Role of Prakruti (Constitution)-wise Pathya (Wholesome Diet) in Disease Prevention for Children: A Narrative Review
Correspondence Address :
Dr. Renu Bharat Rathi,
Professor, Department of Kaumarbhritya, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurveda College Hospital and Research Centre, Wardha-442001, Maharashtra, India.
E-mail: rbr.226@gmail.com
Ayurveda, the Science of Life, not only utilises medications to cure diseases but also employs Anupana, Ahara (diet), and other techniques to preserve a person’s health and manage diseases. Ayurveda places strong emphasis on fundamental dietary principles such as suitable food, combinations of food, cooking techniques, storage, dining environment, hygiene, and manners. Pathya Ahara (Wholesome diet) Kalpana (Ayurvedic Dietetics) is a unique concept. Pathya (Wholesome) refers to that which provides relief to individuals through the use of diet and regimen. The primary goal of discussing Pathya (Wholesome) Ahara Kalpana (Ayurvedic Dietetics) is to highlight the importance of providing proper nutrition based on one’s constitution in preserving physical health and in balancing Dosha, Dhatu, Mala, and Agni to aid in curing various ailments. The term “Pathya” (Wholesome) refers to the diet and lifestyle that are compatible with a person’s channels, constitution, and strength, respectively. The key idea behind Pathya (Wholesome) Ahara (diet) serves as the foundation for both the preventive and therapeutic components of Ayurveda. According to Ashtavidha Ahara Vidhi Visesha Ayatana (Rules regarding Diet), there are various methods for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of paediatric disorders as described in Ayurveda. Therefore, utilising preventive measures can help in maintaining a disciplined lifestyle and promoting a healthy existence.
Ahara, Environment, Food science of life, Unwholesome diet
Health is described as a state in which the physician is primarily concerned with the body and mind, free of any ailment (1). Swasthavritta (a lifestyle promoting physical and mental health) provides detailed descriptions of Dinacharya (daily life routines), Ausadhi, Ahara (diet), which are the three major components and pillars that emphasise on balancing of tridosha (2). In Ayurveda (the Science of Life), the quantities of dietary formulations are precisely specified. Pathya (Wholesome) refers to carefully prepared, calculated, ripe, or cooked food that is beneficial to one’s health (3).
Acharya Kashyap has emphasised the importance of Ahara (diet) over Mahabhaishjya (medicine). No drug can help a patient who does not adhere to the Pathya (Wholesome). The significance of Ahara (diet) and Pathya (wholesome) in maintaining health lies in their ability to keep the Sapta-dhatu and tridosha in a healthy condition, which are the primary components of good health. According to Ayurveda (the Science of Life), an individual’s complexion, voice, lifespan, happiness, strength, physical health, and mental health are all influenced by the Ahara (diet) (4).
One of the important concepts in Ayurveda (the Science of Life) is Prakruti, the innate nature of an individual, which is determined at the time of conception itself and remains throughout life (5). Prakruti serves as a valuable tool for illness prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. An individual is more prone to diseases of similar Prakruti, making it easier for Ayurvedic physicians to identify the diagnosis. In cases of severe symptoms, a worsened state indicates a poor prognosis. Teenagers are more susceptible to diseases due to their still maturing immune systems and the likelihood of experiencing unexpected hormonal changes. Adolescents may have immunodeficiencies due to age, racial, and gender disparities, leading to recurrent infections of the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. The consumption of suitable and unsuitable meals determines happiness and misery, respectively. Health is maintained through correct nutrition, yet food can also cause illnesses if unhygienic, stale, or if food of similar Prakruti is consumed without following instructions like consuming suitable wholesome (Hitabhuk) and proper quantity (mitabhuk) (6). Therefore, Ahara (diet) should be included in the dietary preparations of both patients and healthy individuals.
According to Acharya Charak, wholesome food is one of the causes for the growth and well-being of humans, while unwholesome food is the root of all diseases (7). Therefore, to prevent early morbidity among children, the diet should be consumed contrary to Prakruti. Hence, the intervention of Pathya (Wholesome) as a modified diet without medicine is crucial to implement in order to preserve the health of children. The present study will inform and instruct in the identification of factors that contribute to disease, as well as help in choosing the proper dietary substances or formulations to enhance Agni, boost immunity, and reduce morbidity in children and all human beings.
