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‘Anna’ and ‘ahara’ are the two Sanskrit terms applied to denote food and diet.Anna is ingested or eaten through mouth. The term ‘ahara’ includes all substances that are taken in by humans by various routes, including sense organs and mind too.

‘Anna’ and ‘ahara’ are the two Sanskrit terms applied to denote food and diet.Anna is ingested or eaten through mouth. The term ‘ahara’ includes all substances that are taken in by humans by various routes, including sense organs and mind too.

    

    

Broader views of nutrition of body, mind, sense organs and soul are denoted by applying the term ‘ahara’.  The researchers observe that when food enters mouth and passes through the digestive system, it sends a multitude of interacting signals to the brain, loaded with sensory, nutritive, and other information. <ref> Relationships Among the Brain, the Digestive System, and Eating Behavior: Workshop Summary. Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279985/pdf/Bookshelf_NBK279985.pdf accessed on 06/07/2020</ref>  Thus, the digestion and metabolism is not limited to ingestion of food only;  but it is affected by how the brain and nervous system receives and processed the information too. This article describes classification of food, quantity of food, dietary guidelines and important factors influencing digestive health.  

Broader views of nutrition of body, mind, sense organs and soul are denoted by applying the term ‘ahara’.  The researchers observe that when food enters mouth and passes through the digestive system, it sends a multitude of interacting signals to the brain, loaded with sensory, nutritive, and other information. <ref name="brain and mind">Relationships Among the Brain, the Digestive System, and Eating Behavior: Workshop Summary. Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279985/pdf/Bookshelf_NBK279985.pdf accessed on 06/07/2020</ref>  Thus, the digestion and metabolism is not limited to ingestion of food only;  but it is affected by how the brain and nervous system receives and processed the information too. This article describes classification of food, quantity of food, dietary guidelines and important factors influencing digestive health.  

== Classification of food ==

== Classification of food ==

* Aggravation of Vata causes colic pain, distension of the abdomen, body ache, dryness of the mouth, fainting, giddiness, variability in digestive power, rigidity in flanks, back and waist and contraction (spasm) and hardening of vessels.  

* Aggravation of Vata causes colic pain, distension of the abdomen, body ache, dryness of the mouth, fainting, giddiness, variability in digestive power, rigidity in flanks, back and waist and contraction (spasm) and hardening of vessels.  

* Aggravation of Pitta causes fever, diarrhoea, burning sensation inside body, thirst, intoxicated state, giddiness and delirium.

* Aggravation of Pitta causes fever, diarrhoea, burning sensation inside body, thirst, intoxicated state, giddiness and delirium.

* Aggravation of Kapha causes vomiting, anorexia, indigestion, fever with cold, laziness and heaviness in the body. [ Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]]2/7]

* Aggravation of Kapha causes vomiting, anorexia, indigestion, fever with cold, laziness and heaviness in the body. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 2/7]

==== Benefits of proper quantity diet ====   

==== Benefits of proper quantity diet ====   

This sequence of taking food is based upon the status of digestive factors ([[agni]]) and post digestive effects (vipaka) of food. The sweet food items are generally heavy to digest and can be digested easily when taken at first in the presence of peak strength of digestive power ([[agni]]). The first phase of digestion after taking meals is dominated by effect of sweet taste (madhura avastha paka), followed by sour taste (amla avastha paka) and ended by pungent taste (katu avasthapaka).  This sequence is applicable only in person with normal digestion capacity ([[agni]]). In case of abnormal digestion, the sequence can be changed according to the disease condition.  

This sequence of taking food is based upon the status of digestive factors ([[agni]]) and post digestive effects (vipaka) of food. The sweet food items are generally heavy to digest and can be digested easily when taken at first in the presence of peak strength of digestive power ([[agni]]). The first phase of digestion after taking meals is dominated by effect of sweet taste (madhura avastha paka), followed by sour taste (amla avastha paka) and ended by pungent taste (katu avasthapaka).  This sequence is applicable only in person with normal digestion capacity ([[agni]]). In case of abnormal digestion, the sequence can be changed according to the disease condition.  

