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Pathya apathya: impact and role in lifestyle disorders

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Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Pathya apathya: impact and role in lifestyle disorders
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Author(s):

Vanya Gupta
P.G. Scholar, Dept. of Agad Tantra, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
Ved Bhushan Sharma
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Agad Tantra, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
R.C.Tiwari
Professor & H.O.D, Dept. of Agad Tantra, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
Manisha Dikshit
Associate Professor, Dept. of Agad Tantra, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
Anoop Kumar Singh
Associate Professor, Dept. of Agad Tantra, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.


Ayushdhara:

(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: Pathya apathya: impact and role in lifestyle disorders

Year: 2021 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v8i1.637

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Ayurveda, a revered traditional Indian system of medicine, has been utilized for centuries to promote health and treat diseases. In recent years, the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases � classified as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) � has drawn attention to the role of diet and lifestyle management in health maintenance. Lifestyle disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are linked to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, and stress. Essential to Ayurveda is the concept of Pathya (wholesome diet) and Apathya (unwholesome diet), which play critical roles in the prevention and management of these lifestyle diseases.

Impact of Pathya and Apathya

Pathya and Apathya signify dietary considerations crucial to preserving health and mitigating ailments. Pathya describes foods that nourish and stabilize the body, positively impacting physical and mental wellness. Conversely, Apathya pertains to foods that adversely affect health. Ayurveda emphasizes the significance of these concepts, asserting that following a Pathya regimen can help maintain a balance among the body's doshas (energetic forces). This balance is vital for health, as an unsuitable diet can lead to the aggravation of doshas and the development of lifestyle disorders. For instance, incorporating nourishing foods like green gram and barley while avoiding heavy and sweet foods can prevent conditions like obesity and diabetes.

Metabolic Syndrome and Its Relevance

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions, including obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, that occur together, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In Ayurveda, metabolic issues are largely seen through the lens of Agni, or digestive fire, which is crucial for proper metabolism. Factors contributing to metabolic syndrome, such as overeating and lack of physical activity, can lead to the accumulation of toxins (Ama) and excess body fat (Meda), encompassing the idea of Santarpanajanya Vyadhi (diseases due to over-nutrition). Therefore, adhering to a disciplined Pathya diet can help metabolism function optimally, preventing the onset of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and other related health issues.

Conclusion

The rising burden of lifestyle diseases in India necessitates a thorough understanding of dietary practices within Ayurveda, particularly the concepts of Pathya and Apathya. By focusing on a balanced diet tailored to individuals' specific health needs, Ayurveda offers valuable insights for preventing and managing lifestyle-related disorders. The application of these principles not only promotes health but also aids in the holistic healing of lifestyle diseases, emphasizing that “prevention is better than cure.� Hence, individuals are encouraged to adopt Pathya practices to enhance their overall well-being and mitigate the risks associated with lifestyle diseases.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the role of diet in lifestyle disorders according to Ayurveda?

In Ayurveda, diet significantly influences health. A well-balanced diet, referred to as Pathya, can prevent diseases and promote overall well-being. The avoidance of unwholesome foods, termed Apathya, is crucial to maintaining harmony within the body and preventing lifestyle-related disorders.

How does Ayurveda define lifestyle diseases and their causes?

Lifestyle diseases, categorized as non-communicable diseases, arise from unhealthy living habits, such as lack of physical activity, poor diet, and stress. Ayurveda identifies these issues as a result of Pragyaparadha, or intellectual blasphemy, leading to improper lifestyle choices and health complications.

What are some common lifestyle diseases mentioned in the text?

Common lifestyle diseases include obesity, type II diabetes, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, heart diseases, strokes, cirrhosis, and certain cancers. These disorders are primarily linked to sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary choices, and environmental factors.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pathya apathya: impact and role in lifestyle disorders�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Disease:
Lifestyle diseases, known as non-communicable diseases, are referenced extensively throughout the text and linked to factors such as improper diet and sedentary lifestyles. Obesity, type II diabetes, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, cardiac diseases, and cancer are specifically mentioned.

2) Pathya:
Pathya refers to wholesome or beneficial foods and habits in Ayurveda. It is derived from the root 'Patha' meaning a way or channel, and pertains to dietary considerations that promote health and prevent diseases.

3) Apathya:
Apathya, the opposite of Pathya, denotes unwholesome or harmful foods and habits. It signifies dietary elements and behaviors that can cause or aggravate diseases.

