Ahara Geriatrics

Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy
Volume 2, Issue 2, ISSN: 2278- 2214

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JoAYUSH (2013) 11-20 STM Journals 2013. All Rights Reserved Page 11
Critical Study on Ahara with Special Reference
to Geriatrics

Mangalagowri V. Rao*
Department of Swasthavritta and Yoga, Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, BHU, Varanasi, India

Abstract
In the ancient era the people had a long and healthy life because of their healthy food habits
and lifestyle. Jara or old age is one among the natural diseases as per Acharya Sushruta. Jara
or old age may be Kalakrita (due to the effect of time) or Akalakrita (Premature due to
aggravation of Dosha or by nature). Acharya Sharangadhara mentions about the gradual
decrease of childhood, growth, lustre, memory, skin texture, vision, shukra (sperm/ovum),
courage, intelligence, strength of motor organs cheta (liveliness) and life in successive decades
of life. Vata predominance in old age is the cause for depletion of Dhatus. Further influence of
Vata leads to Vishamagni which in turn effects the proper digestion and assimilation of Ahara
rasa. Annarasa nourishes body just for sustenance of life but not for the excellence of Dhatus.
Pachakagni is leader of Agnis; it is responsible for increase or decrease of Dhatus, so it has to
be maintained properly by proper intake of food so that longevity and strength are enhanced.
Presently world is drowning in fierce Tsunami of chronic disorders making the life miserable
even at an early age, further result in poor quality of life in old age and increasing burden on
the society. Daily intake of conducive food like Shashtika (variety of rice), Shali (variety of
rice), Mudga (green gram), rock salt (Saindhava lavana), Indian gooseberry (Amalaka), Barley
(Yava), rain water (Antariksha jala), milk (Payas), ghee (Sarpi), meat soup of terrestrial
animals (Jangala mamsa rasa), honey (Madhu) and regular exercise are essential to prevent
diseases. These create a balance of energy, proteins, fats, fibers, vitamins, and mineral
requirements and also have antioxidant properties which help in preventing many diseases.

Keywords: geriatrics, jara, ahara

*Author for Correspondence E-mail: mangowri_rao@yahoo.co.in

INTRODUCTION
Upanishads emphasize on the principle of
living for hundred years. In the ancient era the
people had a long and healthy life because of
their healthy food habits and lifestyle. Even in
our classics there is a reference in our Samhita
about chanting of Raksha mantra in the ears
of new born for a long and healthy life [1].
Earlier lot of stress was given to prevent Jara
by devoting entire branch Rasayana/Jara
chikitsa including various types like
Naimittika, Ajasrika etc. Rasayanas [2]. The
ageing rates are based on genetic constitution,
lifestyle, habits, cognitive ability, and the state
of health. Physiological age does not
necessarily coincide with chronological age.
Presently world is drowning in fierce Tsunami
of chronic disorders making the life miserable
even at an early age, further result in poor
quality of life in old age and increasing burden
on the society.
Present Burden
The number of people over 65 years of age
jumped from 4% of the U.S. population in
1900 to 13% in 1990, and is expected to reach
20% in 2030, due primarily to advances in
health care [3]. While in England and Wales,
in 1996,

there was an estimated 1.3 million
people aged 65 years and

above who had a
disability [4], the figure is predicted to rise

to
2.3 million by 2051 [5].

Definition of Elderly
"Elderly" was once defined as being age 65 or
above, but the growing number of active and
healthy older people has caused that definition
to expand to "young old" (65 to 75), "old old"
(75 to 85), and "oldest old" (85 and beyond).
The over-85 age group is the one that is
growing most rapidly [6].

Study on Ahara with Reference to Geriatrics Mangalagowri V. Rao
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Geriatrics
The term Geriatrics differs from
Gerontology which is the study of the aging
process itself. The term comes from the Greek
geron meaning "old man" and iatros meaning
"healer". However, "Geriatrics" is considered
by some as "Medical Gerontology".

In 1909, the word geriatrics was coined in
New York, by Ignace Leon Nascher (1863
1944), a native Austrian, recognized by
medical historians as the father of the
speciality, who published the first treatise on
the care of old people in 1914 [7].

