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Line 56: − − == Seasonal ahara == − According to Ayurveda, diet and daily activities of an individual are responsible to maintain or disturb the internal balance of bodily elements. Thus, if one can modify diet and lifestyle or activities according to changes in external environment, one can achieve good health and wellness. <blockquote>तस्याशिताद्यादाहाराद्बलं वर्णश्च वर्धते| यस्यर्तुसात्म्यं विदितं चेष्टाहारव्यपाश्रयम्|| (Char. Samh. 5.3)</blockquote><blockquote>tasyāśitādyādāhārādbalaṁ varṇaśca vardhate| yasyartusātmyaṁ viditaṁ ceṣṭāhāravyapāśrayam|| (Char. Samh. 5.3)</blockquote>Meaning: A person who knows the rutusatmya (getting accustomed to changes in diet and behavior according to seasons), practices such habits timely, and whose diet consists of various types of food articles (with properties such as ashita, pitta lidha and khadita), has his strength and luster enhanced, and he leads a healthy, long life. − − Season specific diet recommendations are given by Ayurveda scholars in the adhyaya of Rutucharya.<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 2)</ref> − − Guidelines on selection of food items are based on the taste of food. The tastes that are to be deliberately included or excluded from diet in a particular season have been explicitly mentioned by Ayurveda treatises. These recommendations are given in order to maintain the equilibrium of doshas, dhatus and malas in body in spite of change in the external environment. The guidelines given are in general applicable to all provided the person following those is healthy and devoid of any other disease. <ref>Commentary of Arundatta On Ashtanaga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutram 57)</ref> In case of existing diseases or any kind of already present illness, selection of food as per season should be done after taking advice of a qualified [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|vaidya]]. − − The general guidelines on selection or exclusion of food as per rutu (seasons) can be found in [[Rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या)|Rutucharya]]. Line 82:
Line 73: − − == Various properties and types of Ahara considered by Ayurveda == − Ayurveda classics thoroughly discuss about Ahara and its effects on person. Ahara has been studied in multiple aspects by Ayurveda scholars. As a result, Ahara is classified into various types which actually describe its nature and help to understand its probable effect on body.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 25 Sutra 36)</ref> Ayurveda vaidyas consider all these points while assessing patinets' current diet, health and then recommending a specific diet plan for an individual. − # 2 types- based on origin-Sthavara (Vegetarian), Jangama (Non-vegetarian) − # 6 types- based on Rasa- Madhura (Sweet), Amla (Sour), Lavana (Salty), Katu (Pungent), Titkta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) − # 20 types- Based on properties like Hot, Cold, Unctuous, Dry, Soft, Hard etc − # Infinite types - Based on combinations, processing techniques etc. − − === Best Quality of Ahara === − Ahara can have different qualities depending on its ingredients, processing method, taste and texture etc. However, among all other qualities the best quality of Ahara is believed to be its capability to provide satisfaction i.e. satiety. Satiety is also defined as absence of hunger. <blockquote>तृप्तिराहारगुणानां <ref name=":2">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 25 Sutram 40)</ref></blockquote>Thus the food or ahara that fulfills one's hunger completely so that after eating that food no more feeling of hunger is experienced and the person is satisfied completely is said to be the best quality of Ahara. The ahara which is capable of fulfilling the nutritional needs as well as is desirable for that person can possess this quality. − − == Ahara related basic guidelines and their effects on Body == − Ahara is believed to be the best among those things which are essential for maintenance of livelihood. Since it is such an extremely important lifestyle factors, there are some rules related to its consumption and some basic guidelines.<ref name=":2" /> Some of those are listed below, − # Eating in excess quantity of Ahara is the chief cause of Ama generation (Foundational stone for disease development) − # Eating in quantity as per one's Agni's strength is the best way to kindle the digestive fire i.e. Agni − # Eating food that is compatible for one's body type and suitable or habitual to one is the best practice one can adopt − # Eating on right time (timely eating) is the best method to stay healthy − # Eating once a day is best for smooth digestive functioning − # Staying food deprived or empty stomach is life threatening or reduces life span − # Guru Ahara eating is the chief cause for indigestion − # Eating unbalanced food (Only one rasa dominant or only one type of food) is the prime cause of malnourishment − # Overeating (taking next food before the previous one is digested) is the primary cause of dysfunction of grahani (chief digestive organ) − # Untimely eating is the leading cause of agni disturbances/ irregularities − # Eating Viruddha ahara (incompatible food) is the primary cause of developing nindita rogas e.g. Obesity, gigantism, dwarfism, pigmentation disorders etc Line 148:
