Abstract

ROLE OF AYURVEDIC DIETETICS IN PRESERVING MENTAL HEALTH

Dr. Jyoti and Dr. Ashok M. Patil*

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Abstract

Mental disorders presently represent the greatest global burden of diseases. It has recently been estimated that the prevalence of mental disorders account for 13 % of the global burden of disease placing mental illness as the greatest burden.[1] Nutrition has been implicated in the underlying pathology and treatment of mental illness. Accumulated data suggests that this may indeed be the case that diet and nutrition are not only critical for human physiology and body composition, but also have significant role in mental wellbeing.[2] Although there is a very limited data available providing role of nutrition in mental health. Increasing evidence indicates an association between a poor diet and the aggravation of mood disorders, including anxiety and depression, as well as other mental disorders. In ayurveda classics also viruddha aaraha (incompatible foods) and asuchi bhojan (contaminated food) are mentioned under the causes of unmaada.[3] Nutrition has a role in the prevention and the treatment of mental health disorders. Current studies suggest that healthy eating patterns that meet food-based dietary recommendations and nutrient requirements may assist in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders. In ayurveda also role of hitaahara in mentioned in the unmaada chikitsa adhyaya.[4] In this concern, a thorough review of the current available literature will be done to identify the scope of ayurveda dietetics in mental health and in the prevention and management of Mental diseases.

Keywords: Mental disorders, nutrition, viruddha aahara, asuchi bhojan, hitaahara, unmaada.