- 1 year ago
In this episode of Health 360, we bring the special conversation with the brand ambassador of fit India campaign, Ripu Daman Bevli, who combines being fit by running with cleanliness.
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00:00Hello and welcome to a brand new episode of Health 360.
00:04Well on the show this week, a special conversation with Fit India brand ambassador
00:08who is India's first blogger combining running with cleanliness with picking kachra.
00:16Also on the show, a look at the booming market for liver detox supplements.
00:22Does hydration have a link with poor eyesight?
00:24And how is blue light therapy being used in medicine now?
00:30I'm Sneha Murdani, this is Healthy 60.
00:33I'm Sneha Murdani.
00:49Well, he is the Government of India's Fit India Ambassador and has a lot of light to
01:13throw on the importance of physical activity and particularly running.
01:17Well, he is a runner but wait, he is not just a runner, he is also a blogger.
01:24What really is that?
01:26I caught up with Ripu Beverly, the blog man of India earlier this week and here is what
01:31happened.
01:32Sneha, what are you doing?
01:38I am blogging.
01:40What is that?
01:41We will ask Ripu, the blog man of India.
01:44Ripu, tell them about what we have been doing here.
01:47Well, we have been blogging which is a mash-up of pick-up while jogging.
01:51Very fancy word.
01:52But if we speak in Hindi, then we call it Kuda Kasrat.
01:55So, we do it in that we do it and do it in the same way.
01:59Absolutely.
02:00So, your body also has been clean and the environment also has been clean.
02:03Running is very important.
02:05Running has been your passion.
02:06Can you tell us how this passion for running started and then how the passion for picking
02:10up Kuda started?
02:11So, I have been a sports person all my life.
02:13So, I have been running, playing a lot of sport.
02:16And after 2016, after like a gap of 4-5 years, I started running again because I had a hamstring
02:21injury plus life had taken over plus corporate life.
02:24But I was running a race every day even then when I was not running.
02:27I was running the proverbial corporate rat race.
02:30Absolutely.
02:31So, when I started running in 2016, here in Delhi, in the morning, people are reduced
02:36and there is no traffic.
02:37So, the thing I saw was Kuda, trash and plastic.
02:40Okay.
02:41So, I started picking up and with my friends, they joined in.
02:44And because all of my friends were also runners, so we were running and picking up later.
02:48Oh, that's awesome.
02:49So, it's become a movement of sorts.
02:51Just show us what you do and how you do it.
02:53Sure.
02:54Let's go.
02:55So, Rippo, tell us, you are the Fit India Ambassador, isn't it?
03:03Yes.
03:04How important is it for all of us to be absolutely fit now?
03:09We are already the diabetes capital of the world.
03:11And now I think we are on our way to become the obesity capital of the world, isn't it?
03:16I think running is something that we are all born with.
03:19Yes.
03:20It's a basic human instinct.
03:22And over time, we don't do running or workout.
03:26So, we are literally like destroying our bodies.
03:29And that is why all of these lifestyle diseases.
03:31Yes.
03:32Diabetes, obesity is coming into the frame.
03:35So, if we all rise in the morning,
03:37before sunrise,
03:39we will enjoy the first rays of the sun.
03:44We will enjoy it.
03:45We will run a little bit.
03:46We will walk a little bit.
03:47We will plug a little bit.
03:49So, our body is also fit and our environment.
03:52So, let's do vlogging and running?
03:54Yes.
03:55So, Rippo, tell us when did this vlogging thing start?
03:582016 for me.
04:00Okay.
04:01I was running and started picking up.
04:04Yeah.
04:05And my friends like yourself, they joined in.
04:08Yeah.
04:09And because we were runners,
04:11so we were running and running.
04:14Okay.
04:15So, that is why it became very organically an eco-fitness movement.
04:18Very nice.
04:19After that, you also got a call from the Prime Minister.
04:23Yes.
04:24Tell us, did that feel like a prank call firstly to begin with?
04:27It did.
04:28Do you think somebody is playing games with you?
