THE ROLE OF DIET IN THE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION- A CRITICAL REVIEW
Dr. Nidhi*, Dr. Rajnikant Rohilla and Dr. Harsha Mohan Singh
ABSTRACT
Ayurveda, an ancient science of life, emphasizes the balance of Dosha, Dhatu, Mala, and Agni for maintaining health, focusing on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well- being. The three fundamental pillars of Ayurveda are Ahara (Diet), Nidra (Sleep), and Brahmacharya (Conduct), with Ahara playing a pivotal role in sustaining life. In today's fast- paced lifestyle, improper dietary habits have become a significant contributor to many lifestyle disorders like hypertension (HTN), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Obesity etc. Ayurveda provides a holistic approach, analysing the imbalance of Doshas, affected channels, and causative factors in managing such diseases. Modern guidelines, such as the DASH diet, aim to control blood pressure by emphasizing balanced food intake and limiting salt, saturated fats, and alcohol. Ayurveda complements this with its focus on appropriate diet and lifestyle, advocating for the consumption of balanced meals, proper eating habits, and stress management through practices like pranayama. This article also highlights the importance of integrating dietary guidelines from both Ayurveda and modern nutritional science to effectively manage hypertension and promote long-term health.
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