J ara According to Ayurveda
Hunger, thirst, Jara or old age, death, sleep
etc. are natural diseases as per Acharya
Sushruta [8]. Jara or old age may be
Kalakrita (due to the effect of time) or
Akalakrita (Premature due to aggravation of
Dosha or by nature). There is no treatment for
the diseases that occur due to the maturation
of time. They can be controlled with the help
of proper food, drinks and rejuvenators. The
best treatment for natural diseases is Rasayana
or rejuvenation. If the natural disease occurs
before the time or premature ageing, that can
be counteracted with the help of treatment
according to the aggravated Doshas [9].

Physiological Changes due to Ageing
Acharya Sharangadhara mentions about the
gradual decrease of childhood, growth,
lusture, memory, skin texture, vision, shukra
(sperm/ovum), courage, intelligence, strength
of motor organs cheta (liveliness) and life in
successive decades of life. According to
Gudartha deepika vyakhya on Sharangadhara
Samhita Purvakhanda 6/20, there is decrease
of childhood after ten years, growth after 30
years, body complexion after 40 years, and
intellect in the form of remembering of books
i.e., memory after fifty years, the skin
becomes lax or gets wrinkled after sixty years,
vision decreases after seventy years, courage
in the form of performing of adventurous tasks
decreases after eighty years, intellect in the
form of dementia after ninety years, function
of motor organs after hundred years, life after
110 years, if one lives for 120 years then it is
known as Param ayu or excellence of life
[10]. According to Acharya Sushruta the body
dhatus get depleted gradually after fifty years
[11]. General weakness occurs due to natural
diseases and Jara or old age, or due to impact
of Dosha [12].

Causes for Depletion during J ara
Acharya Vagbhata considers the increase of
Vata in old age as a cause for depletion of
Dhatu. Further influence of Vata leads to
Vishamagni which in turn effects the proper
digestion and assimilation of Ahara rasa [13].
As per Acharya Sushruta the ahara rasa does
not get properly absorbed in elderly people
[14]. Dalhana commenting on this explains
that the Annarasa nourishes body just for
sustenance of life but not for the excellence of
Dhatus [15].

Relation between Agni and J ara
The Agni is responsible for life, complexion,
strength, health, enthusiasm, nourishment,
lusture, Ojas, Agni, Prana etc. all are
dependent on Agni. If the Agni becomes cool
then a person dies if Agni is in proper
condition the person will always be healthy
and have a long life. If it gets deranged then
produces diseases [16]. Thus in old age the
Agni physiologically becomes Vishama due to
the influence of Vata by the ageing, so the
above mentioned features of proper Agni
gradually start diminishing producing
different features of ageing like loss of
strength, lusture, enthusiasm, nourishment,
Ojas etc.

Importance of Healthy Diet in Maintenance
of Agni
Pachakagni is leader of Agnis; it is
responsible for increase or decrease of Dhatus,
so it has to be maintained properly by proper
intake of food so that longevity and strength
are enhanced. It is always considered
important to consume food at proper time
[17]. Hence, one has to consume food having
pleasant smell and taste, [18] according to
place, body, season, age, and at proper time.
One should also avoid suppression of natural
urges [19]. Decrease in dhatus is nothing but
malnutrition and Elderly Nutrition Program of
the Older Americans Act indicates that 67% to
88% of participants are at moderate to high
nutritional risk [20].

The body is made up of food and the diseases
are also produced due to Ahara, if one
consumes conducive food it results in Sukha
or health, if one consumes nonconductive food
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it leads to diseases or Dukha [21]. Acharya
Kashyapa gives highest priority to food; no
medicine is equivalent to food as it is possible
to cure the disease just by means of proper
diet [22].

Shashtika (variety of rice), Shali (variety of
rice), Mudga (green gram), rock salt
(Saindhava lavana), Indian gooseberry
(Amalaka), barley (Yava), rain water
(Antariksha jala), milk (Payas), ghee (Sarpi),
meat soup of terrestrial animals (Jangala
mamsa rasa), honey (Madhu) should be
consumed daily to prevent diseases [23].