04:30I mean, of course, right?
04:32I mean, randomly you get a call out of the blue.
04:35And somebody says, I am the Prime Minister of the country.
04:38What do you think?
04:39I will think that no one is making my wife.
04:41So, the call came.
04:43Namaste Ji.
04:44I am Narendra Modi.
04:45What do you think?
04:46Okay.
04:47So, what did he tell you?
04:49Tell us about that conversation.
04:50So, that's how it happened.
04:52Yeah.
04:53So, he reached out.
04:54He said, Namaste Rappudaman Ji.
04:55I am Narendra Modi.
04:56I am Narendra Modi.
04:57Yes.
04:58And I was like, are you for real?
05:01And then, there was no reply for 10 seconds.
05:04So, I took a leap of faith.
05:06Yes, I will be Prime Minister.
05:07And there was 15-20 minutes of conversation.
05:11And the biggest thing for me was, he said, the government of India wants to do it with you.
05:19The entire country wants to do it with you.
05:21And October 2, 2019, the entire country will join you on this mission.
05:29Okay.
05:30And I started this mission in 2016.
05:32I thought, with Gandhiji's words, that everyone needs to be their own scavenger.
05:36Three years later, on his Jainti, the entire country joined us.
05:4040 lakh people participated just on that day.
05:42For me, life came full circle.
05:44Awesome.
05:45Let's go.
05:51Ripu, this plastic waste.
05:54Big, big problem not just in India but everywhere else.
05:57Yeah.
05:58Yeah.
05:59What do you do?
06:00So, we have a small movement or message called Plastic Upwas.
06:07Upwas, we all know Indians.
06:09It's a very cool term.
06:10When Gandhiji started his movement, he started Upwas and Anshan.
06:15So, there is a symbolic, powerful movement where you are silently protesting.
06:20Yes.
06:21So, the idea is that you have to take anything from your life.
06:24Take it from your life.
06:25Whether it's a plastic bottle, whether it's a mug, whether it's a cutlery.
06:30Take it with yourself and say no to single-use plastic.
06:33Whatever one item.
06:34Like I've been working in the past eight years.
06:36So, I didn't buy a single-use plastic bottle.
06:38I didn't buy a bottle.
06:39Yeah.
06:40So, if I can go around the country, organize these clean-ups in 110 cities.
06:43Yeah.
06:44And still not use or buy a single-use plastic bottle.
06:46Amazing.
06:47I survive in a single piece.
06:48Yeah.
06:49So, we can do it.
06:50Yeah.
06:53So, well, good job.
06:54Yeah, I know.
06:57Tell me about your movement, the flogging movement which has made you so popular.
07:03Well, I mean that wasn't the idea.
07:05The idea was to just do something for the country.
07:09But it started in 2016 and in 2019 when Pradhan Mantri got recognition.
07:17So, after that, about 1 crore Indians have participated in the movement.
07:23Oh, okay.
07:24And personally, I've organized these clean-ups, these flogging drives, Kura Kasrat workshops.
07:28With about, in about 110 cities and about 150 schools and colleges across the country.
07:34Awesome.
07:35And the idea was that this is not my movement.
07:38This is all of us, all of us, all of us, all of us.
07:40Because we all want to see this Kura Mukt-Bharat.
07:43Yeah.
07:44So, wherever we are, I always say this.
07:48Do you want to change the world?
07:50And every hand comes up, especially the youth.
07:53So, I'm like, if you want to change the world, change your world.
07:57Yes.
07:58If you want to change your community, your society, your neighbourhood.
08:01Imagine if 140 crore Indians have decided that I will keep my neighbourhood,
08:06I will keep my neighbourhood,
08:08automatically, Bharat will be clean.
08:10So, Ripu, you're giving us two important messages today.
08:15Tell me.
08:16So, first of all, it's about health.
08:18I think we all have health.
08:20Health is not a choice.
08:22It's your lifestyle.
08:23Everything from the time you wake up to the time you sleep, you should be mindful of your health.
