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Ayurveda lays great emphasis on selection and consumption of Ahara for maintenance of health and well-being. It is considered to be the most important factor in one' life responsible for longevity, strength and health. Not just that but Ayurveda scholars have opined that Deha or [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|Shariram (शरीरम)]] is made up of ahara (food). All the body components and elements are originated from and maintained through food. And therefore one needs to be extra cautious while taking food. Food should not be consumed out of affection (without mindfulness) or in ignorance since food taken in this way might prove harmful. Thus it is recommended that ahara should be consumed after properly assessing or understanding its nature.   

Ayurveda lays great emphasis on selection and consumption of Ahara for maintenance of health and well-being. It is considered to be the most important factor in one' life responsible for longevity, strength and health. Not just that but Ayurveda scholars have opined that Deha or [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|Shariram (शरीरम)]] is made up of ahara (food). All the body components and elements are originated from and maintained through food. And therefore one needs to be extra cautious while taking food. Food should not be consumed out of affection (without mindfulness) or in ignorance since food taken in this way might prove harmful. Thus it is recommended that ahara should be consumed after properly assessing or understanding its nature.   

<blockquote>एवं च कृत्वाऽन्नमया एव देहे सर्वे भावाः॥  न रागान्नाप्यविज्ञानादाहारानुपयोजयेत्| परीक्ष्य हितमश्नीयाद्देहो ह्याहारसम्भवः ॥  (Char. Samh. 28.41)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 28 Sutram 41)</ref> </blockquote><blockquote>evaṁ ca kr̥tvā'nnamayā eva dehe sarve bhāvāḥ॥ na rāgānnāpyavijñānādāhārānupayojayet| parīkṣya hitamaśnīyāddeho hyāhārasambhavaḥ ॥ (Char. Samh. 28.41)</blockquote>

<blockquote>एवं च कृत्वाऽन्नमया एव देहे सर्वे भावाः॥  न रागान्नाप्यविज्ञानादाहारानुपयोजयेत्| परीक्ष्य हितमश्नीयाद्देहो ह्याहारसम्भवः ॥  (Char. Samh. 28.41)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 28 Sutram 41)</ref>  

Meaning: Therefore all body components have their origin in food. One should not take food with greed and ignorance. One should consume wholesome food after evaluation as the body is formed from food.

evaṁ ca kr̥tvā'nnamayā eva dehe sarve bhāvāḥ॥ na rāgānnāpyavijñānādāhārānupayojayet| parīkṣya hitamaśnīyāddeho hyāhārasambhavaḥ ॥ (Char. Samh. 28.41) </blockquote>Meaning: Therefore all body components have their origin in food. One should not take food with greed and ignorance. One should consume wholesome food after evaluation as the body is formed from food.

=== आहारस्य तथा देहस्य अपि पाञ्चभौतिकत्वम् ॥ 5 Elemental nature of ahara and deha ===

=== आहारस्य तथा देहस्य अपि पाञ्चभौतिकत्वम् ॥ 5 Elemental nature of ahara and deha ===

When the food is selected with caution based on the needs and suitability, it should ideally produce favorable effects and well-being. Similarly when any unsuitable food is consumed it should lead to adverse outcomes. However, that is not the case always. Not the the food article but also the some other associated factors are found equally important for the final outcome of the food displayed on body. Ayurveda acharyas have identified these factors discerningly and described their role in deciding the final outcome with examples.<ref>Charaka Samhita ([https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/?mod=read&h=hitAhitAnA Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 25 Sutra 30-32])</ref> The factors that decide the final outcome of ahara are as follows,

When the food is selected with caution based on the needs and suitability, it should ideally produce favorable effects and well-being. Similarly when any unsuitable food is consumed it should lead to adverse outcomes. However, that is not the case always. Not the the food article but also the some other associated factors are found equally important for the final outcome of the food displayed on body. Ayurveda acharyas have identified these factors discerningly and described their role in deciding the final outcome with examples.<ref>Charaka Samhita ([https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/?mod=read&h=hitAhitAnA Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 25 Sutra 30-32])</ref> The factors that decide the final outcome of ahara are as follows,

