When Food is Medicine

Dr. ACHINTYA MITRA

Ayurveda is the oldest medical wisdom originating from India and many other Indigenous medical systems like Siddha, Sowa- Rigpa, Unani, Yoga and naturopathy, etc. since time immemorial. Ayurveda, the science of life, the Nation's pride believes in ‘Prevention is better than cure’. The main three pillars of the system for treating the subjects are – Oushad (medicine), Anna (diet) and Vihar (lifestyles) where diet is considered as ‘Mahabhaisajyam’, which means main medicine. If we consume food correctly, it is possible to cure the disease without any medicine and if we follow proper diet rules then it is the best thing to reverse or cure the disease. There has always been the concept of quantity of food. 

In Ayurveda, pathya and apathya are perceptions that refer to wholesome and unwholesome food, respectively. These concepts are part of a holistic approach to health, disease prevention, and early restoration from disease. Ayurveda always recommends the good factors for maintaining a healthy state. Pathya and apathya are varied from individual to individual and disease to disease.

Ayurveda always suggests the good factors for maintaining a healthy state. To maintain good health and overall growth, six types of nutrients are mostly required, i.e. carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and water. Generally, we are getting all the required nutrients from a balanced diet regimen. Due to the deficiency of these nutrients, many diseases and disorders may happen which are compatible with a wholesome balanced diet only.

In our country, retardation of growth, anaemia, malnutrition, premature birth (underweight), stillbirth, maternal mortality, and infant mortality are most common due to nutritional deficits. Girls and women are most vulnerable due to many reasons like illiteracy, poverty, improper diet, social obligations and bias etc. and overall lack of awareness. In this scenario, Ayurveda has a great role in utilizing the local resources including indigenous dietary articles, recipes, and use of herbs and minerals in their daily diet which are time-tested and have been used for thousands of years.

Medical science has defined anaemia as a condition where the number of RBC or Haemoglobin (Hb)percentage in the circulating blood is lower than the normal limit, i.e. less than 12g / dl in women and 13g/dl for men. However, it is further classified as mild (11.0 -11.9g/dl), moderate (8-10.9g/dl) and severe (less than 8g/dl) according to the percentage of Hb.

A few measures should be avoided to manage the anaemic conditions as per the guidance of the principles of Ayurvedic medicines. The excessive consumption of alkalis or carbonized soft drinks, sour and salty items, hot substances, mutually incompatible foods, black grams, a paste of sesame, corrosive foods, suppression of natural urges and reflexes, etc.

Diet and Recipes

The diet and beverage are to be ideally traditional recipes that vary from place to place and are time tested. There are many more options in the Indian traditional recipes that have nutritional and medicinal benefits.  Indian millets (major, minor and pseudo), legumes, barley, raw rice, meat, fish, etc. are to be consumed through different food recipes.  

 Single Herbs

There many Indian herbs and fruits are available to combat anaemia and malnutrition. Amlaki fruits, Bhuyamlaki (whole plant), Sharapunkha (leaves ), Purnanava ( whole plants), Kakmachi (leaves ), Kalmegha ( leaves), Kulekhanra ( leaves), Aloe vera ( leave pulp), Haridra ( fresh rhizome), Chirawata ( whole plants), Indian fig ( fruits),  Guava fruits, Pomegranate ( fruits) , black raisins, pumpkin seeds, any seasonal fruits.

Preparatory Medicines

There are many effective formulations in Ayurveda for the different types of anaemia and malnutrition which depend on the stages and comorbidities. However, there few available ayurvedic formulations are available throughout the country. Louha Bhasma containing formulations like Dhatri Louha (250 mg-500 mg daily), Navayas Louha (250 mg-500 mg daily), Lohasava (15 ml twice daily), Punarnava Mandoor (250 mg-500 mg daily) if there is pedal oedema due to anaemia. The treatment is to be done according to the types and general conditions of the subject. The deworming is must for the anaemic subject.

Clinical advice should be taken from the medical profession for better compliance and speedy restoration. The incorporation of traditional knowledge into the Anaemia Mukta Bharat Abhiyan is strategically important.    

(Dr. Achintya Mitra is Asstt. Director In-charge, Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Gangtok (CCRAS, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India), Sikkim)