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Line 310: − + − − == Ahara matra == − − === Based on property of food article === − गुरूणामर्धसौहित्यं लघूनां तृप्तिरिष्यते | − − द्रवोत्तरो द्रवश्चापि न मात्रागुरुरिष्यते ||४९५|| Su.Su.46/495 − − मात्राशी स्यात्| − − आहारमात्रा पुनरग्निबलापेक्षिणी||३|| (Cha.Su. 5.3) − − === Based on volume or quantity === − Ayurveda acharyas give guidelines for deciding right quantity or portion of food that is being consumed. This has been described on the basis of physical form of food and the space available within imaginary partitions inside the stomach. If we consider that the stomach is divided into 3 parts then, for solid food and liquids one compartment each is to be utilized while a sufficient space i.e. one third space is to be kept vacant for movement of doshas which participate in the process of digestion.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutram 3)</ref> Moral of the entire consideration is that one should not over-stuff the stomach with food. solids and liquids both should be taken in balanced proportion and at the same time some part of your stomach should be kept empty to facilitate easy digestion. − − === Prakruti and ahara matra === − Kapha- alpa- A.H.SHA.3.101 − − Pitta- Prabhuta ashana pana , dandashuka Cha vi. 8.97 − − Vata- Laghu ahara Cha vi 8.98 − − === How do I understand I have eaten in right quantity? === − Ayurveda acharyas have given some simple clues to understand whether the person has eaten in right quantity. Since every individuals capacity to eat is different and it varies based on multiple factors, the hints to understand right quantity for everyone are based on symptoms the person experiences and not in weight or any measures. According to Acharya Charaka, the person has eaten the food in right quantity when it, − * Does not cause undue pressure on stomach − * Does not cause obstruction in the proper functioning of the circulatory system − * Does not exert any pressure on the sides of the chest − * Does not leave a feeling of excessive heaviness in the abdomen, − * Pacifies the sense organs and energizes them − * Pacifies hunger and quenches thirst − * Does not result in difficulty in performing activities such as standing, sitting, walking, exhaling, inhaling, laughing, and talking − * Appears to be easy to digest when taken in the morning and evening hours. − Such a quantity of food helps in enhancing strength and complexion, gets absorbed better and nourishes the body.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutram 6)</ref> − − == Ahara anupana == − Anupana is the exclusive concept from pharmacology and dietetics in Ayurveda. The term anupana refers to adjuvant or vehicle or carrier or a drug/food. It is usually a liquid which is given just after or along with some drug/food. Ahara anupana thus refers to the adjuvant of a food article which is deliberately introduced in order to get maximum benefits from that food and reduce its unwanted effects on one's health. − − In charaka Samhita, the right anupana of ahara is said to be opposite in properties of that food but at the same time it should not be opposite (incompatible) to the [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]]. Such anupana is believed to increase energy levels, provide nourishment and strength in body on taking that food. It helps in proper digestion and transformation of that food in one's body so that one can get maximum benefits from it. <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 27 Sutra 319-26)</ref> Subsequently it helps to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the body through the particular diet. <blockquote>अनुपानं हितं युक्तं तर्पयत्याशु मानवम्|</blockquote><blockquote>सुखं पचति चाहारमायुषे च बलाय च||३२६||</blockquote>Meaning: The right anupana of ahara energizes the person. It helps in smooth digestion of the food and ultimately increases strength and longevity. − − Few examples of aharanupana are given in the classical literature. Selection of these anupanas are based on the properties of that food, the health condition or desired health effect for that person etc. For vata dominant conditions and food, anupana that is snigdha (unctuous) and ushna (hot) in properties is chosen. Various types of fermented preparations made from herbs can prove to be good choice of anupana. However this is to be started under the guidance a qualified [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidya]] in order to avoid untoward side effects. − − == Aharashakti == − Ayurveda believes that, Bala (Strength) and Ayu (longevity) of a person are dependent on one's ahara. Therefore assessing one's food (intake) capacity could be a good criterion to assess one's strength and longevity as well. Thus, assessment of this parameter is one part of clinical examination of a patient which a Ayurveda practitioner performs.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 8 Sutra 94)</ref> It is believed that, not just the food intake capacity but also the capacity to digest the consumed food is also equally important to get rough idea of one's strength and longevity.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 8 sutra 120)</ref> Ayurveda gives high importance to the digestion and transformation of ingested food and therefore is is considered as the integral part of examination of a patient.