08:29And if we want to improve the country, our family,
08:33then we want to prioritize our health to the best of our abilities.
08:38And another important message?
08:40Waste.
08:41Yes.
08:42I think, if we want to improve the morning,
08:45and connect with nature,
08:47we will automatically be mindful of what we are consuming
08:51and what we are consuming.
08:53And as I have heard a little bit earlier,
08:55that whatever comes in plastic,
08:57whatever comes in plastic wrapper,
08:58if we consume or reduce it,
09:01automatically,
09:02our health will also improve,
09:03and our waste will also improve.
09:05My line is like Stevie,
09:06you need to know.
09:08Detox supplements,
09:09well, they are selling like hotcakes.
09:11Social media is full of information
09:13on what they do and what they don't.
09:15I know, it could have gotten you confused,
09:18and that's the reason why we decided to put this report together for you.
09:22It's going to give you an idea about detox supplements
09:25and whether you should be taking them.
09:34From influences to supplement stores,
09:37liver detox products promise to flush out toxins
09:40and boost your energy.
09:43But are they really necessary?
09:47Liver detox supplements often contain herbal ingredients
09:50like milk thistle, dandelion root or turmeric.
09:53Well, some have shown minor benefits in lab studies,
09:56but experts say they're really no magic fix.
09:59Dr. Deer, I'm going to begin by asking you about detox drinks.
10:02Of course, they've gained immense popularity in recent years.
10:06You know, so many products claim to be flushing out toxins,
10:09you know, promote even weight loss, boost overall health.
10:12Why do you think they work?
10:15I mean, do you think they work?
10:17Or what really is your take?
10:19You think they don't really work?
10:23Extremely good question.
10:25And at the outset, I would like to say that detox drinks
10:29is a big claim that they detoxify the body.
10:33There is not a single drink which we can classify as a detox drink.
10:39Actually, it's a misnomer.
10:44The supplement industry is worth billions
10:46and liver health is big business.
10:48But doctors warn taking the wrong product
10:51could actually cause liver damage.
10:53How does then one spot fake detox drinks in the market
10:59in comparison to products which could be in fact good for us,
11:03you know, health products which could actually help us?
11:06Are there these products in the market?
11:08So, whenever somebody says that, you know,
11:11this is a, you know, liver detox or a body detox
11:15or a gut cleanse drink or, you know,
11:19you know, it's total detox drink.
11:23The first claim which company makes like this is false claim.
11:28So, any drink that you can prepare at home
11:31which gives you adequate hydration
11:35and has rich antioxidants in it is a good drink.
11:39You don't need to buy a packaged drink for that.
11:42Okay.
11:43So, beware of drinks which are labeled liver detox.
11:47They should be avoided.
11:52Instead of buying a cleanse, experts say,
11:55support your liver naturally.
11:59Eat a balanced diet, limit alcohol,
12:02stay hydrated and avoid unnecessary medications or toxins.
12:10You know, talk to us about what's your reaction
12:12when you see these claims and also give us these examples
12:15examples of the claims that are being made for consumers
12:18to actually relate to what they see and what you're telling us then.
12:21When you see a claim like a liver detox,
12:25basically what it's giving you is a load of sugar and hydration
12:29which your body may not need.
12:31And the best way for any individual to detoxify is,
12:36we know it to avoid the toxin or avoid something that we really feel is not good for our body.
12:43Let's say it is alcohol for someone or heavy food for somebody.
12:48Right.
12:49So, the best way is to avoid it rather than adding these things
12:52which will further put our body at stress of tolerating it.
12:58The global detox drinks market was valued at $1.68 billion in 2024
13:03and is expected to reach $2.34 billion by 2034
13:08with a CAGR of 3.3%.
13:11These products promise to undo a weekend of binge eating or drinking
13:15some claim to strengthen the liver.
13:18Celebrity endorsements add weightage to these claims.
13:21You know, how problematic do you find these celebrity endorsements
13:25and we have this all over the place.
13:27The claiming that these products work,
13:29they also claim that they use these products.
