HTML Full Text

Introduction

The rapid rise in the consumption of Guru, Snigdha, Abhishyandi, Madhura and Virudha Ahara (high-fat diets, saturated fats, trans fats, junk food, fried food) is largely a consequence of globalization, urbanization, and easy availability. Their popularity stems from taste, convenience, longer shelf life, and aggressive marketing strategies. However, such foods provide only “empty calories” with little nutritional value. Similarly, Ati-Madhura Ahara (excess sugar and refined carbohydrates), Navanna Sevana (freshly harvested cereals), Ati-Bhojana (overeating), Ajirna Bhojana (eating without digestion of prior meal), and Madyapana (alcohol intake) are frequent in modern diets. From the biomedical viewpoint, these dietary patterns contribute significantly to obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Ayurveda interprets these foods as Viruddha Ahara (incompatible diet), which aggravates Doshas, impairs metabolism, and produces chronic systemic disorders. Thus, both Ayurveda and modern science highlight the harmful role of incompatible food in metabolic disturbances.

Discussion

Material and Methods

This review is based on a detailed study of Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, etc.) as well as modern medical literature, research papers, and scientific journals concerning diet and lifestyle-related disorders.

1. Dyslipidemia Nidana In Pesent Era

a. Fast Foods (Guru, Snigdha, and Virudha Ahara Sevana)

Examples: Pizza, Burgers, Hot Dogs etc.

• Properties: Refined flour (high glycemic index), excessive sodium, saturated fats, processed meats with nitrites.
• Health Risks: Obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, gastric and colon cancers.

Ayurveda:  Heavy, oily, processed → Agnimandya, Kapha aggravation, an imbalance in Kapha Dosha and Meda Dhatu and khavaigunyta which ultimately impairing Medodhatvagni (fat tissue metabolism) and resulting in the accumulation of "sama" Kapha and Meda in the body's channels (Srotas). This obstruction, particularly in the Rasa-Raktavaha Srotas, hampers the flow of Vata and Rakta, a condition analogous to dyslipidemia.

b. Deep-Fried Items (Ati Snigdha Ahara)

Examples: Double frying or reheating prepared items Samosas, Pakoras, Fried Chicken  etc

• Properties: Rich in trans fats, sodium, acrylamide (toxic carcinogen in fried potatoes).
• Health Risks: Atherosclerosis, stroke, hypertension, cancer.
• Ayurveda: Samskara Viruddha Ahara (improper processing) → Ama formation, Srotorodha (channel obstruction) which leads to improper rasa dhatu formation thus hamper the nutrition of uttarotar dhatu (mansa,meda,asthi etc), and having carcinogenic properties

c. Sugary Foods (Ati Madhura Ahara)

Examples: Donuts, Pastries, Cakes, Ice-creams, Candies etc.

• Properties: High sugar, refined flour, hydrogenated oils, artificial additives.
• Health Risks: Diabetes, obesity, dental caries, acne, increased cancer risk.
• Ayurveda: Excess sweet, heavy, cold → Kapha Vriddhi, Medo Dushti, Prameha.

d. Packaged Foods (Asatmya Ahara)

Examples: Instant Noodles, Packaged Meals etc.

• Properties: MSG (Monosodium Glutamate- Flavor enhancer), Colouring agents, preservatives, sodium additives, refined flour, low fiber, low nutrition value.
• Health Risks: Hypertension, kidney damage, impaired digestion, reduced immunity, cancer, liver disorder.
• Ayurveda: Viruddha Ahara → Agnimandya, Ama accumulation, chronic metabolic disorders. As Packaged and ready to eat food undergoes processing technique that make them Sanskar Virudha  leading to Raktaj Roga And Medodushti.

e. Beverages (Ati Madhura and Ati Amla Ahara)

Examples: Soft Drinks (Fanta, Coca Cola) Energy Drinks, Artificially Sweetened Beverages

• Properties: Excess sugar (10–12 tsp per can), phosphoric acid, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, Low PH.
• Health Risks: Obesity, osteoporosis, gastritis, kidney stones, neurological problems.

Ayurveda: Cold, artificial, acidic → Vata-Pitta vitiation, Asthi Dhatu Kshaya.

2. Modern Health Impacts

• Obesity: Calorie-dense foods with minimal nutrients promote fat accumulation.
• Diabetes Mellitus: Frequent sugar spikes reduce insulin sensitivity.
• Hypertension: High sodium levels increase blood pressure.
• Cardiovascular Disorders: Trans fats and cholesterol contribute to arterial blockage.
• Renal Disorders: Sodium and sugar overload damage kidney function.
• Neurological Effects: Reduced concentration, fatigue, behavioral changes.
• Cancer Risk: Carcinogens from reheated oils (HNE, acrylamide).
• Dental & Skin Problems: Cavities, acne, hypersensitivity.

3. Ayurvedic Interpretation

• Agni Dushti: Weakening of digestive fire.
• Ama Utpatti: Formation of toxic metabolites.
• Dosha Vitiation: Especially Kapha aggravation.
• Srotorodha: Obstruction of micro-channels.
• Chronic Disorders: Leads to Prameha, Medoroga, Sthaulya, Hridaya Roga, and Hypertension.

4. Preventive and Corrective Measures

“Nidan parivarjanam”- The first line of treatment.

• Dinacharya (Daily Routine): Timely meals, regular exercise, adequate rest.
• Ritucharya (Seasonal Regimen): Seasonal adaptation of diet and lifestyle.
• Sadavritta (Code of Conduct): Discipline in lifestyle, stress management, ethics.
• Ahara Vidhi (Dietary Rules): Consumption of wholesome, fresh, easily digestible foods in proper quantity and combinations.

Conclusion

Food is medicine . Prevention is treatment.

Unhealthy food, while tempting and convenient, is devoid of essential nutrients and is a major contributor to metabolic disorders. From the modern perspective, its overconsumption is linked to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and neurological dysfunctions. Ayurveda interprets such diets as Viruddha Ahara, which vitiates Agni, produces Ama, disturbs Doshas, and obstructs Srotas, leading to Medo Vriddhi and chronic lifestyle diseases.

A unifying point between both sciences is dyslipidemia, the common pathological outcome of unhealthy food pattern. It serves as the foundation for many lifestyle disorders. Recognizing this connection underscores the need for preventive care. Ayurveda offers timeless preventive strategies in the form of Dinacharya, Ritucharya, Ahara Vidhi, and Sadavritta, which, when integrated with modern recommendations on nutrition and physical activity, provide a comprehensive, holistic framework for prevention and management of dyslipidemia.