* Matra (मात्रा) : Quantity/portion of food

* Matra (मात्रा) : Quantity/portion of food

* Kala : Time (Season/whether) of consumption of a specific food article

* Kala (कालः): Time (Season/whether) of consumption of a specific food article

* Kriya : Food processing technique

* Kriya (क्रिया): Food processing technique

* Bhumi : Region (Regional food diversity/culture suited to the local environment)

* Bhumi (भूमिः): Region (Regional food diversity/culture suited to the local environment)

* Deha : Body type / size/ weight

* Deha (देहः): Body type / size/ weight

* Dosha : dominant dosha or dosha status specific to individual, disease, co-morbiditites

* Dosha (दोषः): dominant dosha or dosha status specific to individual, disease, co-morbiditites

* Avastha of Purusha : Age and pattern of [[Doshas (दोषाः)|doshas]], [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]] specific to every age

* Avastha of Purusha (पुरुष अवस्था): Age and pattern of [[Doshas (दोषाः)|doshas]], [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]] specific to every age

== भोजनार्थे योग्य कालः॥  Bhojana kala ==

== भोजनार्थे योग्य कालः॥  Bhojana kala ==

=== आहार परिणमन कालः ॥ Ahara parinaman kala ===

=== आहार परिणमन कालः ॥ Ahara parinaman kala ===

Ahara parinaman kala means the time required for complete digestion and transformation of the food. In Ashtanga Hrudayam , acharya Vagbhata has explained that there are varied opinions of scholars about this time. Few scholars suggest that the food is transformed completely in a ahoratra (24 hours/ 1 daytime+ 1 night-time) while some opine that it takes 6 days to get transformed. There are other scholars of opinion that the food gets transformed completely and reaches upto the last [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatu]] in the sequence i.e. [[Shukra Dhatu (शुक्र धातुः)|Shukra]] after a period of a month (28 days).<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 65-66)</ref> Thus Ahara is transformed into Rasa dhatu in a period of a day while it takes a period of almost a week or a month to show its effect on the last Shukra dhatu. This knowledge is applied while deciding a timeline for treatment, diet and planning other treatment modalities.  

Ahara parinaman kala means the time required for complete digestion and transformation of the food. In Ashtanga Hrudayam , Acharya Vagbhata has explained that there are varied opinions of scholars about this time. Few scholars suggest that the food is transformed completely in a ahoratra (24 hours/ 1 daytime+ 1 night-time) while some opine that it takes 6 days to get transformed. There are other scholars of opinion that the food gets transformed completely and reaches upto the last [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatu]] in the sequence i.e. [[Shukra Dhatu (शुक्र धातुः)|Shukra]] after a period of a month (28 days).<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 65-66)</ref> Thus Ahara is transformed into Rasa dhatu in a period of a day while it takes a period of almost a week or a month to show its effect on the last Shukra dhatu. This knowledge is applied while deciding a timeline for treatment, diet and planning other treatment modalities.  

=== आहारस्य अजीर्णे सामान्यहेतवः ॥ Factors that affect proper digestion of food ===

=== आहारस्य अजीर्णे सामान्यहेतवः ॥ Factors that affect proper digestion of food ===

Ayurveda acharyas have identified few factors that can potentially disturb the process of Ahara parinamanam.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 46 Sutra 500-501)</ref> These factors are mentioned below,

Ayurveda acharyas have identified few factors that can potentially disturb the process of Ahara parinamanam.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 46 Sutra 500-501)</ref> These factors are mentioned below,

* Atyambupanaअत्यम्बुपाना

* Atyambupanaअत्यम्बुपानम्

* Vishamashanam द्विषमाशनाद्वा

* Vishamashanam विषमाशनम्

* Vega sandharana सन्धारणात्

* Vega sandharana सन्धारणम्

* Swapnaviparyaya स्वप्नविपर्ययाच्च

* Swapnaviparyaya स्वप्नविपर्ययम्

* Psycholagical status of person who takes food: ईर्ष्याभयक्रोधपरिक्षतेन लुब्धेन शुग्दैन्यनिपीडितेन |  प्रद्वेषयुक्तेन च सेव्यमानमन्नं

* Psycholagical status of person who takes food: ईर्ष्याभयक्रोधपरिक्षतेन लुब्धेन शुग्दैन्यनिपीडितेन |  प्रद्वेषयुक्तेन च सेव्यमानमन्नं

It is opined that, when a person consumes food in this manner, however wholesome suitable and light food it might be but, it does not get digested and transformed properly even of it taken on right time. Therefore it is highly recommended to avoid these factors that impede the ahara parinamana and lay foundation for illness.  