Culture, custom, family tradition, religion,
income etc. influence the food preferences. In
addition to lifelong eating habits, other factors
that affect food intake are living arrangements,
food availability, mental and emotional state,
physical changes and limitations, and home-
making skills. Intake of adequate amount of
soluble and insoluble fibre to combat
constipation is essential. Sufficient intake of
fluids for proper elimination of waste products
stimulates peristalsis and thereby reduces
constipation. Intake of easily digestible and
soft food is good. Small & frequent feeds can
be had in elderly.

Common Geriatric Disorders as Per
Ayurvedic Classics and their Dietetic
Management
The cough in old age can only be controlled
but not cured. The recent onset cough is
sometimes curable; otherwise in old age it can
only be Yapya (controlled) and leads to
emaciation [24]. Jarashosha (Emaciation due
to ageing) characterized by emaciation,
reduced energy, dementia, weakness of sense
organs, tremors, loss of taste hoarseness of
voice, expectoration of Kapha, heaviness of
head, excessive salivation, watery discharge
from eyes, nose, numbness, dryness and loss
of lusture [25]. This usually sets in after 70
years as per commentator Jajjata [26].

The age is divided into Jaghanya (young),
Madhya (middle) and Pravara (old age).
Mostly in this advanced age Shukra (semen)
gets depleted leading to impotence (Klaibya).
The reason for depletion may be depletion of
Rasadi dhatus due to improper absorption of
dhatus as a result of Vishamagni consequent
to physiological Vatavriddhi in old age and
non-consumption of Vrishya medicines
(aphrodisiacs), improper intake of food and
excessive work. The features are weakness,
discoloration, and Deenata (muffness of face)
[27].

Various Health Problems due to
Vatavriddhi
1. Osteoporosis [28] (Asthi dhatu Kshaya
due to ageing)
Pathya: Finger millet (Ragi), Cows milk
(Godugdha), Brinjal (Vrintaka), intake of
beetel leaves with calcium oxide (churna)
devoid of tobacco, gingili seeds (Tila),
Piper longum (Pippali), poppy seeds
(Khas khas), Amaranth, agastya (sesbinia
grandiflora), mustard (Sarshapa) leaves
Apathya: Tea, coffee, alcohol, fried items,
eggs and milk, refined carbohydrates,
white flour and sugar from the diet.
2. Sandhigatavata (Rheumatic diseases e.g.,
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis,
temporal arteritis/polymyalgia rheumatic),
Pakshaghata (Neurologic diseases like
stroke and transient ischemic attack,),
Vatavyadhi (dizziness/syncope, body pain
etc.), Raktagata vata, Kampavata
(Parkinson's disease), as the age advances,
Dementia immobility and gait
disturbances, hearing and visual
impairment Psychiatric diseases (e.g.,
depression), anxiety disorders, depression,
elder abuse and neglect, suicide [29].
Hence, to control that Vatahara Ahara
should be consumed. Pathya: wheat
(Godhuma), finger millet (Madhulika),
Vajranna (jowar), Mudga (green gram),
Raja shimbi (Soyabean), Kulattha (Horse
gram), Mulaka patra (Radish leaves),
Putiha (Mint), Methika (Fenugreek),
Patola (Snake gourd), Bimbi (Kovai),
Urumana (Almonds), seva (Apple),
Kharjura (dates), Ananasa (Pineapple),
Lichi (Lichi), Naranga (Orange),
Mishtanimbuka (Sweet lime), Dadima
(pomegranate), Matulunga (Citrus
medica), Ardraka (ginger), Lashuna
(Garlic), Palandu (Onion) [30].

