AHARA PARINAMAKARA BHAVAS - A KEY TO HEALTH

Abstract

Ayurveda is the science of life that gives prime importance to the prevention and cure of diseases. Maintenance of health is essential for the proper maintenance of the body. A person is said to be healthy when their dosha, dhatu, and mala are in a balanced state and their mind, soul and sense organs are in a condition of total well-being.  Ahara plays an important role in maintaining the normalcy of body composition. Ahara is the most important factor for the sustenance of life. Ahara, which is one among trayopasthamba provides strength, complexion, immunity and nourishment. Ahara parinamakara bhavas are factors present in the body that help in digestion and assimilation of food particles. Complex food substances are transformed into corresponding panchabhoutika constituents which in turn nourish and replenish various dhatus present in the body. The maintenance of an individual's health relies significantly on the proper functioning of vayu, kleda, Sneha, kala, parinama samayoga, and agni. The derangement of ahara parinamakara bhavas is one of the major reasons for the increased prevalence of most lifestyle disorders nowadays. Here an attempt is made to explore the concept of 'ahara parinamakara bhava' within a physiological framework, drawing insights from contemporary science.