Preventing Diabetes through Ayurveda: An Analytical Review on Pathya and Apathya in Prameha

Ayurveda, has always focused on preserving the health of healthy individuals and treating diseases in afflicted people. It stresses basic principles like Dinacharya (daily regimen), and Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), and introduces a unique way of understanding Pathya (wholesome) and Apathya (unwholesome), both in dietary and lifestyle practices. As mentioned by Acharya Charaka, wholesome food is of prime importance in the maintenance of health and promotion of wellbeing, whereas unwholesome food is regarded as a significant etiology for diseases. Prameha is a category of metabolic disorders that have primarily been described in Ayurveda and arise out of over nutrition or faulty lifestyle habits. This particular entity is usually classified by excess intake of Guru (heavy), Madhura (sweet), Snigdha (unctuous) foods and a lack of any activity and physical exercise. Out of the multiple types of Prameha, one such form is Madhumeha which bears a significant resemblance to diabetes mellitus, particularly Type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this review is to look at the Ayurvedic understanding of Prameha, wherein the specific aspects of Pathya and Apathya Ahara and Vihara be looked at in terms of its preventive and remedial action. The cost-effectiveness would be emphasized along with practicality when considering lifestyle changing practices from Ayurveda in prevention and treatment against metabolic disorders. The study thus elucidates the vast wisdom that Ayurveda has in terms of its dietary and behavioral regulations and how relevant they are to modern health concerns.