The recent researches showed taste like cells in the gut. These cells play an important role in integrating physiological responses during digestion. These taste receptors also influence eating pattern. <ref> Relationships Among the Brain, the Digestive System, and Eating Behavior: Workshop Summary. Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279985/pdf/Bookshelf_NBK279985.pdf accessed on 06/07/2020</ref>1 The relation between sequence of eating food and its impact on taste receptors in gut need more studies.   

The recent researches showed taste like cells in the gut. These cells play an important role in integrating physiological responses during digestion. These taste receptors also influence eating pattern. <ref name="brain and mind"/> The relation between sequence of eating food and its impact on taste receptors in gut need more studies.   

===Food articles for regular consumption and preservation of health===  

===Food articles for regular consumption and preservation of health===  

One should regularly consume shashtika rice (Oryza sativum), shali rice(varieties of Oryza sativum rice), Green gram (mudga, Vigna radiata), rock-salt, Indian-gooseberry (amalaka, Phyllanthus emblica ), barley (yava Hordeum vulgare-), water, milk, ghee, flesh of  animals of arid habitat (jangala) and honey. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]5/12]  

One should regularly consume shashtika rice (Oryza sativum), shali rice(varieties of Oryza sativum rice), Green gram (mudga, Vigna radiata), rock-salt, Indian-gooseberry (amalaka, Phyllanthus emblica ), barley (yava Hordeum vulgare-), water, milk, ghee, flesh of  animals of arid habitat (jangala) and honey. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/12]  

Those food items, which maintain health as well as prevent onset of diseases should be included in daily regimen. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]5/13] One should always take food of all tastes. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana46/492]  

Those food items, which maintain health as well as prevent onset of diseases should be included in daily regimen. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/13] One should always take food of all tastes. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 46/492]  

===Forbidden food articles for habitual consumption===  

===Forbidden food articles for habitual consumption===  

One should not have the habit of taking dried meat, dried vegetables, tuber of lotus (Shaluka, Nymphaea alba Linn.) and stalk of lotus (Bisa, Nymphaea alba Linn.) as these are heavy to digest. One should never eat meat of emaciated animal. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]5/10]

One should not have the habit of taking dried meat, dried vegetables, tuber of lotus (Shaluka, Nymphaea alba Linn.) and stalk of lotus (Bisa, Nymphaea alba Linn.) as these are heavy to digest. One should never eat meat of emaciated animal. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/10]

Regular consumption of coagulated milk, cream-cheese, pork, meat of cow and buffalo, fish, curd, black-gram and wild-barley should be avoided. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]5/11]

Regular consumption of coagulated milk, cream-cheese, pork, meat of cow and buffalo, fish, curd, black-gram and wild-barley should be avoided. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/11]

Accordingly, one should never eat such heavy to digest articles as preparations of flour, rice, flattened rice etc., on top of a meal. Even while hungry one should take them in right quantity.  [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]5/9]  

Accordingly, one should never eat such heavy to digest articles as preparations of flour, rice, flattened rice etc., on top of a meal. Even while hungry one should take them in right quantity.  [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/9]  

Salt, saturated fats, and excess sugar are disease causing. Excess consumption of animal products leads to premature ageing, increased risk of chronic diseases and higher cause of mortality. Refined carbohydrates including white rice, white bread, sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave nectar lead to overweight, diabetes, dementia, mental illness and cancer.  The fast and processed food includes chips, soda, cookies, candy, breakfast cereals, bars, French fries, burgers, pizza, white flour baked goods, and all other high-calorie, low-nutrient foods that people often eat multiple times per day. These food items contribute to obesity, diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, dementia and cancer. This has resulted in decreased longevity. The fast food, processed food, commercial baked goods, and sweets may also be linked to destruction of brain cell and a lowering of intelligence. Candy and sweetened baked goods may even stimulate the brain in an addictive fashion, which can lead to more serious illnesses. <ref> Fuhrman J. The Hidden Dangers of Fast and Processed Food. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2018;12(5):375-381. Published 2018 Apr 3. doi:10.1177/1559827618766483</ref>  Hence they shall be avoided.   

