Why did Baba Ramdev block US longevity influencer Bryan Johnson?

Esteemed yoga instructor and the driving force behind Patanjali, Baba Ramdev, blocked American longevity influencer Bryan Johnson after the business tycoon challenged his statements on age-reversing benefits.

On Tuesday, Ramdev posted a video in which he was seen sprinting alongside a horse. While sharing the footage, he asserted that certain herbal formulations produced by Patanjali could help slow down ageing, fortify the body’s natural defense mechanisms, and improve vitality.

Bryan Johnson, a tech entrepreneur widely recognized for investing enormous sums in age-defying treatments, responded critically to Ramdev’s post. He highlighted that the air conditions in Haridwar—the spiritual city where Ramdev is based—are alarmingly poor. Johnson emphasized that merely inhaling the air in the region could escalate the likelihood of developing serious heart and lung disorders.


His remark seemingly did not sit well with Ramdev, who swiftly proceeded to block him from further interacting with his content. This action reignited discussions surrounding Johnson’s previous criticisms of India’s environmental challenges.

The Controversial Statement

In his original post, Ramdev wrote in Hindi:
"Ghode ki tarah tez daudne ki taakat, strong immunity, anti-aging aur power chahiye toh Swarna Shilajit avam Immunogrit Gold khaaiye," which translates to "If you wish to possess the strength to run as swiftly as a horse, build robust immunity, defy ageing, and enhance physical power, then consume Swarna Shilajit and Immunogrit Gold."

Both of these supplements are flagship products manufactured by Patanjali, the wellness brand that Ramdev co-founded with Balkrishna in 2006.

Johnson, in response, took the opportunity to again highlight the concerning issue of India’s deteriorating air purity. Shortly after commenting on the post, he took to X to announce that he had been blocked by Ramdev. "Air quality in Haridwar right now is PM 2.5 36 µg/m³ which is equal to smoking 1.6 cigarettes a day,” he wrote. “This raises risks of heart disease by 40–50%, lung cancer by 3x, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and early death (5–7 years lost),” Johnson added.

A Pattern Of Criticism

This is not the first time Johnson has raised alarms about pollution levels in India. A few weeks earlier, he gained media attention when he abruptly exited a podcast hosted by Indian entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath. He had expressed severe discomfort with the air quality during the recording and left midway through the conversation. Since then, he has repeatedly voiced his worries about the nation’s escalating pollution crisis.

Health Concerns Linked To Air Quality

The wealthy investor, who spends vast amounts on meticulous health optimization strategies, has argued that his short visit to India resulted in noticeable negative effects on his well-being. According to Johnson, exposure to the country’s air pollution had triggered various health complications within a relatively brief period.

His stance on environmental degradation and its impact on human health has sparked widespread debate. While some support his warnings, others view his remarks as exaggerated and dismissive of India’s broader cultural and scientific contributions to wellness.