AYURVEDA DIETETICS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HRIDROGA

Abstract [English]

In the last few years, modernization and globalization of the lifestyle, diet and the environment have resulted in a staggering increase of cardio-vascular diseases (CVDs). Such heart related disorders are collectively known as Hridroga in Ayurveda. This category includes Coronary Heart Disease and other acute diseases such as heart attack, stroke, hypertension, peripheral arterial disease, Rheumatic Heart Disease, heart disease from birth and heart failure. The Mediterranean and DASH diets have been proven to effective in lowering cardio-vascular risk when taken with fruits, vegetables, whole grain and healthy fats. These diets also have potential to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels, particularly because of high dietary fiber and antioxidants in plant foods. On the other hand, low carbohydrate diets may help with weight loss and improve triglycerides but results in heart health may be less predictable. In Ayurveda, it is believed that the diet coupled with other interventions should relate to the doshas to solve cardio-vascular problems; a dietary plan should be formulated in relation to the locations of dosha in a human body. Ayurveda associates these disorders mostly to an ailment of the thri-doshs (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). All of them embody a concept that stands for physiological and psychological activity and their disruption is thought to cause many diseases. Rehabilitation as well as prevention of CVDs using Ayurveda, therefore involves balancing the thri-doshas, ignoring the ailments underlying causes and symptoms of the diseases. This paper provides an overview of traditional and non-traditional models for the delivery of heart healthy diets and reveals their respective strengths.