Salt, saturated fats, and excess sugar are disease causing. Excess consumption of animal products leads to premature ageing, increased risk of chronic diseases and higher cause of mortality. Refined carbohydrates including white rice, white bread, sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave nectar lead to overweight, diabetes, dementia, mental illness and cancer.  The fast and processed food includes chips, soda, cookies, candy, breakfast cereals, bars, French fries, burgers, pizza, white flour baked goods, and all other high-calorie, low-nutrient foods that people often eat multiple times per day. These food items contribute to obesity, diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, dementia and cancer. This has resulted in decreased longevity. The fast food, processed food, commercial baked goods, and sweets may also be linked to destruction of brain cell and a lowering of intelligence. Candy and sweetened baked goods may even stimulate the brain in an addictive fashion, which can lead to more serious illnesses. <ref name="fast food"> Fuhrman J. The Hidden Dangers of Fast and Processed Food. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2018;12(5):375-381. Published 2018 Apr 3. doi:10.1177/1559827618766483</ref>  Hence they shall be avoided.   

One should never eat food which is not sacredly prepared (achoksha), contaminated, with stone particles, grass or hair etc.. The food which causes aversion, kept overnight, foul smelling and stale shall be avoided.  The food which does not have its natural taste, hardened due to passage of time, cold, re-heated, with oozing and moisture, burnt shall not be taken. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana46/476-477]   

One should never eat food which is not sacredly prepared (achoksha), contaminated, with stone particles, grass or hair etc.. The food which causes aversion, kept overnight, foul smelling and stale shall be avoided.  The food which does not have its natural taste, hardened due to passage of time, cold, re-heated, with oozing and moisture, burnt shall not be taken. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana46/476-477]   

Reheated foods cause more oxidative stress through formation of aldehydes and increase the risk of degenerative illness and artherosclerotic disease. <ref> Wu SC, Yen GC. Effects of cooking oil fumes on the genotoxicity and oxidative stress in human lung carcinoma (A-549) cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2004;18:571-80. </ref>  Reheating of cooking oils like corn, soyabean, and sunflower oils produces toxin named 4-hydroxy-trans-2- nonenal (HNE). This is responsible for increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, various liver disorders, and cancer. <ref> Vladykovskaya E, Sithu SD, Haberzettl P, Wickramasinghe NS, Merchant ML, Hill BG, et al. Lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal causes endothelial activation by inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress. J Biol Chem 2012;87:11398-409.</ref>  Therefore reheating of food shall be avoided. On should not be habituated to consume food having a single taste, foods of inferior quality, unsuitable to human being and sour foods. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 46/491]  

Reheated foods cause more oxidative stress through formation of aldehydes and increase the risk of degenerative illness and artherosclerotic disease. <ref> Wu SC, Yen GC. Effects of cooking oil fumes on the genotoxicity and oxidative stress in human lung carcinoma (A-549) cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2004;18:571-80. </ref>  Reheating of cooking oils like corn, soyabean, and sunflower oils produces toxin named 4-hydroxy-trans-2- nonenal (HNE). This is responsible for increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, various liver disorders, and cancer. <ref> Vladykovskaya E, Sithu SD, Haberzettl P, Wickramasinghe NS, Merchant ML, Hill BG, et al. Lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal causes endothelial activation by inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress. J Biol Chem 2012;87:11398-409.</ref>  Therefore reheating of food shall be avoided. On should not be habituated to consume food having a single taste, foods of inferior quality, unsuitable to human being and sour foods. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 46/491]  

=== The suppression of urge of hunger and its treatment===  

=== The suppression of urge of hunger and its treatment===  

One shall not suppress the natural urge of hunger for a longer duration. It leads to emaciation, weakness, change in body complexion, generalized body ache, aversion (to food) and dizziness. Such cases are treated by unctuous, hot and light (easily digestible) food is advised. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]7/20]