4) Food:
The role of food in Ayurveda is pivotal as it nourishes life, and balanced diets are crucial for health. Ayurveda considers diet not only in terms of components like proteins and fats but also in how food is prepared and consumed.

5) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine focused on holistic health and the prevention of diseases through balanced living and diet. It provides comprehensive guidelines for lifestyle and dietary habits to promote health.

6) Varanasi (Varanashi):
Varanasi is mentioned as the place of publication for various editions of 'Chaukhambha Surbharti Prakashan', which includes significant texts referenced in the study.

7) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, which are frequently mentioned sources that provide extensive dietary and health guidelines.

8) Diet:
Managing diet (Pathya-Apathya) is integral to Ayurveda, emphasizing wholesome diets tailored to individual needs for maintaining health and treating diseases. Ayurveda specifies seasonal and condition-specific diets.

9) India:
India is the country where Ayurveda originated and where lifestyle diseases, influenced by unhealthy diets and sedentary behaviors, have been rising, necessitating effective traditional healthcare practices.

10) Blood:
High blood pressure and blood sugar levels are cited as metabolic risk factors contributing to lifestyle diseases, necessitating dietary and lifestyle adjustments to manage these conditions.

11) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the fundamental bodily humors in Ayurveda—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that need balancing to maintain health. Imbalance due to improper diet or lifestyle leads to diseases.

12) Sutra:
Sutra refers to foundational aphorisms or verses in Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita, which provide guidelines on various aspects of health including Pathya and Apathya.

13) Ahara:
Ahara means food or diet, which is central to Ayurvedic principles. Proper Ahara (Pathya) helps in maintaining Dhatus (tissues) and Srotas (channels), preventing and treating diseases.

14) Vanya:
Vanya Gupta, one of the authors, contributes to the detailed exploration of Pathya and Apathya's impact on lifestyle disorders in the referenced article.

15) Gupta:
Vanya Gupta is the main author of the study presented in the article, examining the role of dietary practices in managing lifestyle disorders per Ayurvedic principles.

16) Medicine:
In Ayurveda, medicine extends beyond pharmaceuticals to include dietary management as an essential component of treatment and prevention of diseases through Pathya and Apathya practices.

17) Cancer:
Cancer, linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of exercise, is identified as a major lifestyle disease in India, underscoring the need for preventive measures through appropriate dietary practices.

18) Indian:
Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, offers extensive guidelines on maintaining health through proper diet and lifestyle, adapting to the needs of modern Indian society facing lifestyle diseases.

19) Agnivesha (Agnivesa, Agni-vesha):
Agnivesha is attributed as the author of the Charaka Samhita with contributing scriptures addressing Pathya and Apathya in Ayurvedic dietary practices.

20) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
Vyadhi means disease in Ayurveda, and the text discusses various lifestyle-related Vyadhis like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and their management through Pathya-Apathya.

21) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
One of the co-authors, Ved Bhushan Sharma, contributes to the research on the impact of Pathya and Apathya in managing lifestyle disorders within the context of Ayurvedic medicine.

22) Agni:
Agni, the digestive fire in Ayurveda, plays a crucial role in metabolism. Imbalances in Agni due to improper diet lead to lifestyle diseases classified as Santarpanajanya Vyadhi (over-nutrition disorders).

23) Rice (Rce):
Various types of rice like Shashtika and Shali are highlighted as Pathya (wholesome) foods in Ayurveda for maintaining health and managing diseases.

24) Milk:
Milk, especially cow's milk, is recognized as Pathya (wholesome) in Ayurveda when consumed appropriately, offering various health benefits. Overuse and certain types may be Apathya (unwholesome).

25) Salt (Salty):
Rock salt (Saindhava) is amongst the food articles recommended as Pathya (wholesome) for its beneficial properties, while excessive use of other salts can be Apathya (unwholesome).

26) Drug:
In Ayurveda, while modern drugs play a role, the emphasis is on Pathya (dietary management) which can sometimes serve as complete treatment in itself for lifestyle diseases.

27) Samtarpana (Santarpana):
Santarpana refers to over-nutrition, and diseases arising from it, such as obesity and diabetes, are managed by regulating diet and lifestyle as per Ayurveda's Pathya-Apathya guidelines.

28) Bharati:
Bharati refers to Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, Varanasi, an important publisher of Ayurvedic texts including editions referenced in the article.