Concept of Pathya (Wholesome)
The concept of Pathya (wholesome) in Ayurveda is unique. The term “Pathya ahara” (wholesome food) originates from the root word “Pathya,” meaning “wholesome” or “correct” in English. As indicated in the definitions provided, Pathya (wholesome) encompasses both physical items and specific routines, but within Ayurvedic literature, these terms are primarily associated with dietary practices (8).
Pathya (Wholesome) Ahara (Diet) (9)
Pathya (Wholesome) food substances nourish and maintain the health of the body and mind, ensuring a balance of Dosha, dhatu, and Mala, as well as all sensory-motor organs (Gyanendriya and Karmendriya), mind, and soul. Foods with similar appearances that have potentially positive health effects beyond basic nutrition are known as functional foods (10). According to Acharya Charka, healthy individuals should regularly consume specific food items such as Mudga (Phaseolus radiatus Linn.), Saindhav (Sodium chloride/Rock salt/Bay salt), Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis Gaertn.), and Ghee (Butyrus depurum) (10). These foods promote optimal health and help reduce the risk of illness. Functional foods are dietary materials that offer additional physiological benefits beyond meeting basic nutritional needs (11). Pathya (Wholesome) Ahara (diet) can help reduce morbidity, especially since children’s immune systems are still developing. Following Prakruti Parikshana, the Pathya (Wholesome) paradigm should be employed as a clinical practice in personalised medicine (12).
Ahara (Diet) Explained in Ayurveda (Science of Life)
Acharya Charaka recommends that a diet, in conjunction with Yava (Hordeum vulgare) powder, gooseberry, blueberry, buttermilk, and fenugreek, should be consumed regularly (13). He also suggested the inclusion of Prashatika, Priyanguka (Setaria italica), Shyamak (Echinochloa frumentacea), Madhumeha (Avena Sativa Linn.), Joornaahva (Sorghum Vulgare Pers), Kodrava (Paspalum scrobiculatum), Mudga (Vigna radiata), and Kulattha (Dolichos) to maintain health (14). Various categories of dravyas varga are elaborated in (Table/Fig 1) (15).
System-wide dietary and medicinal practices are described in Ayurveda, offering preventive and curative measures for systemic illnesses (Table/Fig 2) (10),(16),(17).
Good immunity is crucial for preventing diseases; therefore, to reduce morbidity and mortality in children, it is essential to focus on enhancing immunity.
Different Types of Food that can Improve the Immunity of the Body in Children
It seems that a wholesome diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and high-fibre plants supports the development and maintenance of good gut flora microorganisms. Short-chain fatty acids are produced when certain beneficial microorganisms break down fibres, which in turn enhances immune cell function. These fibres, which nourish bacteria, are frequently referred to as prebiotics (16). Consequently, including probiotic and prebiotic items in a child’s diet is very helpful. Prebiotic foods include fibre and oligosaccharides that nourish and sustain healthy colonies of beneficial bacteria, while probiotic foods include live bacteria.
Probiotic foods such as buttermilk, curd, kefir, yogurt with live active cultures, fermented vegetables, tempeh, sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), kombucha tea, kimchi (fermented veg pickle), and miso (Japanese soup) are examples of foods with high probiotic value (18).
Prebiotic foods such as garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, dandelion greens, bananas, and seaweed are examples of prebiotic foods. For dietary prebiotics, it is generally recommended to consume a variety of colourful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes (16).
Formulation and Properties of Different Ahara (diet) Kalpana) (16)
According to Swasthavritta, Dinacharya, and Ritucharya, various Aahara Kalpanas have been described by Acharyas. These Kalpanas help in stimulating Jatharagni through:
• Samsarjana/Pathya: for example, Manda, Peya, Vilepi, etc., (Table/Fig 3) (19).
• Shodhana: A vehicle for purifying drugs, for example, Madanaphala Leha, Modaka, etc.
• Shamana: For drug delivery to the targeted area, for example, Vishaghna, Yavaagoos.
“Aahara Kalpana is used in Samsarjana Karma in Panchakarma as Paschat karma to boost the Jatharagni.”
