Abstract

ROLE OF AHAR (DIET) IN PREVENTION OF NON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Minakshi* and Rakesh Sharma

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Abstract

Non-communicable diseases termed as Asankramaka Roga are the disorders that are not communicated from one person to another i.e., disorder associated with the way a person lives and most of them are outcome of unhealthy choices made by a person. Important causative factors are malnutrition, poor physical fitness, stress, worry, poor health habits etc. The global burden of non-communicable diseases is increasing and they disproportionately affect the developing world and main cause behind these disorders is sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity. Non communicable diseases contribute approximately half of all the causes of mortality in India. According to WHO, four main types of NCDs are cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. Unhealthy lifestyles and food behaviours play an important role for determining such diseases. The change in unhealthy behaviours or the maintenance of healthy lifestyles has enormous value in the reduction of diseases and longer life expectancy not only on an individual level but for the community as a whole. Ayurveda can play a major role in this aspect, as the primary aim of Ayurveda is to prevent diseases by following healthy lifestyle and health diet (ahar). Ahar is one of the supporting pillars of life, it provides good nutrition and vitality, enhances strength and immunity. Ayurveda is known as leading life science and describes ways to prevent the risk factors of NCD‟s and manage lifestyle disorders in the forms of proper dietary management.

Keywords: Non communicable diseases, Ahara (Diet), Ashat Maharoga.