13:31How problematic is that, doctor?
13:34It is very, very problematic in this era of social media influence
13:39where we follow the celebrities blindly.
13:43I think celebrities should take care before endorsing such things
13:47and we should, you know, give knowledge to all our fans
13:53who are following these celebrities.
13:55There is nothing called detox.
13:56You cannot have a detox and still continue to have bad habits.
13:59We should try to have a good and a healthy lifestyle, one.
14:03And two, avoid any such claims which they are not knowledgeable about
14:08and still promoting to their fans or the listeners or our audience.
14:16Experts recommend checking with a healthcare provider
14:19before starting any supplement,
14:21especially if you have liver conditions or take prescription medication.
14:28Here are some key indicators to help you differentiate
14:32between authentic health drinks and misleading detox beverage.
14:37Beware of exaggerated health claims.
14:40Products that promise rapid weight loss.
14:42Instant energy boost.
14:44A miraculous cleansing should be approached with skepticism.
14:47Scrutinize the ingredient list.
14:50A legitimate health drink should contain recognizable and natural ingredients.
14:55Be wary of obscure and unproven components that are labeled as superfoods
14:59or detoxifying agents without credible scientific backing.
15:04Detox drinks should not replace proper nutrition.
15:08No beverage can serve as a substitute for balanced nutrition or medical treatment.
15:13If a drink claims to be a complete solution for digestive health,
15:17immunity or detoxification, it's likely misleading the consumers.
15:22Now look for transparency in marketing.
15:25Brands that use ambiguous buzzwords without a clear explanation should be approached with caution.
15:33Dehydration can lead to a dozen problems.
15:35Well, have you ever thought that poor eyesight and blurred vision could actually be one of them?
15:41We all know staying hydrated is key for our bodies.
15:51But did you know it also plays a major role in how well we see?
15:58Even mild dehydration can impact your eyesight.
16:08Your eyes may be the windows to your soul.
16:11But they are also more sensitive to water loss than you might think.
16:15Even mild dehydration can lead to dry eyes, blurry vision and even headaches.
16:24When your body is low on fluids, your eyes don't produce enough tears.
16:29That can lead to irritation, redness and in some cases, temporary vision issues.
16:41You know, how does drinking less water then mean fewer tears?
16:45So the tear film is primarily made up of water.
16:51In fact, 70% of it is water.
16:53So when there is reduction in this water, the smoothness of the front surface of the eye,
16:58the clarity of the cornea, the clarity of the tear film gets affected.
17:02And when this happens, when the tears reduce, because they are coming, getting produced from the water that we are drinking,
17:08it leads to problems within the eye.
17:10So less water, dehydration means less tears, less tears means a problem in the eyesight,
17:15a problem to the eye's nutrition, the cornea and overall a problem to the eye health.
17:20Tears are not just for crying.
17:25They are made of water, oils and mucus that helps keep your eye moist and clear.
17:35Without enough hydration, your tear production slows down.
17:39And with screen time at an all time high, the risk is even greater.
17:48Why does dehydration lead to poor eyesight?
17:51What's the connection really?
17:53Water forms a large part of our body and the eye itself has constituents which have water as a primary part.
18:02For example, our tear films, the aqueous humor.
18:06The eye, in fact, is filled with a certain form of fluid which has water in it.
18:10So when there is a reduction in this water, there is a reduction in the tear films,
18:14which is the primary diffractive surface of the eye.
18:17Whenever we are seeing the light first falls on the tear film, then enters the eye.
18:20So if that breaks, then that leads to a problem.
18:23Likewise, if there is a dehydration of the lens, of the cornea, different parts of the eye, the eyesight gets impacted.
18:32Symptoms like blurred vision, burning or a gritty feeling in your eyes are all linked to dry eye.
18:39And dry eye is often linked to dehydration.
18:44Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day is imperative.
18:51More if you are in a dry climate.
18:53Fair contacts or spend long hours staring at a screen.
18:57Drinking more water makes a hell of a difference to our eyes essentially.