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<blockquote>कार्त्स्न्येन शरीरवृद्धिकरास्त्विमे भावा भवन्ति; तद्यथा- कालयोगः, स्वभावसंसिद्धिः, आहारसौष्ठवम्, अविघातश्चेति ॥ (Char Samh 6.12)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutra 12)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>kārtsnyena śarīravr̥ddhikarāstvime bhāvā bhavanti; tadyathā- kālayogaḥ, svabhāvasaṁsiddhiḥ, āhārasauṣṭhavam, avighātaśceti ॥ (Char Samh 6.12)</blockquote>
<blockquote>कार्त्स्न्येन शरीरवृद्धिकरास्त्विमे भावा भवन्ति; तद्यथा- कालयोगः, स्वभावसंसिद्धिः, आहारसौष्ठवम्, अविघातश्चेति ॥ (Char Samh 6.12)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutra 12)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>kārtsnyena śarīravr̥ddhikarāstvime bhāvā bhavanti; tadyathā- kālayogaḥ, svabhāvasaṁsiddhiḥ, āhārasauṣṭhavam, avighātaśceti ॥ (Char Samh 6.12)</blockquote>
=== Role of ahara in agni strength ===
=== In agni palanam ===
Ayurveda shastra gives immense importance to the status of Agni in a person. Agni is believed to be the moola (base/root) of the life like that of Ahara. Ahara taken from outside is converted in the form of energy by Agni and this energy is responsible for all vital functions of our body. If the agni is in a balanced state, the person would be healthy and would lead a long, healthy, happy life. On the other hand, the any vitiation or disturbances in agni the entire metabolism of the body is disturbed resulting in illness and poor quality of life. Once the function of agni stops, the life ends. Thus Agni is critical for one's life. It the cause of health, nourishment, strength, lusture, [[Ojas (ओजः)|ojas]], teja (energy) and prana (life energy).<ref name=":9">Charaka Samhita (Chiktsasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 3-4)</ref> One can also find that the similar description on impact of Ahara on Life is noted in Ayurveda treatises.<ref name=":4" /> <ref name=":5" /> <ref name=":6" /> <ref name=":7" /> <ref name=":8" /> Therefore it is clear that Agni and Ahara both impact the life equally in every aspect. Their targets are similar also because agni and ahara are basically interdependent. Ahara can not impact life without process of agni neither agni can help individual without ahara. These two components control each other and bring about the final effect. How food controls the strength of agni has been explained in Ayurveda with a simple example. Agni can become strong and steady when it is offered Ahara which is nourishing and suitable with a tinge of unctuousness like the wood-fire becomes strong and steady with the help of heart wood / hard wood coated with some unctuous material. <blockquote>दीप्तो यथैव स्थाणुश्च बाह्योऽग्निः सारदारुभिः | सस्नेहैर्जायते तद्वदाहारैः कोष्ठगोऽनलः ॥ (Asht. Hrud. 10.79)<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 10 Sutra 79)</ref> </blockquote>Thus it is always believed in Ayurveda that, not just the food but its digestion and transformation also should be given equal importance while considering health and illness.
