New Delhi, May 6 (IANS). Maintaining the physical and mental health of astronauts during long missions in space is the biggest challenge for space agencies. Food, nutrition and daily exercise play the most important roles in reducing the effects of microgravity on the body.
The US space agency NASA manages these aspects through specially designed programs to keep astronauts healthy and fit during missions.
The role of nutrition is extremely important in maintaining the health of astronauts. Right nutrition before, during and even after the mission helps them perform better. Food on the space station not only fulfills physical needs but also has psychological and social importance. Experts at NASA’s Space Food Systems Laboratory (Houston) prepare nutritious and delicious foods. The astronauts are also given the option to choose their favorite dishes.
This proves helpful in maintaining morale during long missions. NASA nutritionists determine the right balance of vitamins, minerals and calories for the astronauts’ needs. Each passenger logs their entire diet daily through a tablet-based app. This data is reviewed weekly. Also, the body’s reaction is studied by analyzing blood and urine samples before, during and after the mission. This shows how the body is adapting to microgravity, radiation and other factors.
Now the question is why exercise is important for astronauts? Scientists say that due to the absence of Earth’s gravity in microgravity, bones become weak, muscles shrink and cardiovascular health is affected. To avoid these effects, it is mandatory for every passenger on the space station to exercise for two and a half hours every day. This exercise program is designed to maintain muscle strength, bone density, aerobic capacity and sensory-motor health.
Key equipment available at the station includes: – ARED i.e. Advanced Resistive Exercise Device, T2 Treadmill – for walking and running and CEVIS i.e. Cycle Ergometer – for cardiovascular fitness.
NASA’s fly surgeons tailor diet and fitness routines to each astronaut’s individual situation because each person’s body responds differently to space impacts. To maintain physical as well as mental health, astronauts get access to family contact, video calls, crew care packages and psychological support when needed. The station is well equipped and has a trained crew to respond to medical emergencies.
–IANS
MT/AS
