Abstract

REVIEW ARTICLE ON KARSHYA AND MALNOURISHMENT

Vd. Supriya Mane*, Vd. Jayprakash Khairnar and Vd. Shelavale

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Abstract

Ayurveda focuses more on preventing health issues rather than just treating them. It stresses the importance of eating well to stay healthy. According to Ayurveda, eating a well-balanced diet following proper guidelines can help prevent many common health problems. Food isn't just about giving your body the right nutrients, it can also help you recover from illnesses, regain strength after treatment, and cope with excessive exercise or addictions. Every illness is linked to what we eat and how we live. Following proper dietary and lifestyle practices is crucial for getting the best benefits from the food we eat. It's believed that about 35% of deaths in children under five years old and 21% of total disabilities worldwide in children are caused by poor nutrition during childhood. Karshya is a condition similar to being undernourished. Malnutrition is a type of illness connected to the digestive system. It happens when someone doesn't get enough proteins and calories in their diet for a long time. Karshya isn't just about losing weight; it's also related to malnutrition. In Ayurveda, Karshya is seen as both a disease and a sign of various health issues. It can show up as early symptoms of illness or indicate a poor prognosis. Karshya is also seen as a natural condition in people with a certain body type called Vataja prakriti. This condition is especially concerning for children and teenagers because it can affect their growth and development. In adults, malnutrition can lead to weakness, tiredness, a weaker immune system, and deficiencies in important nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making them more prone to diseases that affect their body's functions. This review article focuses on the Ayurvedic view of Karsha, which is a type of malnutrition. It gathers information from ancient Ayurvedic texts to understand the causes, how it affects the body, and the best treatments according to these texts. The article goes into detail about why Karsha happens and how it impacts the body, as well as what the classical Ayurvedic texts recommend for treating it accurately.

Keywords: Karshya, Undernutrition, Malnutrition, Nutritional Deficiency, Ahara, Ayurveda.