids and there are nine essential amino acids that the body needs. The amino acid profile that is present in each protein is different, and plant-based foods, when consumed in various combinations, can help one get all the essential amino acids. If, in a day, you consume one [kind] of pulse, dairy product like yogurt, nuts, and seeds, you can get a variety of amino acids from these different sources. Also, because these are derived from plants, they are available in their natural form, have a high fibre content, and are easier to digest. We tell people to have one gram of protein, per kilo body weight, and what people don’t know is that apart from the traditional protein sources, carbs also have some amounts of protein. They all eventually add up to help you meet your requirements. I would suggest meat-eaters include some form of plant-based protein in their diet. As for vegans, I’d recommend including two protein sources in each meal.
Shilpa Shetty — stability
Shilpa Shetty Kundra performs a bunch of high-octane strength training and functional training exercises. However, her Instagram feed is also generously peppered with glimpses of seemingly innocuous workouts like the bird-dog, which may appear rather simplistic. Making a case for enhancing stability, Shetty’s posts are reminders to individuals who only adhere to weight-lifting activities, to develop a more holistic approach.
Expert speaks:
As an orthopaedic surgeon, I see people with all sorts of issues that would not be there if they had integrated stability and mobility exercises into their routine. Strength-based exercises are important, and HIIT is good for heart health, but improving and maintaining stability and mobility is important too. Mobility is the range of motion that a joint should be able to comfortably move through, while stability is maintaining control of a joint movement by coordinating actions of the neuromuscular system. Working on this balance prevents injuries. When it comes to mobility, people should work on their shoulders, wrists, thoracic spine, hips and ankles. As for stability, training the cervical and lumbar spine, knees and feet, is essential to improve movement.
(From left) Dr Manan Vora, orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine expert; Krushmi Chheda, celebrity sports scientist and nutritionist
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