Role of Indian food habits in prevention of diseases.

With thousands of years old cultures and diverse ancient regimes, Indian lifestyles have always been fascinating. In recent times Indian lifestyle had seen a gigantic shift with the intervention of modern routines, which has caused the old Indian values to lose lustre. We have seen significant changes in food choices all over the country. Well! Whatever the state is, there is no disagreement with the fact that Pathya ahara will always play its role in healthy life style.

Food to a large extent defines our lives; it determines our moods, behaviour and directs us towards specific actions. In the wake of chronic health problems such as Prameha, Vata vyadhi, Kushta, etc. It is incumbent upon individuals to concern with what they eat. Acharya Charaka explained the importance of Ahara as;

Pranah Pranabrutanam annam loke abhidhavati | Anna is the Prana of all living creatures. That is why the whole world runs towards food. In the very next chapter Acharya quotes that Both Shareera & Manas are formed by Aahara only. Aahara is also considered one among Trayopasthambha ( Ahara, Nidra and Bramhacharya).

What is Pathya ?

“Pathyam patho Aanapetham yadhyachoktam manasah priyam”.

The word Pathya derives its origin from the root word ‘Patha’ which literally means a way or channel. Pathya means the dravya which is not harmful to the Srotas and at the same time pleasant to the Manas.! Which is opposite to it is called Apathya. The food characteristics and properties will change according to season, place and person. Hence pathya also changes accordingly. Pathya not only advocates intake of wholesome food but also it directs to follow a certain regimen to fasten the process of recovery from the diseased state.

What is Apathya ?

As Anna is said to be Prana, it may also become Visha which is dreadful, if used without yukti. Such ahara or vihara which cause vitiation of dosha, & dhatus but will not remove them out is said to be Apathya. Virudha ahara can be a best example for this. If apathya sevana continues, patient may suffer with Napunsakata, Andhya, Visarpa, Jalodara, Visphota, Bhagandhara, Unamada, Murcha, Mada, adhmana, Pandu, aamavisha, Kilasa, grahani , Peenasa etc. diseases.

Importance of Pathya and Apathya Ahara.

In Yogaratnakara it is said that for the treatment of diseases, 1.Nidana 2.Aushadha and 3. Pathya are three important factors which should be studied thoroughly before starting the treatment. Judicious planning of treatment by proper understanding of these three factors always yields a successful eradication of disease.

Yogaratnakara uses the simile of Ankura (seedling) for progressive form of disease. Ankura if not nourished by water will become dry and get destroyed. Similarly, disease will be destroyed if a patient does not consume Apathya ahara.

As climbers and plants grow in rainy season similarly diseases will increase due to apathya sevana. Apathya aharas and viharas hasten the kriyakala of a disease.

The word Pathya has been used as a synonym of Chikitsa by acharya Charaka. Pathya is the one which keeps the person healthy, maintains normal body functions, leads to proper functioning of the organs, nourishes the mind and intellect, counteracts sicknesses and in the meantime amends the anomalies that may happen in the body.

Ayurveda states in detail, the specific diet and life styles to be followed during different seasons, under different climatic conditions, for different age groups, and people of different Prakriti of body and mind, and for different diseases etc.

The equilibrium between man and nature leads to perfect health. The five elements in nature ( Prithwi, Aap, Teja, Vayu, & Akasha ) are present in every human being and govern every life on Earth. These five elements are in fact present in the naturally available food that we eat. Therefore any imbalance in the relation between man and nature is brought in equilibrium by the art of maintaining a proper diet.

Bhela Samhita also explains, Pathya ahara nourishes all dhatus and srotasas leading to complete nourishment of the body. Pathya ahara also helps to detoxify the body by getting rid of vitiated dosha. Contrary to this, apathya ahara helps in vitiation of doshas. Hence for maintenance of health and treating diseases pathya ahara should be consumed.

Acharya Charaka in Yajna Purushiya adhyaya while explaining Agrya dravyas, quotes as ‘Yatha agni vyavahara’ i.e. Diet according to the digestive power is the best among increasing digestive power. And the diet and activity which is homologues to the body is best wholesome (Sevyanam Shreshta)

“Vaidhya-Jivana” is one of well-known Chikitsa Grantha of medieval period written by Vaidya Lolimbaraja, in a fascinating way. According to him,

Pathye sati gadartasya kimoushadha nishevane | pathye asati gadartasy kimoushadha nishevane|| vaidyak jeevan 1/10

He rightly points out the fact that without the suitable ahara and vihara, the medications can merely play half of their role. According to him, For a diseased person Pathya is the greatest medicine and for the person who is not following pathya, then what is the use of consuming lot of medications which will not be serving the whole purpose of chikitsa ?.

We see patients of Tamaka shwasa, madhumeha, arsha, Grahani etc. in day today practice, who even after taking right treatment for a long duration of time will be still suffering. A careful history of such patients may reveal the apathya sevana which is continuous knowingly or unknowingly. Due to such apathya ahara, Ama Dosha are produced which creates number of disease in due course of time. So pathya and apathya plays a vital role for manifestation, progression and prognosis of diseases.

Effect of Apathya ahara on Manas in Present scenario:

When Ayurveda speaks about Shareera, it is body with mind and senses. Even though Shareera and manas are mentioned as separate entity, their existence in real is inseparable. Shareera is Adhara and manas is adheya. Hence their construction, sustenance and destruction are all together.

‘Ahaara sambhavamvaastu’ Hence aahara also has its role in deciding health and ill health of manas. Triguna ( Satwa, Raja,Tamas) of aahara, the method of preparation, the way of administration, intend of eating all have to be considered.

‘‘Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavati’’ The world today is eating a diet without having the slightest realization of the Pathyapathyata, and its positive or negative effects on both Shareera and Manas. Not many of us stop to think for a minute or two before we push down the food into our mouths. Almost anything that a friend offers, everything that the idiot box (TV) says is worth trying. Such ahara will definitely effect on our Manasika Swasthya and responsible for the psychosocial problems like depression.

Role of Pathya In Present Era :

We have seen significant changes in food choices all over the country. With globalization availing several foreign brands in Indian markets, our food choices have altered. Indians have developed the habit of consuming processed food. KFC’s Mc Donald, and Pizza Hut etc., has become obligatory. The office lunch boxes have been replaced with thirty minutes delivery from Dominos. This has caused growing concerns in national health.

India now ranks third in highest obesity rate in the world. It is worrying that obesity among children is growing worldwide. We are always fascinated by the world of Burgers, Chips, fried chicken and soft drinks. These foods are now correctly described as ‘Junk’. Readymade soups, 2 minute noodles, chocolates, milk shakes, ice creams have become integral parts of life. A regular consumption of this food can have terrible health implications.

With great regret we have to accept that we have blindly followed modern day life style, Innumerable ailments like Hrudroga, Kushta, Prameha, Gynecological diseases such as Kashtartava, Anartava, Vandhyatwa are mostly due to continuous apathya sevana.

Reviewing the current practices of diet and lifestyle including Dinacharya, Rutucharya, Sadvritta. Ahara rules such as, Ashtavidha Ahaara Vishshayatana, Jeerna Ahara Lakshana, and Matra of Ahara. Regular practice of Yoga such as Asanas, Pranayama, Surya Namaskara, Dhyana, etc., are really in a state where it is very essential to focus if the fruitfulness of human life is to be maintained.

Nitya sevaniya dravyas such as Yava, Shali, Godhuma, Mrudvika, Ghrita, Ksheera, Mudga, Dadima, Sharkara, Saindhava, Jangala mamsa are evident in present condition also.

Thank you

Dr. Vidyasagar Panchal