3. Mandagni and Ajeerna
Pathya- Cereals: Old rice (Purana shali),
Vilepi (rice preparation), Lajamanda
(Gruel of puffed rice), mudga rasa (green
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gram soup), vetragra (bamboo shoot),
Vastuka (bathua leaves), tender radish,
garlic, ash gourd, tender banana, drum
stick, snake gourd, brinjal, bitter gourd,
sunishannaka (chaupattiya), changeri
(Oxalis corniculata), Sura, Dhanyamla,
sauviraka, (alcoholic preparations),
Naladambu (water prepared from
Viteveria zizinoids), Tushodaka (water
prepeared in Tusha), curd, butter milk,
honey, gooseberry, orange, pomegranate,
lemon, citrus medica, amlavetas (Garcinia
Morella), butter, ghee, mustard oil, ginger,
papad of barley, asfoetida, ginger with
salt, yavani, pepper, fenugreek, coriander,
cumin seeds, beetle leaves, pungent taste.
Apathya: Pulses, fish, flesh, Upodika
(Indian spinach), excess of water,
Pishtaka, Jambu phala (Jamun), potato,
Lakucha (artocarpus lakucha), milk,
mango, tamarind, talasthi (kernel of
palm), Tadaphala (palm fruit), Dushta
jala (contaminated water), Viruddha
Asatmya, Vishtambhi food (contradictory,
unwholesome, and constipating food)
[31].
4. Amlapitta Shashthika (variety of rice),
Shali (rice), Godhuma (wheat), Yava
(barley), Mudga (green gram),
Karavellaka (bitter gourd), Patola (snake
gourd), Kushmanda (pumpkin), Grinjana
(carrot), Shigru patra (drumstick leaves),
Vrikshamla (garcenia morella), Amalaki
(Indian gooseberries), Draksha (grapes),
Kadali (banana), Dadima (pomegranate),
Sharkara (sugar), Madhu (honey),
Dugdha (milk), Shrita sheeta Jala (boiled
cooled water), Madhura (sweet), Tikta
(bitter), Kashaya (astringent), Krishara
(gruel made of green gram and rice),
Manda (liquid part of rice gruel), Peya
(liquid part of rice gruel), Vilepi (liquid
and solid part of rice gruel), Mudga Yusha
(green gram soup).
Apathya
Eggs, Nonveg, Masha (black gram),
Kulattha (horse gram), Adhaki (red gram),
Tila (sesame), Aluka (potato), Mulaka
(radish), Nimbuka (lemon), Santra
(orange), amla phala (sour fruits), Amla
Dadh (sour curd), amla Takra (sour
buttermilk), Madya varga (alcohols), Tea,
Coffee, Amla (sour), Katu (pungent),
Lavana rasa (salt tastes), Pickles, fried
items, fermented items [32].
5. Constipation
Pathya
Shashthika (variety of rice), Shali (rice),
Godhuma (wheat), Yava (Barley), Mudga
(green gram), Mulaka (radish), Palakya
(spinach), Methika (fenugreek),
Raktavrintaka (tomato), Kushmanda (ash
gourd), Kadali (banana), Amalaki (Indian
gooseberry), Draksha (grapes), Godugdha
(cows milk), Jala (water).
Apathya fast food, refined foods, alcohol,
beverages, tea, coffee, fried foods, bakery
foods, fermented foods [33].
6. Diabetes Mellitus
Pathya
Yava (Barley), Godhuma (wheat), Shali
(rice), Ragi (finger millet), Bajra (millet),
Vajranna (Jowar), Kangu (Italian millet),
Mudga (green gram), Kulattha (horse
gram), Adhaki (red gram), Masura (lentil),
Chanaka (bengal gram), Methika
(fenugreek),, Amaranth, Karavellaka
(bitter gourd), Kusumbha (ash gourd),
Patola (snake gourd),, Vrintaka (brinjal),
Shigru (Drum stick), Shigruphala Pushpa
(flowers of drumstick), Sarodaka (water
prepared with Acassia arabica),
Tushodaka (water prepared with grass),
Usheerajala (water prepared in viteveria
zizinoides), Amalaki (Indain gooseberry),
Jambu (jamun), Draksha (grapes),
Dadima (pomegranate), Takra
(buttermilk).
Apathya
Madhura rasa (sweet taste), Kshira (milk)
and milk products, Guda vikara (jaggery
products), Snigdha (unctuous), Atyashana
(excessive eating), Aluka (potato),
Beetroot [34].
7. Kasa
Shali (rice), Shashthika (Variety of rice),
Godhuma (wheat), Shyamaka (Barnyard
millet), Yava (Barley), Kodrava (Kodo
millet), Laja, Mudga (green gram),
Kulattha (Horse gram), Vartaka (Brinjal),
Balamulaka (Radish), Bimbi (Kovai),
Shigru (Drum stick), Draksha (grapes),
Matulunga (Citrus medica), Lashuna
(Garlic), Maricha (Pepper), Ardraka
(ginger), Pippali (Piper longum),
Ushnodaka (Hot water), Honey.
Apathya
Dushtambu (Contaminated water), Dadhi
(Curd), Sheetalajala (Cold water), Guru
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(heavy), snigdha(unctuous) ahara (food)
[35].
8. Shvasa [36]
Pathya
Shali (Rice), Shashthika (Variety of rice),
Godhuma (wheat), Yava (Barley), Hingu
(Asfoetida), Ajaji( Cumin), Sauvarcala,
Bida (Variety of salt), Mudgadi Yusha,
Kulattha Yusha with ginger, Yavagu,
Ghrita with Hingu, Vartaka (Brinjal),
Vastuka (Bathua), Dhanva mamsa (Meat
of terrestrial animals), Mulaka (Radish),
Draksha (Grapes), Matulunga (Citrus
medica).
Apathya
Suppression of natural urges, Excessive
exercise, Nishpava (Beans), Anupa mamsa
(Meat of aquatic animals), Masha (Black
gram), Dugdha (milk), Sarshapa
(Mustard).
9. Shosha
Shali (Rice), Shashthika (Variety of rice),
Godhuma (wheat), Yava (Barley), Mudga
(green gram), Chanaka (Bengal gram),
Shigru ( drum stick), Kharjura (dates),
Parushaka (Citrus medica), Draksha
(grapes), Dugdha (milk), Ghrita (ghee),
Jangala mamsa (flesh of terrestrial
animal), Ajamamsa (goats meat),
Kambalika, Shadava, Veshavara, mango,
gooseberry, dates, Narikela (coconut),
paraval
Apathya
Dry food, Vishamashana (taking food at
irregular interval), beetle leaves, Tarabuja
(watermelon), horse gram, black gram,
garlic, vetragra (tender shoot), asfoetida,
sour, pungent, astringent taste, leafy
vegetable, alkali, Viruddha ahara
(contradictory foods), bimbi (Kovai),
bitter gourd [37].
10. Svarabheda
Pathya
Rakta shali (Red rice), Yava (Barley),
Hamsa (swan flesh), wild cock flesh
(Vanakukkuta mamsa), Balamulaka
(tender radish), Draksha (grapes),
Matulunga (Citrus medica), Lashuna
(Garlic), Lavanardraka (ginger with salt),
Haridra (turmeric), Tambula (Beetle
leaves), Maricha (pepper), Sarpi (ghee).
Apathya
Amakapittha (sour kapittha), Jambu
(Jamun), Naranga (Orange), Tinduka,
Sheeta ahara [38].
11. Klaibya [39]
Pathya
Shali (Rice), Godhuma (Wheat), Yava
(Barley), Tila (Sesame), Masha (Black
gram), Vidari (Pueraria tuberose DC),
Ikshurasa (Sugarcane juice), Mamsara
(Meat soup), Varaha mamsa (Pork),
Bastanda (Testes of goat), Ghrita (Ghee),
Ksheera (Milk).
Apathya
Katu (pungent), Amla (sour), Lavana
(salt) intake in excess, excessive sexual
intercourse

