My question is about getting breathless quickly while running. I am twenty years old, and I go running early in the morning for fitness.
But within a short time of starting to run, I get out of breath and have to stop running. Other people my age can run long distances comfortably, while I can only run a little. Seeing this makes me disappointed, and sometimes I also worry whether there is some problem in my lungs or heart.
I want my endurance (stamina) to increase gradually so that I can run long distances comfortably. But I do not have clear knowledge about the right way to run, how to breathe, and what to eat or not eat before running.
My questions are:
– What are the common causes of getting breathless after running only a little?
– What is the right way to breathe while running?
– How can stamina be increased gradually?
– Which pranayama and yoga help increase lung capacity?
– What remedy does Ayurveda have for this, and what should be kept in mind about food?
– Which symptoms make a doctor’s examination necessary?
I do not want to give up running, but I want to progress safely and in the right way. With your guidance I will be able to continue my fitness efforts with confidence.
Hello
Have a Healthy Day !!
Welcome to the world of health from Ayurveda conducted by Dr. Nikul Patel.
Direct answer: Getting breathless at the start of running is mostly due to low stamina or running too fast, and it improves with gradually increasing training. But if on cold mornings there is a whistling sound with breathing, cough or chest tightness, it may be exercise-induced asthma, which needs to be checked.
Understanding the problem
Cold and dry air, running fast without a warm-up, allergy, low haemoglobin or excess weight can also cause breathlessness.
The Ayurvedic view
According to Ayurveda, breathing is controlled by Prana Vata and Udana Vata, and when Kapha increases, the airways become obstructed. Ayurveda advises doing Vyayama (exercise) only up to half of one’s capacity (Ardhashakti Vyayama); exertion beyond capacity causes breathlessness. Pranayama increases lung capacity.
Practical steps
- A 10-minute warm-up before running: brisk walking, light exercise.
- At the start, alternate running and walking (such as 1 minute running, 2 minutes walking); increase gradually week by week.
- Run at a pace at which you can still talk.
- On cold mornings, cover the nose and mouth with a cloth.
- Not on an empty or full stomach; eat lightly 1-2 hours before running.
Diet
- Warm, light food; iron-rich green vegetables, jaggery with roasted chana, dates.
- Less cold drinks, ice cream and curd at night.
Medicine and yoga
In Ayurveda, substances such as Vasa, Pippali, turmeric and Chyawanprash are considered useful for the airways and strength. The right medicine, dose and timing will be decided by the vaidya after examining your condition. Yoga: Anulom-Vilom, Bhastrika (slowly), Bhujangasana, Ustrasana.
When to see a doctor immediately?
- A whistling sound with breathing, persistent cough
- Chest pain, dizziness, feeling faint
- Heartbeat staying fast even at rest
- Lips turning blue
Related Questions
Is getting breathless while running normal?
At the start, yes; regular, gradually increasing training builds stamina.
Can exercise trigger asthma?
Yes, in some people cold air and exercise narrow the airways; a check-up is needed.
What is Ardhashakti Vyayama?
According to Ayurveda, exercising only up to half of one’s own capacity.
In short: Getting breathless quickly while running is mostly due to low stamina or too much speed. Warm-up, alternating running and walking, gradual increase, pranayama and Ayurvedic care help; if there is a whistling sound or chest pain, get checked.
You can consult for more guidance.
Dr. Nikul Patel (B.A.M.S.)
307, 3rd Floor, Shalin Complex, Above Farki Lassi, Krishnabaug Char Rasta, Maninagar, Ahmedabad – 380008
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