One shall not suppress the natural urge of hunger for a longer duration. It leads to emaciation, weakness, change in body complexion, generalized body ache, aversion (to food) and dizziness. Such cases are treated by unctuous, hot and light (easily digestible) food is advised. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 7/20]

These effects are observed after starvation for a longer time due to depletion of glucose, then fatty acid break down and formation of ketone bodies. The treatment is done with sips of water mixed with glucose, fruit juices to avoid refeeding syndrome. <ref> Available from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starvation accessed on 03/07/2020 </ref>

These effects are observed after starvation for a longer time due to depletion of glucose, then fatty acid break down and formation of ketone bodies. The treatment is done with sips of water mixed with glucose, fruit juices to avoid refeeding syndrome. <ref> Available from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starvation accessed on 03/07/2020 </ref>

    

    

One should eat only when the previous meal is digested. If one eats before earlier meal is digested, mixing with undigested food quickly aggravates all dosha. Eating after digestion of previous meals is important to maintain equilibrium of dosha, normal digestion and metabolism and appetite. It helps in cleansing of body channels, pure eructation, normal functioning of heart, normal natural urges to expel body wastes and prevent obstruction to their passage. Thus, it enhances longevity by maintaining quality of dhatu (body components). [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]]1/25.4]

One should eat only when the previous meal is digested. If one eats before earlier meal is digested, mixing with undigested food quickly aggravates all dosha. Eating after digestion of previous meals is important to maintain equilibrium of dosha, normal digestion and metabolism and appetite. It helps in cleansing of body channels, pure eructation, normal functioning of heart, normal natural urges to expel body wastes and prevent obstruction to their passage. Thus, it enhances longevity by maintaining quality of dhatu (body components). [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]]1/25.4]

There are two phases of digestive cycle: anabolic and catabolic. The first phase of digestion includes eating and digestion. Catabolic phase starts when the digestion is ceased.  In the anabolic phase, body stores glycogen, fats and wastes. In catabolic phase, the body effectively detoxifies itself and enhance cellular repair.  At this time, the liver and kidney remove harmful metabolic products like aldehydes, advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and toxic metabolites. One should eat when the true hunger is felt. It is a mild sensation felt in throat and base of neck. It heightens taste sensitivity and ensures pleasurable eating. The true hunger is felt after completing the catabolic phase of digestion. <ref> </ref>3

There are two phases of digestive cycle: anabolic and catabolic. The first phase of digestion includes eating and digestion. Catabolic phase starts when the digestion is ceased.  In the anabolic phase, body stores glycogen, fats and wastes. In catabolic phase, the body effectively detoxifies itself and enhance cellular repair.  At this time, the liver and kidney remove harmful metabolic products like aldehydes, advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and toxic metabolites. One should eat when the true hunger is felt. It is a mild sensation felt in throat and base of neck. It heightens taste sensitivity and ensures pleasurable eating. The true hunger is felt after completing the catabolic phase of digestion. <ref name= "fast food"/>  

====7. Rules of taking food (upayoga samstha) ====

====7. Rules of taking food (upayoga samstha) ====

====8. User (upayokta) ====

====8. User (upayokta) ====

Suitability of food to the user shall be considered. The adaptation or habituation developed by practice (oka satmya) also depend upon suitability to the user. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]]1/22.8] The unsuitable food includes that which is disliked by the consumer and  which causes constipation, burning sensation. It can lead to formation of ama (undigested food and toxins). [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]]2/8]

Suitability of food to the user shall be considered. The adaptation or habituation developed by practice (oka satmya) also depend upon suitability to the user. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]]1/22.8] The unsuitable food includes that which is disliked by the consumer and  which causes constipation, burning sensation. It can lead to formation of ama (undigested food and toxins). [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 2/8]