19:03So water as we just discussed forms a very important part of the eye.
19:08So if I look at the eye structure here, the eye has a tear film in front.
19:12This transparent layer is the cornea within the eye.
19:15If I was to open up the eyeball, I would have the lens, which again has some water content.
19:20And this entire hollow cavity is full of water.
19:23So water forms such an essential part of every structure and function of the eye.
19:27That lack of water would lead to a worsening of eye health and eventually eyesight.
19:35So if your eyes are tired and blurry, don't just reach for your glasses.
19:40Grab a glass of water too.
19:42Your eyes might thank you.
19:48Does a bright and sunny day not lift your spirits up?
19:52In fact, depression rates are highest in countries like Alaska that are colder and darker.
19:58Reduced sunlight can lower serotonin, a mood affecting brain chemical and alter melatonin balance, triggering symptoms of depression.
20:07That is exactly the science behind blue light therapy, which is being used in a healthcare setup for medicine.
20:17We decode it here.
20:19We've all heard of blue light and have been sounded off on the problems with this kind of light disturbing our sleep patterns.
20:26But we also know that this light emanating from screens can harm our eyes.
20:31But research now points towards the direction of blue light finding a more positive use.
20:37Japanese researchers have made a claim.
20:39They say they can erase singular memories and leave others unharmed.
20:45What does this really mean?
20:47They say this kind of light, blue light, can erase memories of traumatic events.
20:53To tell our viewers, this is not a claim that has been reviewed just yet and published.
21:00But that blue light can offer solutions to our mental health problems is no secret.
21:05And there is solid science behind this.
21:08Well, let me ask you.
21:10Does a bright and sunny day not lift your spirits up?
21:13In fact, depression rates are highest in countries like Alaska that are colder and darker.
21:20Reduced sunlight can lower serotonin, a more affecting brain chemical and alter melatonin balance, triggering symptoms of depression.
21:29Well, that is the exact science behind blue light.
21:33Blue light is one of the primary color which is associated with health conditions.
21:38Initially, the blue light therapy was used in the skin conditions and it is still being used in the skin conditions.
21:45Blue light is also associated with the sleep that is the circadian rhythm.
21:51If you see your phone, there will be blue light filters.
21:54So blue light is closely associated with our sleep cycle.
21:57So by giving a blue light therapy, the circadian rhythm is managed.
22:02Light exposure has powerful effects on brain neurobiology and behavior.
22:07Peer reviewed research published in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience says that morning blue light treatment improves sleep complaints,
22:17symptom severity and retention of your extinction memory in post-traumatic stress disorder.
22:24In simple words, it helps with PTSD symptoms.
22:28Blue light exposure in the morning helps regulate circadian rhythms that improves sleep quality.
22:34The same research indicated that blue light therapy improves sleep duration and shifted by times earlier,
22:40which means it reduced PTSD symptoms severity, enhanced retention of fear, extinction memory.
22:47Exposure to light, particularly blue wavelength light, has been shown to acutely increase brain activation, alertness
22:55and some elementary aspects of cognitive performance such as working memory and emotional anticipation.
23:02It is generally given in the morning.
23:04Within two hours of waking up, a single session will remain for 30 minutes and it should continue for at least one month.
23:11So what it does, it controls the circadian rhythm and once the circadian rhythm is controlled, there are a lot of developments in the brain.
23:19So the sleep quantity improves, the quality improves and the quantity both improve.
23:27This study has been published in the Science Direct.
23:30Light is one of the most vital environmental influences on human life and it has powerful effects on our health.
23:38Daily rhythm, sleep, mood, cognitive performance.
23:41Well, the Japanese have made an interesting claim on blue light going to the extent of erasing certain memories,
23:48but it is research that will require several layers of verification.
23:54Well, that brings us to the end of this edition of Health360.
23:57You can catch this report and much more up on our website.
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24:18Thank you so much for watching.
24:19Take very good care of yourself.
24:21Bye for now.
24:24Bye for now.