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The modern lifestyle has made our lives more sedentary than ever, and falling sick seems almost inevitable. But is it really that complicated to stay healthy? According to spiritual leader Sadhguru, the answer lies in going back to basics. He firmly believes that nearly 90% of health issues can be prevented or reversed with just two simple, daily practices – something accessible to almost everyone.
Here’s what Sadhguru’s approach is to prevent illnesses.
Use the body every single day
Sadhguru emphasizes a simple truth: “The more the body is used, the better it gets.” In today’s comfort-driven world, physical movement has been drastically reduced. But this lack of activity, he says, is a major reason behind rising health issues. Just a couple of centuries ago, daily life involved walking long distances, lifting, climbing, and physically engaging with the world. Today, chairs, screens, and vehicles have taken over.
Sadhguru shares an example of army personnel walking 20–30 kilometers a day – something they do as a duty. Yet, this very effort unknowingly keeps them fit and energetic. Movement isn’t a punishment; it’s the body’s natural way to thrive. Using the body regularly, through walking, stretching, climbing stairs, or even household chores, activates every system in the body and helps it self-heal.
He goes as far as saying that 80% of ailments can vanish if the body is used properly and consistently. Not through intense gym routines but through daily movement.
Eat the right kind of food
The second pillar in Sadhguru’s health philosophy is food—not just what is eaten but how and when. According to him, 10% of diseases stem directly from wrong eating habits. Overeating, processed foods, eating without hunger, and unnatural food combinations create toxicity and imbalance in the system.
Sadhguru recommends seasonal, local, plant-based meals that are light and nourishing. He encourages eating consciously and in alignment with the body’s natural cycles. When food is chosen wisely, digestion becomes smoother, energy levels rise, and inflammation is reduced—contributing to long-term health.
This doesn’t mean deprivation. It means eating to support life, not just to satisfy taste buds.
Balance of body, mind, and energy is true health
True health, Sadhguru explains, is not just about physical fitness. It’s about harmony between the body, mind, and one’s energy system. When physical movement becomes part of daily life and food is handled wisely, these two acts start aligning internal systems.
Even simple mental or breath-based practices—like being still for a few minutes, deep breathing, or chanting—can stimulate the energy body. When these three pillars are exercised—body, mind, and prana (life energy)—the human system works like a well-oiled machine.
For someone aiming for visible weight loss, walking between 5 to 7 kilometers daily works well. That’s about 7,000 to 10,000 steps — a number that’s often recommended by fitness experts worldwide.
Health is not a luxury; It’s life’s natural state
“Health is life’s way,” Sadhguru says. Illness isn’t something that strikes from outside. In most cases, it is created internally due to lack of balance, awareness, and natural rhythm. When life is allowed to happen in full flow, health is a natural outcome.
According to him, health is not a medical concept. It is the byproduct of life functioning fully. Medical systems have gained prominence because lifestyles have moved away from natural living. But reversing this is still possible. Bringing back movement, conscious eating, and mental clarity helps the body become self-regenerative.
Even 10% of diseases can be managed better
Sadhguru acknowledges that not all diseases can be prevented with lifestyle changes. Some illnesses are karmic, environmental, or caused by complex factors. But once 90% of the burden is cleared by lifestyle corrections, the remaining 10% becomes much easier to handle—both by individuals and healthcare systems.
