Concept of Hita-Ahita Ahara and its relevance in preservation of good health w.s.r. to Pathyatam Ahara

Abstract

The science and methodology of living a physically, physiologically, spiritually, and mentally balanced life is what we call as Ayurveda. It does not merely focus on curing the diseases of the unhealthy people but it also prioritises preservation of good health in already healthy individuals. The lifestyle we have moulded ourselves into after the modern civilization took place has kept us at a bay from having a perfect health, a healthy mind, and a healthy body. When it comes to maintaining good health or even curing the diseases of the patients, first thing we should take care of is the diet. i.e.  ‘Ahara’ as we call it in Ayurvedic terminologies. Ayurveda has also coined the term ‘Trayopasthamba’ which literally means the three pillars of human health. It includes- Ahara, Nidra & Bramhacharya.^[1] Ahara is the utmost important factor when it comes to leading a disease free, healthy life as per Ayurveda. Today, even modern science cannot deny the impact of diet on human health. A German Philosopher Ludwig Feuerbach coined a famous phrase ‘we are what we eat’ which Ayurveda approves of and supports with many theories. This article focuses on Acharya Sushruta’s perspective of ‘Hita-Ahita Ahara’ along with Pathyatam Ahara and how it directly impacts human health.