Pathya (Wholesome) Ahara (Diet):-According to Prakruti (12),(20),(21)
Tridoshas: When evaluating dietary consumption, Ayurveda (the Science of Life) places a strong emphasis on Prakruti, or body constitution. The three extreme human phenotypes-Pitta, Vata, and Kapha-create seven distinct human Prakrutis with different phenotypic variations. At the level of genetic expression, this Tridosha hypothesis has been translated into Ayurgenomics. At the level of genome-wide expression, divergent disparities have been discovered in terms of the biochemical and haematological levels. Personalised diets and medications are fundamentally combined with the Prakruti concept in Ayurveda (Science of Life) (21). These regimens can be followed according to Prakruti’s constitution needs to maintain a healthy body and balance the Dosha. For example, Kapha Prakruti individuals require more exercise and Laghu Ahara (light diet) to stay in shape, and they should avoid Divaswapna (Day Sleeping). Vata Prakruti individuals should eat more nourishing and heavier foods, exercise less, and perform Divaswapna (Day Sleeping). According to Ayurveda (Science of Life), most ailments develop due to faulty eating habits, so Ayurveda (Science of Life) deals with the Pathya (Wholesome) Vyavastha (planning of diet and dietetics) in a very scientific way (22).
Vata dominant prakruti: The main qualities of vata are dry, light, cool, rough, subtle, and mobile. Therefore, having a vata-predominant Prakruti means that these qualities express themselves generously throughout your mental, emotional, and physical makeup. For example: Shastika Godhuma, Jwar Masura, Mangalya, Aadhaki, Soybean, Mutton, and fruits like Anjir, Angur, Khajur, Guava, Apple, Narikel, Aja dugha, Mahisha Dugdha, Go-ghee, Takra, Navneeta, Paneer, Cheese, etc., (Table/Fig 4).
Pitta dominant prakruti: The main qualities of pitta are oily, sharp, hot, light, fleshy smelling, spreading, and liquid. Therefore, having a pitta-predominant Prakruti means that these qualities express themselves generously throughout your mental, emotional, and physical makeup (20). For example: Godhuma, Mudga, Masura, Mangalya, Aadhaki, and fruits like Dry plum (ber), Khajur, Musk melon, Apple, Jujube, raisin, Fig, pomegranate, Mahisha Dugdha, Go-ghee, Takra, etc., (Table/Fig 5).
Kapha dominant prakruti: The diet for a Kapha Prakruti person should be rich in Katu, Tikta, and Kashaya Rasa. It should be rich in Ushna (hot), Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry) Gunas. They should avoid too much sweetness, dairy products, and unctuous foods, which can aggravate the Kapha Dosha. For example: Raktashali, Yava, Mudga, Mangalya, Rohit Matshya, Chicken, Eggs, and seasonal fruits like peanuts, fox nuts, chestnuts, and grains such as barley, millet, oats, etc., (Table/Fig 6) (12).
Nidana-wise pathya kalpana: Knowledge of Nidana helps in identifying the causes of the disease. If the Nidana is not identified, the causative factors remain in contact with the body for a longer time, and the disease caused by them worsens over time and becomes incurable. Pathya (wholesome) are terms in Ayurveda that describe substances or regimens that affect the body and mind. Pathya refers to a diet and regimen that nourishes the body and mind, clears the body’s micro-channels, and provides happiness (Table/Fig 7) (23).
It can be concluded that using Prakruti-wise Pathya (Wholesome), physicians can significantly improve a child’s mental and physical health and immunity. This dietary modification, as needed, can help in preventing and treating the majority of illnesses and hastening recovery. The review describes system-wise diet and plant medicines, various classifications of dietary substances, and the association of diet as per Prakruti for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of paediatric disorders. Modifying the Prakruti opposite preventative measures can aid in maintaining a disciplined lifestyle to ensure a healthy existence.
The authors would like to thank Mahatma Gandhi Ayurveda College, Hospital and Research Centre, Salod (Hi), Wardha, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Deemed to be University, Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2024/66538.19316
Date of Submission: Jul 17, 2023
Date of Peer Review: Oct 09, 2023
Date of Acceptance: Feb 10, 2024
Date of Publishing: Apr 01, 2024
AUTHOR DECLARATION:
• Financial or Other Competing Interests: None
• Was informed consent obtained from the subjects involved in the study? Yes
• For any images presented appropriate consent has been obtained from the subjects. NA
PLAGIARISM CHECKING METHODS:
• Plagiarism X-checker: Jul 17, 2023
• Manual Googling: Oct 14, 2023
• iThenticate Software: Feb 08, 2024 (8%)
ETYMOLOGY: Author Origin
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