It is opined that, when a person consumes food in this manner, however wholesome suitable and light food it might be but, it does not get digested and transformed properly even of it taken on right time. Therefore it is highly recommended to avoid these factors that impede the ahara parinamana and lay foundation for illness.  

=== ॥ Aharaparinamakara bhava ===

=== आहारपरिणामकराः भावाः ॥ Aharaparinamakara bhava ===

Ahara parinamana refers to the digestion of food and its transformation into rasa dhatu which then further provides nutrition to entire body. If the digestion and transformation of food is not proper, the undigested form of food in the rasa dhatu can cause multiple diseases. [[Aharparinamakara Bhavas (आहारपरिणामकराः भावाः)|Aharaparinamkara Bhavas]] are the factors responsible for transformation of food into bio-available nutrients which are capable of building and repairing body tissues. These factors are responsible for proper digestion of food so that most of the nutrients from that food required by body are absorbed and utilized. If function of any one of these factors is disturbed, the food undergoing the process of digestion is not processed well and instead of fulfilling the nutritional requirements of body, the improperly digested food becomes the cause for multiple ailments. Therefore Ayurveda lays high importance on well regulated functioning of all these food transforming factors to achieve health and well-being. <blockquote>आहारपरिणामकरास्त्विमे भावा भवन्ति| तद्यथा- ऊष्मा, वायुः, क्लेदः, स्नेहः, कालः, समयोगश्चेति  ||१४|| (Cha.Sha.6.14)</blockquote>Meaning: Factors responsible for transformation of the food are, Ushma (Heat), Vayu (Air), Kleda (Moisture), Sneha (oiliness or lubrication), Kala (time) and Samayoga (appropriate combination of all these factors for every individual).

Ahara parinamana refers to the digestion of food and its transformation into rasa dhatu which then further provides nutrition to entire body. If the digestion and transformation of food is not proper, the undigested form of food in the rasa dhatu can cause multiple diseases. [[Aharparinamakara Bhavas (आहारपरिणामकराः भावाः)|Aharaparinamkara Bhavas]] are the factors responsible for transformation of food into bio-available nutrients which are capable of building and repairing body tissues. These factors are responsible for proper digestion of food so that most of the nutrients from that food required by body are absorbed and utilized. If function of any one of these factors is disturbed, the food undergoing the process of digestion is not processed well and instead of fulfilling the nutritional requirements of body, the improperly digested food becomes the cause for multiple ailments. Therefore Ayurveda lays high importance on well regulated functioning of all these food transforming factors to achieve health and well-being. <blockquote>आहारपरिणामकरास्त्विमे भावा भवन्ति| तद्यथा- ऊष्मा, वायुः, क्लेदः, स्नेहः, कालः, समयोगश्चेति  ||१४|| (Cha.Sha.6.14)</blockquote>Meaning: Factors responsible for transformation of the food are, Ushma (Heat), Vayu (Air), Kleda (Moisture), Sneha (oiliness or lubrication), Kala (time) and Samayoga (appropriate combination of all these factors for every individual).

Ushma means heat is responsible for digestion, Vayu helps move the food forward in digestive system, kleda helps in loosening the bulk of food, sneha softens the food consumed, kala is required to complete this process and produce the desirable outcome from it, samayoga means appropriate combination of these factors helps to establish equilibrium in the formed Dhatus.

Ushma means heat is responsible for digestion, Vayu helps move the food forward in digestive system, kleda helps in loosening the bulk of food, sneha softens the food consumed, kala is required to complete this process and produce the desirable outcome from it, samayoga means appropriate combination of these factors helps to establish equilibrium in the formed Dhatus.