Measures to Delay Ageing
As the nectar is for immortality of
amaras, Rasayana is nectar for sages in
ancient times. By this there is no old age,
no weakness, no disease, no death and the
sages lived for thousands of years in olden
days after consuming Rasayana drugs
[40]. Chyavanaprasha Rasayana as
mentioned in Ashtanga Hridaya is ideal
for prevention of Jara (Old age ) and cure
of Jarajanita vikaras (diseases commonly
occurring in elderly). The indications are
cough (kasa), dyspnoea (Shvasa), fever
(Jvara), Shosha (emaciation), Hridroga
(cardiac problems), Vatashonita (gout),
mutra and shukra dosha (urinary and
reproductive organ problems), abnormal
voice (Vaisvarya), improves intellect,
memory, lusture, vatanulomana
(alleviation of Vata), strength to sense
organs, Agnivardhana (enhances digestive
fire) [41].
Juice of Indian gooseberry
(Amalaki/Emblica officinalis) with honey,
sugarcandy and ghee if licked destroys old
age [42].
Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Bhallataka
(Semicarpus anacardium), Nagara
(Gingiber officnale) if taken along with
ghee, and honey the person will
successfully check the flow of river of
ailments due to old age and gets
transformed into beautiful person [43].
Fresh Varahikanda and Ardraka (ginger)
with milk and meat with milk helps to
conquer old age [44].
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Shashtika (Variety of rice) with Payas
(milk) and the food that can be digested
easily specially benefit the elderly [45].
Intake of 1 prasriti of water daily at the
time of sunrise will prevent the diseases of
old age and the person will live for 100
days with perfect health [46].
Licking of honey with juice of
Bijapuradala (Citrus medica leaves)
alleviates vata and induces good sleep
[47], which is the most common problem
in old age.
As previously explained the Loha bhasma
is taken with milk will enhance longevity
and health. This destroys old age,
strengthens body, and enhances intellect
and memory. One should be on milk diet
Rasayana therapy [48].