29) Vaidya:
Vaidya refers to an Ayurvedic practitioner who emphasizes the importance of Pathya-Apathya in managing diseases. For instance, Vaidya Lolimbraja indicated the essentiality of Pathya Ahara (wholesome food).

30) Animal:
Ayurveda recommends the meat of specific animals, prepared properly, as Pathya (wholesome). For instance, meat of animals in arid climates is considered beneficial.

31) Mudga:
Mudga, also known as Phaseolus radiatus or green gram, is highlighted as a Pathya (wholesome) food in Ayurveda for its beneficial properties and role in managing diseases.

32) Dhatu:
Dhatus are the seven bodily tissues in Ayurveda, which are nourished and maintained through proper diet (Pathya). Vitiation of Doshas through Apathya (unwholesome diet) affects Dhatu health.

33) Sugar:
Excessive intake of sugar is classified under Apathya (unwholesome), contributing to lifestyle diseases like diabetes and obesity, thus needing regulation as per Ayurvedic dietary principles.

34) Rock salt:
Rock salt (Saindhava) is considered a Pathya (wholesome) food in Ayurveda, beneficial for maintaining health and managing various conditions when used appropriately.

35) Matrashitiya (Matrasitiya, Matra-shitiya):
Matrashitiya is a chapter in Charaka Samhita discussing quantities and qualities of food, listing various Pathya and Apathya foods beneficial or harmful to health.

36) Sutrasthana (Sutra-sthana):
Sutra Sthana contains foundational aphorisms in Ayurvedic texts, providing guidelines on essential health practices, including Pathya-Apathya dietary principles.

37) Education:
Education in Ayurveda emphasizes understanding the principles of Pathya-Apathya, teaching practitioners the importance of diet and lifestyle in disease prevention and treatment.

38) Seedling:
In Ayurvedic analogy, Yanguratnakara suggests that just as a seedling dries up without water, diseases diminish if the patient avoids Apathya (unwholesome food).

39) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantra refers to detailed systems or frameworks in Ayurveda, including Agad Tantra, which one of the departments at Uttarakhand Ayurveda University is focused on.

40) Dravya:
Dravya in Ayurveda are substances with properties and actions; Pathya and Apathya Dravya are substances considered beneficial or harmful in diet and health management.

41) Sthana:
Sthana refers to sections or parts of Ayurvedic texts, including Sharira Sthana and Sutra Sthana, which provide guidelines on Pathya-Apathya and other health principles.

42) Ankura (Amkura):
The term 'Ankura' or seedling is used analogy in Ayurvedic texts like Yogaratnakara, suggesting that diseases diminish if Apathya (unwholesome food) is avoided.

43) Nature:
Nature in Ayurveda involves adapting diet and lifestyle (Pathya) according to natural cycles and seasonal changes to maintain health and prevent diseases.

44) Campu:
[see source text or glossary: Campu]

45) Kumar:
Anoop Kumar Singh, a contributing author, examines the impact and role of Pathya and Apathya in managing lifestyle diseases in the context of Ayurveda.

46) Aahar:
Aahar, or food, is a crucial concept in Ayurveda, focusing on Pathya (wholesome foods) and Apathya (unwholesome foods) for maintaining health and treating diseases.

47) Honey:
Honey is regarded as Pathya in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties, aiding digestion, and balancing Doshas when consumed appropriately.

48) Death:
Lifestyle diseases, influenced by improper diet (Apathya), contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality, necessitating preventive measures through Pathya practices.

49) Hita:
Hita means beneficial or wholesome, often used to describe Pathya foods that are conducive to maintaining health and balance in the body.

50) Ghi (Ghee):
Ghee or clarified butter is considered Pathya (wholesome) in Ayurveda, providing nourishment and balancing Doshas when included appropriately in diet.

51) Emblica officinalis:
Emblica officinalis, commonly known as Amla or Amalaki, is cited as Pathya in Ayurveda for its various health benefits, including enhancing digestion and immunity.

52) clarified butter:
Clarified butter, or ghee, is emphasized as Pathya in Ayurveda, beneficial for health when consumed correctly due to its nourishing and medicinal properties.

53) Bitter gourd:
Bitter gourd (Karavellaka) is recommended as Pathya (wholesome) in Ayurveda, particularly for managing diabetes and improving digestion.

