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Authors are the souls of any journal, and deserve much respect. To publish a journal manuscripts are needed from authors. Authors have a great responsibility for producing facts of their work in terms of number and results truthfully and an individual honesty is expected from authors in this regards. Both ways its true "No authors-No manuscripts-No journals" and "No journals–No manuscripts–No authors". Reviewing a manuscript is also a very responsible and important task of any peer-reviewed journal and to be taken seriously. It needs knowledge on the subject, sincerity, honesty and determination. Although the process of reviewing a manuscript is a time consuming task butit is expected to give one's best remarks within the time frame of the journal.
Salient features of the JCDR: It is a biomedical, multidisciplinary (including all medical and dental specialities), e-journal, with wide scope and extensive author support. At the same time, a free text of manuscript is available in HTML and PDF format. There is fast growing authorship and readership with JCDR as this can be judged by the number of articles published in it i e; in Feb 2007 of its first issue, it contained 5 articles only, and now in its recent volume published in April 2011, it contained 67 manuscripts. This e-journal is fulfilling the commitments and objectives sincerely, (as stated by Editor-in-chief in his preface to first edition) i e; to encourage physicians through the internet, especially from the developing countries who witness a spectrum of disease and acquire a wealth of knowledge to publish their experiences to benefit the medical community in patients care. I also feel that many of us have work of substance, newer ideas, adequate clinical materials but poor in medical writing and hesitation to submit the work and need help. JCDR provides authors help in this regards.
Timely publication of journal: Publication of manuscripts and bringing out the issue in time is one of the positive aspects of JCDR and is possible with strong support team in terms of peer reviewers, proof reading, language check, computer operators, etc. This is one of the great reasons for authors to submit their work with JCDR. Another best part of JCDR is "Online first Publications" facilities available for the authors. This facility not only provides the prompt publications of the manuscripts but at the same time also early availability of the manuscripts for the readers.
Indexation and online availability: Indexation transforms the journal in some sense from its local ownership to the worldwide professional community and to the public.JCDR is indexed with Embase & EMbiology, Google Scholar, Index Copernicus, Chemical Abstracts Service, Journal seek Database, Indian Science Abstracts, to name few of them. Manuscriptspublished in JCDR are available on major search engines ie; google, yahoo, msn.
In the era of fast growing newer technologies, and in computer and internet friendly environment the manuscripts preparation, submission, review, revision, etc and all can be done and checked with a click from all corer of the world, at any time. Of course there is always a scope for improvement in every field and none is perfect. To progress, one needs to identify the areas of one's weakness and to strengthen them.
It is well said that "happy beginning is half done" and it fits perfectly with JCDR. It has grown considerably and I feel it has already grown up from its infancy to adolescence, achieving the status of standard online e-journal form Indian continent since its inception in Feb 2007. This had been made possible due to the efforts and the hard work put in it. The way the JCDR is improving with every new volume, with good quality original manuscripts, makes it a quality journal for readers. I must thank and congratulate Dr Hemant Jain, Editor-in-Chief JCDR and his team for their sincere efforts, dedication, and determination for making JCDR a fast growing journal.
Every one of us: authors, reviewers, editors, and publisher are responsible for enhancing the stature of the journal. I wish for a great success for JCDR."
Thanking you
With sincere regards
Dr. Rajendra Kumar Ghritlaharey, M.S., M. Ch., FAIS
Associate Professor,
Department of Paediatric Surgery, Gandhi Medical College & Associated
Kamla Nehru & Hamidia Hospitals Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462 001 (India)
E-mail: drrajendrak1@rediffmail.com
On May 11,2011
Dr. Shankar P.R.
"On looking back through my Gmail archives after being requested by the journal to write a short editorial about my experiences of publishing with the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (JCDR), I came across an e-mail from Dr. Hemant Jain, Editor, in March 2007, which introduced the new electronic journal. The main features of the journal which were outlined in the e-mail were extensive author support, cash rewards, the peer review process, and other salient features of the journal.
Over a span of over four years, we (I and my colleagues) have published around 25 articles in the journal. In this editorial, I plan to briefly discuss my experiences of publishing with JCDR and the strengths of the journal and to finally address the areas for improvement.
My experiences of publishing with JCDR: Overall, my experiences of publishing withJCDR have been positive. The best point about the journal is that it responds to queries from the author. This may seem to be simple and not too much to ask for, but unfortunately, many journals in the subcontinent and from many developing countries do not respond or they respond with a long delay to the queries from the authors 1. The reasons could be many, including lack of optimal secretarial and other support. Another problem with many journals is the slowness of the review process. Editorial processing and peer review can take anywhere between a year to two years with some journals. Also, some journals do not keep the contributors informed about the progress of the review process. Due to the long review process, the articles can lose their relevance and topicality. A major benefit with JCDR is the timeliness and promptness of its response. In Dr Jain's e-mail which was sent to me in 2007, before the introduction of the Pre-publishing system, he had stated that he had received my submission and that he would get back to me within seven days and he did!
Most of the manuscripts are published within 3 to 4 months of their submission if they are found to be suitable after the review process. JCDR is published bimonthly and the accepted articles were usually published in the next issue. Recently, due to the increased volume of the submissions, the review process has become slower and it ?? Section can take from 4 to 6 months for the articles to be reviewed. The journal has an extensive author support system and it has recently introduced a paid expedited review process. The journal also mentions the average time for processing the manuscript under different submission systems - regular submission and expedited review.
Strengths of the journal: The journal has an online first facility in which the accepted manuscripts may be published on the website before being included in a regular issue of the journal. This cuts down the time between their acceptance and the publication. The journal is indexed in many databases, though not in PubMed. The editorial board should now take steps to index the journal in PubMed. The journal has a system of notifying readers through e-mail when a new issue is released. Also, the articles are available in both the HTML and the PDF formats. I especially like the new and colorful page format of the journal. Also, the access statistics of the articles are available. The prepublication and the manuscript tracking system are also helpful for the authors.
Areas for improvement: In certain cases, I felt that the peer review process of the manuscripts was not up to international standards and that it should be strengthened. Also, the number of manuscripts in an issue is high and it may be difficult for readers to go through all of them. The journal can consider tightening of the peer review process and increasing the quality standards for the acceptance of the manuscripts. I faced occasional problems with the online manuscript submission (Pre-publishing) system, which have to be addressed.
Overall, the publishing process with JCDR has been smooth, quick and relatively hassle free and I can recommend other authors to consider the journal as an outlet for their work."
Dr. P. Ravi Shankar
KIST Medical College, P.O. Box 14142, Kathmandu, Nepal.
E-mail: ravi.dr.shankar@gmail.com
On April 2011 Anuradha
Dear team JCDR, I would like to thank you for the very professional and polite service provided by everyone at JCDR. While i have been in the field of writing and editing for sometime, this has been my first attempt in publishing a scientific paper.Thank you for hand-holding me through the process.
Dr. Anuradha
E-mail: anuradha2nittur@gmail.com
On Jan 2020
Reviews
Full Version
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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