Ayurveda shastra gives immense importance to the status of Agni in a person. Agni is believed to be the moola (base/root) of the life like that of Ahara. Ahara taken from outside is converted in the form of energy by Agni and this energy is responsible for all vital functions of our body. If the agni is in a balanced state, the person would be healthy and would lead a long, healthy, happy life. On the other hand, the any vitiation or disturbances in agni the entire metabolism of the body is disturbed resulting in illness and poor quality of life. Once the function of agni stops, the life ends. Thus Agni is critical for one's life. It the cause of health, nourishment, strength, lusture, [[Ojas (ओजः)|ojas]], teja (energy) and prana (life energy).<ref name=":9">Charaka Samhita (Chiktsasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 3-4)</ref> One can also find that the similar description on impact of Ahara on Life is noted in Ayurveda treatises.<ref name=":4" /> <ref name=":5" /> <ref name=":6" /> <ref name=":7" /> <ref name=":8" /> Therefore it is clear that Agni and Ahara both impact the life equally in every aspect. Their targets are similar also because agni and ahara are basically interdependent. Ahara can not impact life without process of agni neither agni can help individual without ahara. These two components control each other and bring about the final effect. How food controls the strength of agni has been explained in Ayurveda with a simple example. Agni can become strong and steady when it is offered Ahara which is nourishing and suitable with a tinge of unctuousness like the wood-fire becomes strong and steady with the help of heart wood / hard wood coated with some unctuous material. <blockquote>दीप्तो यथैव स्थाणुश्च बाह्योऽग्निः सारदारुभिः | सस्नेहैर्जायते तद्वदाहारैः कोष्ठगोऽनलः ॥ (Asht. Hrud. 10.79)<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 10 Sutra 79)</ref> </blockquote>Thus it is always believed in Ayurveda that, not just the food but its digestion and transformation also should be given equal importance while considering health and illness.
=== In growth of new life in womb ===
=== In growth of new life in womb ===
From conception to delivery the baby is entirely dependent on mother for nourishment. The growth and development of baby inside the mother's womb occurs through the [[Rasa Dhatu (रस धातु)|rasa dhatu]] of mother which is formed from ahara taken by mother according to Ayurveda. Thus ahara taken by mother during pregnancy and also during lactation is keenly monitored. It plays crucial role in the development of body of fetus. <blockquote>.....मातुश्चाहाररसजैः क्रमात्कुक्षौ विवर्द्धते ॥ (Asht. Hrud. 1.2) <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra 2)</ref></blockquote>
From conception to delivery the baby is entirely dependent on mother for nourishment. The growth and development of baby inside the mother's womb occurs through the [[Rasa Dhatu (रस धातु)|rasa dhatu]] of mother which is formed from ahara taken by mother according to Ayurveda. Thus ahara taken by mother during pregnancy and also during lactation is keenly monitored. It plays crucial role in the development of body of fetus. <blockquote>.....मातुश्चाहाररसजैः क्रमात्कुक्षौ विवर्द्धते ॥ (Asht. Hrud. 1.2) <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra 2)</ref></blockquote>
== Ahara types ==
== Ahara types ==
==== Guru ====
==== Guru ====
Guru indicates that food article having this property will take more time to get completely digested. The agni (digestive fire) has to process it with more efforts than Laghu food. Such food articles should be consumed in less quantity for better digestion and avoid untoward side effects. Various milk products, starch rich food articles,black grams, meat etc fall under Guru category. Therefore it is necessary to control the portion of such food stuffs. <ref name=":1" />
Guru indicates that food article having this property will take more time to get completely digested. The agni (digestive fire) has to process it with more efforts than Laghu food. Such food articles should be consumed in less quantity for better digestion and avoid untoward side effects. Various milk products, starch rich food articles,black grams, meat etc fall under Guru category. Therefore it is necessary to control the portion of such food stuffs. <ref name=":1" />