DISCUSSION
One of the causes for depletion during Jara is
considered as Vishamagni. As per modern
researches also GI Motility decreases with age
leading to constipation and gastro-intestinal
distress, the patient may have feeling of
fullness and eat less. Decreased gastric and
pancreatic secretion inhibits fat and protein
digestion. There is a decrease in glucose
tolerance [49].

Loss of taste is an important feature of
Jarajanya Shosha as per modern view the
cause

of the anorexia of aging is an increased
satiating effect of

cholecystokinin (CCK). The
suppression of energy intake

by CCK-8 in
older subjects was twice that in young subjects

(32 6% vs. 16 6% SEM, P < 0.05) and was

related to plasma CCK-8 concentrations,
which were higher at

baseline (P < 0.05) and
increased more during CCK-8 infusions

in
older than young subjects (P < 0.01) [50].

Resting metabolic rate decreases
approximately 20% in men and 13% in
women. The major factor affecting resting
metabolic rate is decreased food intake with
aging [51]. Nonsmoking women ages 5574
consume 300 kcal/day less than women ages
1929; for men, the decrease is 950 kcal/day.
The requirement of energy reduces at the rate
of about 5% to 20% between the age of 35 and
70 years [52].

Sushruta mentions about the impaired
absorption of ahara rasa in elderly people.
Researches also show decreased absorption of
nutrients like iron and calcium due to reduced
secretion of hydrochloric acid to aid in
digestion. Absorption of vitamin B12 is
reduced due to decreased intrinsic factor.
Decreased levels of production of gastric
hydrochloric acid (HCl), intrinsic factor, and
digestive enzymes results in a decrease in the
primary building blocks needed for healing
i.e., proteins, fats, and complex
carbohydrates. This dysfunctional state also
affects the bodys ability to absorb essential
vitamins and minerals [53].

Vatavriddhi in old age also leads to various
dhatukshaya as per Ayurveda. The
Rasakshaya can be related to dehydration as a
symptom due to decreased renin activity and
aldosterone secretion, relative renal resistance
to vasopressin, changes in functional status,
delirium and dementia, medication side
effects, and mobility disorders and
dehydration risk increases because of the
kidney's decreased ability to concentrate urine,
altered thirst sensation [54]. The Mamsa
kshaya can be compared with body
composition changes as fat replaces muscle, in
a process called sarcopenia in aged people.
Research shows that exercise, particularly
weight training, slows down this process.
Because of the decrease in lean body mass,
basal metabolic rate (BMR) declines about 5%
per decade during adulthood. Total caloric
needs drop, and lowered protein reserves slow
the body's ability to respond to injury or
surgery. Body water decreases along with the
decline in lean body mass [55]. Asthikshaya
can be compared with the Bone Mass
Decreases due to ageing. Approximately 3
5% bone mass decrease for each decade
beginning at the age of 40. Further leading to
Osteoporosis and increased chances of bone
fractures [56] I ndriya daurbalya (weakness of
sense organs) is again a feature of Jara. The
researches show that the production of saliva
is reduced, and taste buds decrease in size and
number. The anterior taste buds, which are for
sweet and salt, are affected first, whereas the
posterior taste buds, for bitter and sour, are
affected later. Therefore, older adults become
more sensitive to bitter or sour flavors and less
sensitive to sweet and salty flavors. These
changes in the taste buds start at about age 70
__________________________________________________________________________________________