=== ॥ Significance of proper digestion of food to obtain good health, strength and long life ===

=== सम्यक् परिणमतस्य आहारस्य लाभाः ॥ Significance of proper digestion of food to obtain good health, strength and long life ===

Ahara is indispensable for survival and maintenance of [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|shariram]] in this loka (world). Thus it is highly regarded. However, Ahara can not be utilized as it is by body building tissues. In order to acquire all the benefits from ahara i.e. longevity, strength, lusture, nourishment, growth, [[Ojas (ओजः)|ojas]], health and well-being, it is necessary that ahara gets completely digested and transformed properly into rasa dhatu. <ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /> The completely transformed ahara can become the part of this body provided it is of the similar properties and not contrary to that of body tissues. And when such ahara similar in quality to that of body tissues nourishes the body components, all the desired benefits from ahara can be obtained. <blockquote>परिणमतस्त्वाहारस्य गुणाः शरीरगुणभावमापद्यन्ते यथास्वमविरुद्धाः; विरुद्धाश्च विहन्युर्विहताश्च विरोधिभिः शरीरम्  (cha.Sha.6.16)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutra 16-17)</ref></blockquote>On the contrary when the transformed ahara possesses qualities that are opposite in nature of that of body tissues which build strength, it can not nourish and replenish [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]] but lead to disease development. Thus proper pachanam of ahara is highly important in order to stay healthy, fit and strong. This pachanam is controlled by multiple factors. The portion size or quantity of food is one of those. Ayurveda acharyas have also described other factors that should be closely monitored to reap the superior goodness from Ahara in all aspects of life . These factors are called as Ashta Ahara vidhi visheshayatanas. <ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutra 4)</ref>

Ahara is indispensable for survival and maintenance of [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|shariram]] in this loka (world). Thus it is highly regarded. However, Ahara can not be utilized as it is by body building tissues. In order to acquire all the benefits from ahara i.e. longevity, strength, lusture, nourishment, growth, [[Ojas (ओजः)|ojas]], health and well-being, it is necessary that ahara gets completely digested and transformed properly into rasa dhatu. <ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /> The completely transformed ahara can become the part of this body provided it is of the similar properties and not contrary to that of body tissues. And when such ahara similar in quality to that of body tissues nourishes the body components, all the desired benefits from ahara can be obtained. <blockquote>परिणमतस्त्वाहारस्य गुणाः शरीरगुणभावमापद्यन्ते यथास्वमविरुद्धाः; विरुद्धाश्च विहन्युर्विहताश्च विरोधिभिः शरीरम्  (cha.Sha.6.16)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutra 16-17)</ref></blockquote>On the contrary when the transformed ahara possesses qualities that are opposite in nature of that of body tissues which build strength, it can not nourish and replenish [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]] but lead to disease development. Thus proper pachanam of ahara is highly important in order to stay healthy, fit and strong. This pachanam is controlled by multiple factors. The portion size or quantity of food is one of those. Ayurveda acharyas have also described other factors that should be closely monitored to reap the superior goodness from Ahara in all aspects of life . These factors are called as Ashta Ahara vidhi visheshayatanas. <ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutra 4)</ref>

== ॥ Aharashakti ==

== आहारशक्तिः॥ 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.  

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 matra ==

== आहारस्य योग्या मात्रा॥ Ahara matra ==

The portion size or quantity of ahara taken at a time is called as Ahara matra. The right quantity of ahara is believed to be crucial for smooth digestion and formation of good quality of rasa dhatu. There are certain factors that can help to decide the right quantity for given. The guna or innate property of food article, constitution of the individual, agni of the person, proportion of the solids-liquids are some of the important factors. How one can decide if he has consumed food in right amount can be decided by guidelines given by Ayurveda treatises. Some of them are mentioned below.

The portion size or quantity of ahara taken at a time is called as Ahara matra. The right quantity of ahara is believed to be crucial for smooth digestion and formation of good quality of rasa dhatu. There are certain factors that can help to decide the right quantity for given. The guna or innate property of food article, constitution of the individual, agni of the person, proportion of the solids-liquids are some of the important factors. How one can decide if he has consumed food in right amount can be decided by guidelines given by Ayurveda treatises. Some of them are mentioned below.

=== ॥ Based on agni ===

=== अग्निनुसारिणि मात्रा॥ Based on agni ===

The quantity of the food to be taken should be decided based on the strength of the agni of the individual. This is the ideal approach. This simply means one should consume as much food as one can properly digest and does not suffer from any digestion related issues thereafter.  

The quantity of the food to be taken should be decided based on the strength of the agni of the individual. This is the ideal approach. This simply means one should consume as much food as one can properly digest and does not suffer from any digestion related issues thereafter.  