== Ahara vargas ==
== Ahara vargas ==
=== Factors to be considered while selecting food articles ===
=== Factors to be considered while selecting food articles ===
The food articles should be selected on the basis of certain factors so that they do not disturb the equilibrium of body components. These factors are Desha, Kala and one's body (physical constitution of individual). Desha refers to the geographical condition/land while Kala means season. The food article that possess qualities which will balance the disturbances created by external factors like desha, kala and also which are suitable to maintain balance of bodily components should be selected. This helps in maintaining health and well-being. <blockquote>देशकालात्मगुणविपरीतानां हि कर्मणामाहारविकाराणां च क्रियोपयोगः सम्यक्, सर्वातियोगसन्धारणम्, असन्धारणमुदीर्णानां च गतिमतां, साहसानां च वर्जनं, स्वस्थवृत्तमेतावद्धातूनां साम्यानुग्रहार्थमुपदिश्यते||८|| (Cha. Sha. 6.8)</blockquote>
The food articles should be selected on the basis of certain factors so that they do not disturb the equilibrium of body components. These factors are Desha, Kala and one's body (physical constitution of individual). Desha refers to the geographical condition/land while Kala means season. The food article that possess qualities which will balance the disturbances created by external factors like desha, kala and also which are suitable to maintain balance of bodily components should be selected. This helps in maintaining health and well-being. <blockquote>देशकालात्मगुणविपरीतानां हि कर्मणामाहारविकाराणां च क्रियोपयोगः सम्यक्, सर्वातियोगसन्धारणम्, असन्धारणमुदीर्णानां च गतिमतां, साहसानां च वर्जनं, स्वस्थवृत्तमेतावद्धातूनां साम्यानुग्रहार्थमुपदिश्यते||८|| (Cha. Sha. 6.8)</blockquote>
== Various properties and types of Ahara considered by Ayurveda ==
Ayurveda classics thoroughly discuss about Ahara and its effects on person. Ahara has been studied in multiple aspects by Ayurveda scholars. As a result, Ahara is classified into various types which actually describe its nature and help to understand its probable effect on body.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 25 Sutra 36)</ref> Ayurveda vaidyas consider all these points while assessing patinets' current diet, health and then recommending a specific diet plan for an individual.
# 2 types- based on origin-Sthavara (Vegetarian), Jangama (Non-vegetarian)
# 6 types- based on Rasa- Madhura (Sweet), Amla (Sour), Lavana (Salty), Katu (Pungent), Titkta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)
# 20 types- Based on properties like Hot, Cold, Unctuous, Dry, Soft, Hard etc
# Infinite types - Based on combinations, processing techniques etc.
=== Best Quality of Ahara ===
Ahara can have different qualities depending on its ingredients, processing method, taste and texture etc. However, among all other qualities the best quality of Ahara is believed to be its capability to provide satisfaction i.e. satiety. Satiety is also defined as absence of hunger. <blockquote>तृप्तिराहारगुणानां <ref name=":2">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 25 Sutram 40)</ref></blockquote>Thus the food or ahara that fulfills one's hunger completely so that after eating that food no more feeling of hunger is experienced and the person is satisfied completely is said to be the best quality of Ahara. The ahara which is capable of fulfilling the nutritional needs as well as is desirable for that person can possess this quality.
== Seasonal ahara ==
According to Ayurveda, diet and daily activities of an individual are responsible to maintain or disturb the internal balance of bodily elements. Thus, if one can modify diet and lifestyle or activities according to changes in external environment, one can achieve good health and wellness. <blockquote>तस्याशिताद्यादाहाराद्बलं वर्णश्च वर्धते| यस्यर्तुसात्म्यं विदितं चेष्टाहारव्यपाश्रयम्|| (Char. Samh. 5.3)</blockquote><blockquote>tasyāśitādyādāhārādbalaṁ varṇaśca vardhate| yasyartusātmyaṁ viditaṁ ceṣṭāhāravyapāśrayam|| (Char. Samh. 5.3)</blockquote>Meaning: A person who knows the rutusatmya (getting accustomed to changes in diet and behavior according to seasons), practices such habits timely, and whose diet consists of various types of food articles (with properties such as ashita, pitta lidha and khadita), has his strength and luster enhanced, and he leads a healthy, long life.