on the average. The ability to smell usually
decreases with age, the diminished senses of
smell and taste may decrease the pleasure of
eating. The changes in taste are variable and
may be associated with lifelong cigarette
smoking, poor dental hygiene, and disease
[57].

Cardio-vascular diseases (e.g., congestive
heart failure, atrial fibrillation, valvular heart
disease), and hypertension (diastolic and
systolic), diabetes mellitus, Cancers of various
organs pneumonia, tuberculosis and increase
in the cholesterol level is one of the
commonest problems found in elderly which
contributes towards occurrence of
cardiovascular diseases. Basically
atherosclerosis can be related to one of the
kaphananatmaja vyadhi Dhamani Pratichaya
[58] resulting from faulty lifestyle and dietary
habits. Clinical professor Dr. Philip Frost at
the University of California has shown that
geriatric patients who keep their total blood
cholesterol level below 185 mg/dl have a 23
30% reduction in coronary heart disease [59].
The diet accounts for only 25 to 30% of the
total cholesterol in your body. As per Harvard
pathologist Dr. Kilmer McCully there is a
direct relationship between high homocysteine
levels and vascular disease and it significantly
raised the incidence of carotid artery
obstruction. Further studies Washington
University have shown that inadequate levels
of Folic acid are the main determining factor
of homocysteine imbalance [60]. Folic acid
breaks down homocysteine and allows it to be
removed from the blood stream. Ingestion of
at least 400 mcg of folic acid in their diet per
day is necessary [61]. Some of the best
sources of folic acid are beans, green leafy
vegetables, and citrus fruits [62].

In management of Medovikaras like sthaulya
(Obesity) intake of heavy and non nourishing
diet is advocated [63] and research in Finland
and the USA has found a direct correlation
between fiber intake and cholesterol levels.
The American Heart Association recommends
25 to 30 grams of fiber per day in the diet
[64]. A simple change from white refined
flour to whole grains or rye will greatly
increase the level of dietary fiber intake.
Increased consumption of complex
carbohydrates is also beneficial.
Constipation is a common problem faced by
the geriatric patient and can be related to
numerous symptoms like gas, bloating,
headaches, varicose veins, and insomnia
[65].Calcium rich foods are also good. The
potassium and calcium rich foods help in
alleviating Hypertension and are Vatahara
also. Dietary changes can reduce systolic
pressure by an average of 11.4 mm and
diastolic pressure by an average of 5.5 mm.
Such results are as good as or even better than
those achieved through pharmaceutical drugs
and possess the added benefit of no adverse
side-effects [66]. It is essential to maintain the
correct balance of sodium and potassium
when you are addressing hypertension.
Potassium rich foods include oats, rice, raw
leafy vegetables, garlic, onions, broccoli,
celery, watermelons, squash, parsley, and
cucumber [67].

High Fruit and Vegetable Intake is Positively
Correlated with Antioxidant Status and
Cognitive Performance in Healthy Subjects
[68]. Vitamin C consumption is associated
with less progression in carotid intima media
thickness in elderly men [69].

CONCLUSION
Agni, Vata, and Prakriti are the factors
responsible for ageing a natural disease. The
best treatment for natural diseases is Rasayana
or rejuvenation. If the natural disease occurs
before the time or premature ageing, that can
be counteracted with the help of treatment
according to the aggravated Doshas.
Rejuvenation in the form of diet like milk,
Indian gooseberries, pomegranate etc. is ideal
in old age.

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Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy

Volume 2, Issue 2, ISSN: 2278- 2214

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