IMPACT OF MODERN LIFESTYLE ON THE RISING INCIDENCE OF AMLAPITTA: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Background: Amlapitta is a Pitta-predominant disorder of Annavaha and Purishavaha Srotas that develops due to Mandagni and Ama formation and clinically overlaps with hyperacidity, gastritis, functional dyspepsia and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. In recent years it has been increasingly recognised as a lifestyle disorder because acid-peptic symptoms are common among adults with irregular dietary habits, disturbed sleep, sedentary routines and chronic stress. Objective: To review and correlate classical Ayurvedic literature with contemporary scientific literature in order to understand why Amlapitta is increasingly seen among adults and to identify the modern lifestyle and dietary factors most consistently associated with it. Methodology: A narrative review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Kashyapa Samhita, Madhava Nidana, Bhaishajya Ratnavali) and peer-reviewed literature from PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate and indexed Ayurveda journals. Articles on Amlapitta, hyperacidity, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or dyspepsia in relation to lifestyle and dietary causation in adults were included. Results: Classical and modern literature point to a common set of causative factors: irregular meal timing, Adhyashana, Viruddhahara, excessive intake of spicy, fried and fermented food, disturbed sleep, sedentary behaviour and psychological stress. Indian studies report a prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease of about 7.6% to 30% in general populations and up to 38% among professional college students. Conclusion: The consistent overlap between the classical Nidana of Amlapitta and modern lifestyle risk factors supports viewing Amlapitta as a lifestyle disorder rather than an isolated digestive complaint and reinforces the relevance of Nidana Parivarjana and Dinacharya in its prevention and management.