54) Butter milk (Buttermilk):
Butter milk is sometimes considered Pathya (wholesome) for its digestive benefits, while its intake needs to be regulated to avoid becoming Apathya (unwholesome).

55) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
Sushruta Samhita is one of the classical Ayurvedic texts referenced in the article for its extensive discussion on Pathya-Apathya and treatment protocols.

56) Ashtangahridaya (Astangahrdaya, Ashtanga-hridaya):
Ashtangahridaya is another classical Ayurvedic text that details specific dietary guidelines (Pathya-Apathya) for health maintenance and disease management.

57) Sharirasthana (Sarirasthana, Sharira-sthana):
Sharira Sthana is a section in Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita, addressing the anatomical and physiological principles including dietary guidelines (Pathya-Apathya).

58) Tasyashitiya (Tasyasitiya, Tasya-shitiya):
Tasyashitiya Adhyaya in Charaka Samhita discusses essential food articles and dietary practices that should be followed or avoided to maintain health (Pathya-Apathya).

59) Karavellaka:
Karavellaka, or bitter gourd, is listed as Pathya in Ayurveda for its health benefits, including its role in managing diabetes and aiding digestion.

60) Haritakyadi:
Haritakyadi Varga in Bhavprakash Nighantu includes lists of Pathya (wholesome) foods like Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), beneficial for various health conditions.

61) Pomegranate:
Pomegranate is included in the list of Pathya (wholesome) foods in Ayurveda for its nourishing properties and role in supporting overall health.

62) Raktashali (Raktasali, Rakta-shali):
Raktashali refers to a variety of red rice considered Pathya in Ayurveda for its nutritional benefits and its role in maintaining health.

63) Anupashaya (Anupasaya):
Anupashaya refers to foods and habits that are contrary to individual needs, classified as Apathya (unwholesome) as they can aggravate health disorders.

64) Tilataila (Tila-taila):
Tila Taila, or sesame oil, is regarded as Pathya in Ayurveda, noted for its soothing properties and benefits in maintaining skin health and balancing Doshas.

65) Dridhabala (Drdhabala):
Dridhabala is one of the commentators on Charaka Samhita, whose elaborations help understand the texts� teachings on Pathya-Apathya for health management.

66) Hitahara (Hita-ahara):
Hita Ahara means wholesome food in Ayurveda, which supports bodily functions and helps maintain the body's balance by nourishing Dhatus and alleviating Doshas.

67) Green gram:
Green gram, or Mudga, is considered Pathya (wholesome) in Ayurveda, beneficial for its light and nourishing properties aiding in digestion and balance.

68) Discussion:
The discussion focuses on the significance of Pathya-Apathya in Ayurveda, emphasizing dietary management as a preventive and therapeutic strategy for lifestyle diseases.

69) Drowsiness:
Drowsiness, or Tandra, is listed as a consequence of overindulgence and improper diet (Apathya), indicating the importance of dietary regulation (Pathya) in Ayurveda.

70) Alcoholism:
Alcoholism, or excessive alcohol use, is identified as a contributing factor to lifestyle diseases such as cirrhosis, indicating the need for Apathya regulation.

71) Science (Scientific):
Ayurveda's approach to diet and lifestyle management (Pathya-Apathya) is described as highly rational and scientific, considering individual needs and various factors.

72) Saindhava (Saimdhava):
Saindhava, or rock salt, is considered Pathya in Ayurveda, noted for its beneficial properties in digestion and health maintenance.

73) Shashtika (Sastika):
Shashtika, a variety of rice, is recommended as Pathya (wholesome) in Ayurveda due to its nutritional benefits and role in promoting health.

74) Amlapitta (Amla-pitta):
Amlapitta, or hyperacidity, is addressed in Ayurveda with specific Pathya-Apathya guidelines to manage symptoms and treat the condition effectively.

75) Vyavastha:
Pathya Vyavastha refers to the systematic planning of diet and daily regimen in Ayurveda to maintain Dosha balance and promote health.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 132]

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Pathya apathya: impact and role in lifestyle disorders�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Dhatu, Aha, Ayurveda, Ama, Ritucharya, Pathyapathya, Srotasa, Hitahara, Dietary management, Santarpanajanya Vyadhi, Lifestyle disorder, Hypertension, Non-communicable disease, Pragyaparadha, Type II Diabetes, Metabolic disease, Cirrhosis, Cardiac disease, Pachaka-agni, Arteriosclerosis.

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