Blocked Over Pollution: Baba Ramdev vs. Bryan Johnson on X

Yoga guru and Patanjali co-founder Baba Ramdev has blocked American millionaire and biohacker Bryan Johnson on X (formerly Twitter).

The move came after Johnson raised concerns about air pollution in Haridwar, where Ramdev resides, while also challenging the yoga guru’s claims about his anti-ageing products.

The controversy started when Ramdev posted a video of himself sprinting alongside a horse while promoting Patanjali’s Swarna Shilajit and Immunogrit Gold.

In the video, he claimed that consuming these products could boost immunity, provide anti-ageing benefits, and enhance physical power.

Bryan Johnson’s Response: A Reality Check on Air Pollution

Bryan Johnson, known for his aggressive anti-ageing regimen through “Project Blueprint,” responded critically to Ramdev’s claims.

He pointed out the poor air quality in Haridwar, warning that simply breathing in the city’s air is equivalent to smoking 1.6 cigarettes per day. Johnson elaborated on the health risks, stating:

“Air quality in Haridwar right now is PM₂.₅ 36 µg/m³, which is equal to smoking 1.6 cigarettes a day. This raises risks of heart disease by 40–50%, lung cancer by 3x, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and early death (5–7 years lost).”

According to Johnson, prolonged exposure to such air pollution can lead to severe health issues, making Ramdev’s claims about vitality and longevity questionable.

Minutes after sharing his concerns, Johnson discovered he had been blocked by Baba Ramdev.

Bryan Johnson’s Experience With India’s Air Quality

This is not the first time Johnson has expressed concerns about air pollution in India. During his visit, he experienced skin breakouts, rashes, and irritation in his eyes and throat due to poor air quality.

He also walked out of a podcast hosted by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, citing similar air pollution issues in Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Following the podcast incident, Johnson explained:

“When in India, I ended this podcast early due to the bad air quality. Nikhil Kamath was a gracious host, and we were having a great time. The problem was that the room we were in circulated outside air, which made the air purifier I’d brought with me ineffective.”

Johnson also expressed concern about how normalized air pollution has become in India. He observed that people, including children, were exposed to harmful pollutants daily without taking preventive measures such as wearing masks.

Baba Ramdev’s Promotion of Patanjali’s Anti-Ageing Products

Baba Ramdev is widely known for promoting Ayurvedic products through Patanjali, the company he co-founded with Balkrishna in 2006.

His recent post on X promoted Swarna Shilajit and Immunogrit Gold as key to improving stamina, immunity, and reversing ageing.

“Ghode ki tarah tez daudne ki taakat, strong immunity, anti-ageing aur power chahiye toh Swarna Shilajit avam Immunogrit Gold khaaiye”

(Translation: If you want to run like a horse, want strong immunity, anti-ageing, and power, then consume Swarna Shilajit and Immunogrit Gold.)

Despite Ramdev’s claims, Bryan Johnson’s remarks sparked a larger discussion about the impact of environmental factors on health, especially in polluted regions like Haridwar.

The Online Reaction: A Divided Opinion

Following Johnson’s revelation that he had been blocked, the internet was abuzz with mixed reactions.

While some users supported Ramdev and his Ayurvedic approach, others sided with Johnson, agreeing that air pollution is a serious concern that cannot be ignored.

Supporters of Johnson thanked him for shedding light on India’s air quality issues, while critics questioned the validity of his anti-ageing methods, which involve strict medical monitoring, a plant-based diet, and experimental treatments.

Bryan Johnson’s Longevity Mission

Bryan Johnson is a venture capitalist and self-experimenter who has dedicated millions to slowing down ageing. His routine includes a regimented diet, intermittent fasting, advanced medical testing, and experimental procedures aimed at extending his lifespan.

His project, “Blueprint,” seeks to optimize health and longevity through cutting-edge science and technology.

His approach has been met with both admiration and skepticism, particularly from those who question the feasibility of reversing ageing through artificial means.

A Larger Debate on Health and Environment

The clash between Baba Ramdev and Bryan Johnson goes beyond a mere online disagreement—it highlights the broader issue of environmental health in India.

While Ramdev continues to advocate for Ayurvedic remedies, Johnson’s warnings about air pollution bring attention to a serious public health crisis.

As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: longevity and well-being are influenced by multiple factors, including environmental conditions.

Whether through Ayurveda or cutting-edge science, the pursuit of a healthier life remains a global conversation.