मात्राशी स्यात्| आहारमात्रा पुनरग्निबलापेक्षिणी| (Char. Samh. 5.3) <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 5 sutra 3)</ref>

मात्राशी स्यात्| आहारमात्रा पुनरग्निबलापेक्षिणी| (Char. Samh. 5.3) <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 5 sutra 3)</ref>

=== ॥ Based on property of food article ===

=== द्रव्यानुसारिणि मात्रा॥ Based on property of food article ===

The food articles that are guru (heavy for digestion or take long time to get digested) should be taken half their satiety level experienced by the consumer while foods that are laghu (light on digestion) can be taken upto the satisfaction. <blockquote>गुरूणामर्धसौहित्यं लघूनां तृप्तिरिष्यते | द्रवोत्तरो द्रवश्चापि न मात्रागुरुरिष्यते  (Sush. Samh. 46.495) <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 46 Sutram 495)</ref></blockquote>

The food articles that are guru (heavy for digestion or take long time to get digested) should be taken half their satiety level experienced by the consumer while foods that are laghu (light on digestion) can be taken upto the satisfaction. <blockquote>गुरूणामर्धसौहित्यं लघूनां तृप्तिरिष्यते | द्रवोत्तरो द्रवश्चापि न मात्रागुरुरिष्यते  (Sush. Samh. 46.495) <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 46 Sutram 495)</ref></blockquote>

=== ॥ Based on volume or quantity ===

=== कुक्षिविभागानुसारिणि मात्रा॥ 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.   

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.   

=== ॥ Prakrti and ahara matra ===

=== देह-प्रकृतिनुसारिणि मात्रा॥ Prakrti and ahara matra ===

Different doshas have different impact on the status of the agni. This decides the appetite of the person and how much one can eat. Thus while describing prakrti, Ayurveda treatises mention about the appetite pattern of individuals having specific dosha's dominance due to [[Prakrti in Ayurveda (प्रकृतिः)|prakrti]]. The relation of dosha prakruti and appetite is given below.

Different doshas have different impact on the status of the agni. This decides the appetite of the person and how much one can eat. Thus while describing prakrti, Ayurveda treatises mention about the appetite pattern of individuals having specific dosha's dominance due to [[Prakrti in Ayurveda (प्रकृतिः)|prakrti]]. The relation of dosha prakruti and appetite is given below.

* Kapha- The people with kapha [[Prakrti in Ayurveda (प्रकृतिः)|prakrti]] eat alpa (less). <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 101)</ref>  

* Kapha- The people with kapha [[Prakrti in Ayurveda (प्रकृतिः)|prakrti]] eat alpa (less). <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 101)</ref>  

* Vata- Those with vata dominant constitution tend to eat less and in small quantities.<ref name=":10" />  

* Vata- Those with vata dominant constitution tend to eat less and in small quantities.<ref name=":10" />  

=== ॥ How do I understand I have eaten in right quantity? ===

=== सम्यक मात्रया भुक्तस्य लक्षणानि॥ 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,

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 undue pressure on stomach

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>

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 ==

== आहार-अनुपानम्॥ 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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

== ॥ Ashta Ahara vidhi vishesha ayatanani ==

== अष्टौ आहारविधि विशेषायतनानि॥ Ashta Ahara vidhi vishesha ayatanani ==

Ahara is the chief source of nourishment for sustenance of life. It provides the strength , energy, and nutrition necessary for smooth functioning of entire body-mind system. However, all these benefits from ahara can be obtained when it is consumed in a specific manner. According to Ayurveda, How we eat is equally important as What we eat. The method of eating has significant impact on the final outcome of consuming a specific food. Therefore, Ayurveda also gives significant importance to the methods of eating which can be considered as the basic dietetic rules.  

Ahara is the chief source of nourishment for sustenance of life. It provides the strength , energy, and nutrition necessary for smooth functioning of entire body-mind system. However, all these benefits from ahara can be obtained when it is consumed in a specific manner. According to Ayurveda, How we eat is equally important as What we eat. The method of eating has significant impact on the final outcome of consuming a specific food. Therefore, Ayurveda also gives significant importance to the methods of eating which can be considered as the basic dietetic rules.  

