Thus says Ayurveda

Ref.: Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe, Atmasantulana Echo, January 2007

Sarvam anne pratishthitam
…….. Charak Sutrashthan

Acharya Charak has praised food in the following words: Food is one of the essential necessities of every living creature. Without food life cannot go on. From the time of birth until the last breath, all organisms, not only animals upto ants, but also the smallest of organisms like bacteria, even plants, all search for food for their source of energy. This energy existing in food is life force (pran).

Annapaanaadi sarvam sa cha
praaninaam praana-hetur-muulam
punarbala-varnaujasaam
…….. Charak Sutrashthan

Meaning, food and drink are a vital part of the existence of every living being. The strength, physique and ojas (the final transformation of energy from food that is essential for every bodily function and reaction) of every individual have their roots in food.

The right to enjoy good health or to suffer from disease is also very much dependent on the type of food consumed by a person. It naturally follows that nourishing and good quality food give rise to good health and the contrary leads to disease. Hence, Ayurveda offers many “do’s” and “don’ts” with regards to food, especially when an individual is suffering from a disease. In most disease conditions, just taking medicine is not enough. Diet and food restrictions need to be followed hand in hand to help a speedy recovery.