under the microscope
Reality TV star Calum Best, 34, answers our health quiz
CAN YOU RUN UP THE STAIRS?
YES. I’m pretty fit. I play football three times a week and do cardio every morning on a watt bike [indoor training bike].
GET YOUR FIVE A DAY?
EASILY. I have a smoothie in the morning with spinach, almonds, blueberries, powdered supergreens and superfruit mixtures, and almond or coconut milk. Lunch is chicken, steak or pork with veg. Dinner is the same but with carbs, too — usually rice.
POP ANY PILLS?
I TAKE seven to ten supplements a day, including a multivitamin, 500 mg of vitamin C morning and evening, zinc, magnesium and a B12.
EVER DIETED?
NOT really. There was a point when I was chubby from drinking too much and not exercising. I’m 6 ft 3 in and I weigh around 14 st 9 lb.
ANY VICES?
HARIBO sweets, chocolate, and ice cream — I have a real sweet tooth. I’ve smoked cigarettes since the age of 15 — now about ten a day. I’ve just tried an e-cigarette and found it reduced the amount I smoked, but I am not sure if I will keep using it. I drink at weekends if going out, but during the week I keep it healthy.
EVER HAVE PLASTIC SURGERY?
I’VE already had three hair transplants — in my industry, fixing a problem is a good idea. I had the first six years ago, one three years ago and one last year.
EVER GOOGLED AN ILLNESS?
YES. I remember researching online when my father [footballer George Best] was ill. I might even use the internet to research a problem before seeing my GP. My mum, who is a personal trainer, is a walking health encyclopedia so I just ask her if I am a bit off colour.
TRIED ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES?
ON MY mum’s recommendation, I have tried acupuncture; I’ve also tried cupping, homeopathy and Chinese medicine. I am open to all sorts of alternatives.
EVER BEEN DEPRESSED?
I HAVE never been clinically depressed, but there was a time in my life between ages 24 and 27 when I was pretty unhappy. I dealt with that by getting drunk. I’m much happier now, and am enjoying my life. Being fitter and healthier helps, and I like to put my energy into charities like Nacoa (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics), Elton John’s AIDS Foundation and the British Heart Foundation. Giving back is important.
HANGOVER CURE?
DRINKING warm water with lemon and ginger really cleans out your liver quickly, so I’d recommend that. Otherwise, I just grin and bear it.
WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT?
I’M LUCKY that as soon as I put my head down I go to sleep, which is very handy when travelling on planes. Sometimes I get a little anxious at night, but I’m sure everyone thinks about their worries at that time of day.
LIKE TO LIVE FOREVER?
I’D LIKE to live a long, happy, healthy life, as I feel pretty blessed and fortunate. But for ever? I’m not sure.