# Eating Viruddha ahara (incompatible food) is the primary cause of developing nindita rogas e.g. Obesity, gigantism, dwarfism, pigmentation disorders etc  

# Eating Viruddha ahara (incompatible food) is the primary cause of developing nindita rogas e.g. Obesity, gigantism, dwarfism, pigmentation disorders etc  

== ॥ Aharavidhi How to eat ==

== आहारविधिः॥ How to eat ==

Aharavidhi in Ayurveda refers to the code of eating food. It includes guidelines on eating food for getting best results from food that is consumed. These guidelines are advantageous for healthy as well as sick individuals. These should be followed even if the best suitable food is to be consumed which is supposed to give favorable outcomes.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutram 24)</ref> The basic guidelines are given below,

Aharavidhi in Ayurveda refers to the code of eating food. It includes guidelines on eating food for getting best results from food that is consumed. These guidelines are advantageous for healthy as well as sick individuals. These should be followed even if the best suitable food is to be consumed which is supposed to give favorable outcomes.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutram 24)</ref> The basic guidelines are given below,

* Eat when fresh and hot

* Eat when fresh and hot

[[Panchakarmas (पञ्चकर्माणि)|Panchakarmas]] are the shodhana karmas (cleansing therapies) described in Ayurveda. They are used in specific dosha dominant illnesses where the basic dosha pacifying medicines wont prove effective enough to manage the illness. Also these procedures are implemented under medical supervision in specific health conditions in eligible individuals at appropriate time. There are stringent rules regarding their implementation. In almost all the panchakarmas and associates procedures, there are specific rules regarding ahara. Usually the chief panchakarmas are not done after the intake of food. Also there exists a specific diet plan which should be followed before and after panchakarmas. However, there exists one type of minor procedure under upakarmas (minor cleansing therapies) which is advised to be carried out after having food and it is known as Dhumapana. Dhumapana involves inhaling and exhaling the medicated smoke for cleansing excess kapha and vata accumulated in upper body. One of the type of it is Madhyama (moderate) Dhumapana. It is advised that one can take this kind of dhumapana after having food.<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 6)</ref> There are other suitable times for dhumpana mentioned also.  

[[Panchakarmas (पञ्चकर्माणि)|Panchakarmas]] are the shodhana karmas (cleansing therapies) described in Ayurveda. They are used in specific dosha dominant illnesses where the basic dosha pacifying medicines wont prove effective enough to manage the illness. Also these procedures are implemented under medical supervision in specific health conditions in eligible individuals at appropriate time. There are stringent rules regarding their implementation. In almost all the panchakarmas and associates procedures, there are specific rules regarding ahara. Usually the chief panchakarmas are not done after the intake of food. Also there exists a specific diet plan which should be followed before and after panchakarmas. However, there exists one type of minor procedure under upakarmas (minor cleansing therapies) which is advised to be carried out after having food and it is known as Dhumapana. Dhumapana involves inhaling and exhaling the medicated smoke for cleansing excess kapha and vata accumulated in upper body. One of the type of it is Madhyama (moderate) Dhumapana. It is advised that one can take this kind of dhumapana after having food.<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 6)</ref> There are other suitable times for dhumpana mentioned also.  

== ॥ Ahara as medicine ==

== आहार महाभेषजम्॥ Ahara as medicine ==

Various diseases develop due to intake of inappropriate and unwholesome ahara (food). Therefore it is counted as one of the causative factors for diseases. But at the same time, appropriate changes in such food articles and their consumption manners can also cure these diseases. Therefore, Ahara is believed to be the equally consequential medicine in Ayurveda. Administration of right diet plan in a patient with any disease gives fast relief and many a time offers permanent cure. Thus Ayurveda [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidya]] always recommends do's and dont's in Ahara while giving treatment for any disease. These are known as Pathyas & Apathyas.  

Various diseases develop due to intake of inappropriate and unwholesome ahara (food). Therefore it is counted as one of the causative factors for diseases. But at the same time, appropriate changes in such food articles and their consumption manners can also cure these diseases. Therefore, Ahara is believed to be the equally consequential medicine in Ayurveda. Administration of right diet plan in a patient with any disease gives fast relief and many a time offers permanent cure. Thus Ayurveda [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidya]] always recommends do's and dont's in Ahara while giving treatment for any disease. These are known as Pathyas & Apathyas.