===== Eating with self-awareness =====  

===== Eating with self-awareness =====  

One should eat with self-awareness i.e., knowing one’s own constitution, suitability and tastes. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]]1/25]  

One should eat with self-awareness i.e., knowing one’s own constitution, suitability and tastes. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/25]  

===== Suitability of food to fundamental constitution (prakriti) of a person =====  

===== Suitability of food to fundamental constitution (prakriti) of a person =====  

==== Cumulative importance of eight factors ====  

==== Cumulative importance of eight factors ====  

The effects of these eight factors are cumulative and inter-dependent. For example, a substance of optimum quantity taken in the right season and in the right place will only produce wholesome effect.  Therefore, before prescribing any food regimen, thorough understanding of these eight aspects is important to achieve wholesome effect. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]]1/23] All eight factors are equally important to attain beneficial effect of food. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]]2/4]

The effects of these eight factors are cumulative and inter-dependent. For example, a substance of optimum quantity taken in the right season and in the right place will only produce wholesome effect.  Therefore, before prescribing any food regimen, thorough understanding of these eight aspects is important to achieve wholesome effect. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/23] All eight factors are equally important to attain beneficial effect of food. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 2/4]

=== Guidelines after meals ===

=== Guidelines after meals ===

==== Taking water ====

==== Taking water ====

Water shall be taken in suitable quantity during meals and after meals. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana46/482]  

Water shall be taken in suitable quantity during meals and after meals. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 46/482]  

Drinking suitable quantity of water during meals assures proper passage of food in alimentary canal, mixing in stomach and digestion.  

Drinking suitable quantity of water during meals assures proper passage of food in alimentary canal, mixing in stomach and digestion.  

==== Mouth cleaning ====  

==== Mouth cleaning ====  

To prevent decaying of teeth and bad smell (halitosis), mouth should be thoroughly cleaned after eating. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana46/483]

To prevent decaying of teeth and bad smell (halitosis), mouth should be thoroughly cleaned after eating. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 46/483]

==== Mouth freshener ====

==== Mouth freshener ====

Kapha is aggravated after taking food and produces discharge in oral cavity. One shall take mixture of areca nut (puga), cubeb (kankola), camphor (karpura), clove (lavanga) or fruits of pungent, astringent taste with betel leaf as mouth freshener.  [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana46/484-486]

Kapha is aggravated after taking food and produces discharge in oral cavity. One shall take mixture of areca nut (puga), cubeb (kankola), camphor (karpura), clove (lavanga) or fruits of pungent, astringent taste with betel leaf as mouth freshener.  [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 46/484-486]

==== Lifestyle ====

==== Lifestyle ====

The dosha become acute and extremely difficult to manage when they get associated with multiple factors, treated with wrong therapies, become deep rooted, chronic, get vitiated in one of the ten seats of prana, and when they afflict vital centers within the body known as marma.

The dosha become acute and extremely difficult to manage when they get associated with multiple factors, treated with wrong therapies, become deep rooted, chronic, get vitiated in one of the ten seats of prana, and when they afflict vital centers within the body known as marma.

Individuals, who are excessively obese, emaciated, whose muscles, blood, bones are depleted, who are physically very weak, who are habituated to consuming unwholesome food, who take in inadequate quantities of food, and who have very weak mind cannot withstand diseases. Contrary to this, individuals having opposite qualities to the ones mentioned above are capable of resisting diseases. Thus, unwholesome diet, dosha, and body constitution factors produce diseases of mild, severe, acute and chronic nature. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]28/7]

Individuals, who are excessively obese, emaciated, whose muscles, blood, bones are depleted, who are physically very weak, who are habituated to consuming unwholesome food, who take in inadequate quantities of food, and who have very weak mind cannot withstand diseases. Contrary to this, individuals having opposite qualities to the ones mentioned above are capable of resisting diseases. Thus, unwholesome diet, dosha, and body constitution factors produce diseases of mild, severe, acute and chronic nature. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 28/7]

===Abbreviations ===

===Abbreviations ===