Changes

Gramya Ahara is a special category of such dietary habits and food stuffs, that adversely and directly affect one's strength, immunity, health and well-being. Ayurveda scholars were able to identify those dietary factors as well as lifestyle components which when consumed and practiced over time, can lead to all types of illnesses due to their direct effect of Dhatus (vital body tissues). such dietary factors are known as Gramya Ahara while such lifestyle factors are called as Gramya vihara. Ayurveda acharyas have advised each and every individual to refrain from such practices if one wants to achieve the best possible life.

{{StubArticle}}Gramya Ahara is a special category of such dietary habits and food stuffs, that adversely and directly affect one's strength, immunity, health and well-being. Ayurveda scholars were able to identify those dietary factors as well as lifestyle components which when consumed and practiced over time, can lead to all types of illnesses due to their direct effect of Dhatus (vital body tissues). such dietary factors are known as Gramya Ahara while such lifestyle factors are called as Gramya vihara. Ayurveda acharyas have advised each and every individual to refrain from such practices if one wants to achieve the best possible life.

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology ==

Gramya is the term derived from root word Grama. In ancient times Grama was considered as the civilized domestic part of area where people started residing in a group to form community in order to achieve the stability of life. Today, the term 'Grama' also refers to village.  

Gramya is the term derived from root word Grama. In ancient times Grama was considered as the civilized domestic part of area where people started residing in a group to form community in order to achieve the stability of life. Today, the term 'Grama' also refers to village.{{Citation needed}}

Ahara denotes Food  

Ahara denotes Food {{Citation needed}}

Vihara refers to all types of activities other than diet which form the part of one's lifestyle.

Vihara refers to all types of activities other than diet which form the part of one's lifestyle. {{Citation needed}}

Thus, when the term Gramya is used in conjunction with Ahara and Vihara, it suggests the specific type of diet and lifestyle that is prevalent or found predominantly in individuals residing in Grama. Domestic food and lifestyle is another alternative term used to explain Gramya ahara and vihara.

Thus, when the term Gramya is used in conjunction with Ahara and Vihara, it suggests the specific type of diet and lifestyle that is prevalent or found predominantly in individuals residing in Grama. Domestic food and lifestyle is another alternative term used to explain Gramya ahara and vihara.

== Significance of Gramya Ahara and Gramya vihara ==

== Significance of Gramya Ahara and Gramya vihara ==

These factors play important role as causative agents in making one’s life weak on the front of energy, strength, vigour, vitality and other wellness parameters. Diet and lifestyle of this type render Dhatus weak and fragile which are the building blocks of the body, thus reducing immunity and increasing the chances of easy capture of various diseases.  

These factors play important role as causative agents in making one’s life weak on the front of energy, strength, vigor, vitality and other wellness parameters. Diet and lifestyle of this type render Dhatus weak and fragile which are the building blocks of the body, thus reducing immunity and increasing the chances of easy capture of various diseases.  

Acharya Charaka has made a clear statement that, any type of ill health can be rooted in use of Gramya ahara and vihara. <blockquote>सर्वे शरीरदोषा भवन्ति ग्राम्याहारात्। (Char. Samh. 1.2.3)^[1]</blockquote><blockquote>sarve śarīradoṣā bhavanti grāmyāhārāt।</blockquote>Meaning: Gramya Ahara can be responsible for all types of detrimental effects in body.  

Acharya Charaka has made a clear statement that, any type of ill health can be rooted in use of Gramya ahara and vihara. <blockquote>सर्वे शरीरदोषा भवन्ति ग्राम्याहारात्। (Char. Samh. 1.2.3)<ref>Charaka Samhita ([http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.28.2/index.php?title=Rasayana#Benefits_of_Rasayana_and_effects_of_domestic_food_and_lifestyle Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 1 Pada 2 Sutram 3])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>sarve śarīradoṣā bhavanti grāmyāhārāt।</blockquote>Meaning: Gramya Ahara can be responsible for all types of detrimental effects in body.  

== Gramya Ahara (List of unwholesome diet) ==

== Gramya Ahara (List of unwholesome diet) ==

After highlighting its significance and serious nature Ayurveda samhitas have described properties and examples of food stuffs that are inlcuded under the category of Gramya Ahara. Listed following are considered to be Gramya aharas according to Acharya Charaka,

After highlighting its significance and serious nature Ayurveda samhitas have described properties and examples of food stuffs that are included under the category of Gramya Ahara. Listed following are such food stuffs and practices that are considered to be Gramya aharas according to Acharya Charaka,

# Food stuffs that are sour,     salty, pungent and highly alkaline in nature.  

# Food stuffs that are sour, salty, pungent and highly alkaline in nature.  

# Dried vegetables

# Dried vegetables

# Dried meat  

# Dried meat  

# Sesame paste  

# Sesame paste  

# Preparations of (rice)     flour, processed food

# Preparations of (rice) flour, processed food

# Germinated (sprouted) or     fresh, awned or leguminous cereals,  

# Germinated (sprouted) or fresh, awned or leguminous cereals,  

# incompatible,  

# Incompatible,  

# unsuitable,  

# Unsuitable,  

# rough,  

# Dry and rough in attributes,  

# alkaline and

# Excessively Alkaline in nature 

# channel blocking substances,

# Regular and excessive intake of substances having peculiar channel blocking substances (e.g Curd, pickles)

# decomposed,

# Putrefied or decomposed during processing or at the time of consumption

# heavy,

# Substances that are heavy  

# Staled food items  

# Staled food items,

# Indulging in irregular diet or over-eating while the previous food is undigested

# indulging in irregular diet     or eating while the previous food is undigested

== Lifestyle factors included under Gramya Vihara ==

== Lifestyle factors included under Gramya Vihara ==

Acharya Charaka has also stated the lifestyle factors that can cause similar damege as Gramya ahara in one's body, making one prone to various diseases and low in life energies.

Acharya Charaka has also stated the lifestyle factors that can cause similar damage as Gramya ahara in one's body, making one prone to various diseases and low in life energies.

# Daytime sleep  

# Daytime sleep  

# Overindulgence in women and alcohol (One should abide by the rules and follow the guidelines given regarding how, what, when, where and when of carnal pleasures and use of alcohol described in Ayurveda)

# Overindulgence in women and alcohol (One should abide by the rules and follow the guidelines given regarding how, what, when, where and when of carnal pleasures and use of alcohol described in Ayurveda)

* Becomes prone to various diseases due to lack of immunity  

* Becomes prone to various diseases due to lack of immunity  

Thus, ultimately such individual can not enjoy the normal life with health, well-being and satisfaction. Those individuals who resort to such unhealthy practices can not achieve the maximum life span with fulfillment of life goals.

Thus, ultimately such individual can not enjoy the normal life with health, well-being and satisfaction. Those individuals who resort to such unhealthy practices can not achieve the maximum life span with fulfillment of life goals.