Season specific diet recommendations are given by Ayurveda scholars in the adhyaya of Rutucharya.<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 2)</ref>
Guidelines on selection of food items are based on the taste of food. The tastes that are to be deliberately included or excluded from diet in a particular season have been explicitly mentioned by Ayurveda treatises. These recommendations are given in order to maintain the equilibrium of doshas, dhatus and malas in body in spite of change in the external environment. The guidelines given are in general applicable to all provided the person following those is healthy and devoid of any other disease. <ref>Commentary of Arundatta On Ashtanaga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutram 57)</ref> In case of existing diseases or any kind of already present illness, selection of food as per season should be done after taking advice of a qualified [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|vaidya]].
The general guidelines on selection or exclusion of food as per rutu (seasons) can be found in [[Rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या)|Rutucharya]].
== Viruddha ahara ==
== Viruddha ahara ==
Ahara taken by a person is processed by Agni (Jatharagni) located in koshta (equivalent to gastrointestinal tract or gut). After this process, the processed part is divided into 2 parts. On epart is known as sara i.e. essence and the other part is known as kitta i.e. waste. The rasa dhatu formed after the digestion process is called as sara of Ahara. On the other hand, vit (feces) and mutram (Urine) are formed as kitta (wastes) of ahara according to the Ayurveda. Thus Rasa is known as sara while vit and mutra are known as kitta of ahara. <blockquote>विण्मूत्रमाहारमलः सारः प्रागीरितो रसः ॥ (Sush. Samh. 46.528)<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 46 Sutra 528)</ref> </blockquote>
Ahara taken by a person is processed by Agni (Jatharagni) located in koshta (equivalent to gastrointestinal tract or gut). After this process, the processed part is divided into 2 parts. On epart is known as sara i.e. essence and the other part is known as kitta i.e. waste. The rasa dhatu formed after the digestion process is called as sara of Ahara. On the other hand, vit (feces) and mutram (Urine) are formed as kitta (wastes) of ahara according to the Ayurveda. Thus Rasa is known as sara while vit and mutra are known as kitta of ahara. <blockquote>विण्मूत्रमाहारमलः सारः प्रागीरितो रसः ॥ (Sush. Samh. 46.528)<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 46 Sutra 528)</ref> </blockquote>
== Ahara matra ==
=== Based on property of food article ===
गुरूणामर्धसौहित्यं लघूनां तृप्तिरिष्यते |
द्रवोत्तरो द्रवश्चापि न मात्रागुरुरिष्यते ||४९५|| Su.Su.46/495
मात्राशी स्यात्|
आहारमात्रा पुनरग्निबलापेक्षिणी||३|| (Cha.Su. 5.3)
=== Based on volume or quantity ===
Ayurveda acharyas give guidelines for deciding right quantity or portion of food that is being consumed. This has been described on the basis of physical form of food and the space available within imaginary partitions inside the stomach. If we consider that the stomach is divided into 3 parts then, for solid food and liquids one compartment each is to be utilized while a sufficient space i.e. one third space is to be kept vacant for movement of doshas which participate in the process of digestion.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutram 3)</ref> Moral of the entire consideration is that one should not over-stuff the stomach with food. solids and liquids both should be taken in balanced proportion and at the same time some part of your stomach should be kept empty to facilitate easy digestion.
=== Prakruti and ahara matra ===
Kapha- alpa- A.H.SHA.3.101
Pitta- Prabhuta ashana pana , dandashuka Cha vi. 8.97
Vata- Laghu ahara Cha vi 8.98
=== How do I understand I have eaten in right quantity? ===
Ayurveda acharyas have given some simple clues to understand whether the person has eaten in right quantity. Since every individuals capacity to eat is different and it varies based on multiple factors, the hints to understand right quantity for everyone are based on symptoms the person experiences and not in weight or any measures. According to Acharya Charaka, the person has eaten the food in right quantity when it,
* Does not cause undue pressure on stomach
* Does not cause obstruction in the proper functioning of the circulatory system
* Does not exert any pressure on the sides of the chest
* Does not leave a feeling of excessive heaviness in the abdomen,
* Pacifies the sense organs and energizes them
* Pacifies hunger and quenches thirst
* Does not result in difficulty in performing activities such as standing, sitting, walking, exhaling, inhaling, laughing, and talking
* Appears to be easy to digest when taken in the morning and evening hours.
Such a quantity of food helps in enhancing strength and complexion, gets absorbed better and nourishes the body.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutram 6)</ref>
== Ahara anupana ==
Anupana is the exclusive concept from pharmacology and dietetics in Ayurveda. The term anupana refers to adjuvant or vehicle or carrier or a drug/food. It is usually a liquid which is given just after or along with some drug/food. Ahara anupana thus refers to the adjuvant of a food article which is deliberately introduced in order to get maximum benefits from that food and reduce its unwanted effects on one's health.
In charaka Samhita, the right anupana of ahara is said to be opposite in properties of that food but at the same time it should not be opposite (incompatible) to the [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]]. Such anupana is believed to increase energy levels, provide nourishment and strength in body on taking that food. It helps in proper digestion and transformation of that food in one's body so that one can get maximum benefits from it. <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 27 Sutra 319-26)</ref> Subsequently it helps to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the body through the particular diet. <blockquote>अनुपानं हितं युक्तं तर्पयत्याशु मानवम्|</blockquote><blockquote>सुखं पचति चाहारमायुषे च बलाय च||३२६||</blockquote>Meaning: The right anupana of ahara energizes the person. It helps in smooth digestion of the food and ultimately increases strength and longevity.
Few examples of aharanupana are given in the classical literature. Selection of these anupanas are based on the properties of that food, the health condition or desired health effect for that person etc. For vata dominant conditions and food, anupana that is snigdha (unctuous) and ushna (hot) in properties is chosen. Various types of fermented preparations made from herbs can prove to be good choice of anupana. However this is to be started under the guidance a qualified [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidya]] in order to avoid untoward side effects.
== Aharashakti ==
Ayurveda believes that, Bala (Strength) and Ayu (longevity) of a person are dependent on one's ahara. Therefore assessing one's food (intake) capacity could be a good criterion to assess one's strength and longevity as well. Thus, assessment of this parameter is one part of clinical examination of a patient which a Ayurveda practitioner performs.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 8 Sutra 94)</ref> It is believed that, not just the food intake capacity but also the capacity to digest the consumed food is also equally important to get rough idea of one's strength and longevity.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 8 sutra 120)</ref> Ayurveda gives high importance to the digestion and transformation of ingested food and therefore is is considered as the integral part of examination of a patient.
== Ahara related basic guidelines and their effects on Body ==
Ahara is believed to be the best among those things which are essential for maintenance of livelihood. Since it is such an extremely important lifestyle factors, there are some rules related to its consumption and some basic guidelines.<ref name=":2" /> Some of those are listed below,
# Eating in excess quantity of Ahara is the chief cause of Ama generation (Foundational stone for disease development)
# Eating in quantity as per one's Agni's strength is the best way to kindle the digestive fire i.e. Agni
# Eating food that is compatible for one's body type and suitable or habitual to one is the best practice one can adopt
# Eating on right time (timely eating) is the best method to stay healthy
# Eating once a day is best for smooth digestive functioning
# Staying food deprived or empty stomach is life threatening or reduces life span
# Guru Ahara eating is the chief cause for indigestion
# Eating unbalanced food (Only one rasa dominant or only one type of food) is the prime cause of malnourishment
# Overeating (taking next food before the previous one is digested) is the primary cause of dysfunction of grahani (chief digestive organ)
# Untimely eating is the leading cause of agni disturbances/ irregularities
# Eating Viruddha ahara (incompatible food) is the primary cause of developing nindita rogas e.g. Obesity, gigantism, dwarfism, pigmentation disorders etc
== Ashta Ahara vidhi vishesha ayatanani ==
== Ashta Ahara vidhi vishesha ayatanani ==
* Do not eat at a very fast pace or very slowly
* Do not eat at a very fast pace or very slowly
* While eating one should try not to talk and laugh
* While eating one should try not to talk and laugh
* Concentrate on food while eating and pay due regard to oneself
* Concentrate on food while eating and pay due regard to oneself
== Metal for vessel to store specific aharadravyas ==
== Metal for vessel to store specific aharadravyas ==